2025 Honda CR-V Vs. Honda Pilot: Key Differences And Features
The size of your family will often determine where your preferences lie when comparing Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot models. The first option is a sporty compact SUV, while the second is a hefty three-row model with seating for up to eight. These vehicles also have some differences in attitude that stem from their different proportions. Let's look at these vehicles' specs and features to help you lock in on the right SUV for you ahead of your visit to Muller Honda Highland Park.
| 2025 Honda CR-V | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
| Engine | Inline 4-cyl turbo or Inline 4-cyl hybrid | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 190 or 204 hp | 285 hp |
| Transmission | CVT or eCVT | 10-speed automatic transmission |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Cargo capacity (behind second row) | 36.3-39.3 cu ft | 48.5-60.1 cu ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| # of Passengers | 5 | 7 or 8 |
| Length | 184.8 in | 199.9 in |
| Width | 73.5 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 66.2 in (FWD) / 66.5 in (4WD) | 70.9-72 in |
| Passenger Volume | 103.5-106 cu ft | 154.9-158.4 cu ft |
Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot Specs
As demonstrated above, the Honda Pilot can access a larger reserve of power, making it the uncontested best option if you're interested in towing a camper, fully loaded utility trailer, or medium-sized boat. Its large dimensions can also make it a great option for road trips, allowing you to bring more people along or provide those who do come with more shoulder room.
However, choosing the smaller Honda CR-V can have equally as many benefits. For one, the more spritely crossover is better for city driving and can make it much easier to grab a parking space when your options are limited. The ground it loses when pitted against Honda Pilot towing capacity is regained when comparing Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot MPG, as it can deliver an EPA-estimated 28/34/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with its standard engine and front-wheel drive. The equivalent Honda Pilot gets 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
However, this comparison gets a bit spicier when we consider that the Honda CR-V has three hybrid trims. The 2WD version of the Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid can achieve an impressive 43/36/40 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3 without needing to ever be plugged in.
To ask more questions about Honda CR-V towing capacity or Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot performance, stop by our dealership. We can show you these SUVs' strengths by taking you on a test drive.
Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot Interior
We've already touched on these models' exterior dimensions and briefly gone inside to discuss cargo capacity. However, you will spend most of your time in the cabin. Luckily, both SUVs are generous with their legroom and headroom. The 2025 Honda CR-V offers:
- First-row legroom: 41.3 inches
- Second-row legroom: 41 inches
- First-row headroom (with/without moonroof): 38.2 inches/40 inches
- Second-row headroom (with or without moonroof): 38.2 inches
Meanwhile, the 2025 Honda Pilot provides:
- First-row legroom: 41 inches
- Second-row legroom: 40.8 inches
- Third-row legroom: 32.5 inches
- First-row headroom (with/without moonroof): 39.1 inches/40.5 inches
- Second-row headroom (with/without moonroof): 39.2 inches/40.2 inches
- Third-row headroom (with or without moonroof): 39.3 inches
While the third row in the Honda Pilot is better suited to kids than adults, it still offers more legroom than your average plane seat.
Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot Trims
Based on the information above, deciding between 2025 Honda CR-V vs. 2025 Honda Pilot SUVs might be easy. However, your choices don't end there. Both models come with a large menu of trims to make it easier to customize your daily drives.
The new Honda CR-V lineup is divided equally between hybrid and non-hybrid trims:
- LX
- EX
- Sport Hybrid
- EX-L
- Sport L Hybrid
- Sport Touring Hybrid
Because Honda automakers treat safety features as essentials rather than perks, the entry-level model naturally comes with the Honda Sensing driver-assistance suite, which includes a Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control With Low-Speed Follow, a Driver Attention Monitor, and more.
The EX adds touches of luxury like a power moonroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way power lumbar support.
By the time you get up to the Sport Touring Hybrid trim, most interior elements have been upgraded. It features a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; leather-trimmed seats with Orange stitching; ambient lighting for the center console, door pulls, and footwells; wireless smartphone integration; and more.
Meanwhile, the new Honda Pilot SUV is organized into the following trims:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Elite
- Black Edition
We recommend the TrailSport for off-road enthusiasts, as this trim's highlights include a 1-inch ground clearance boost, underbody skid plates, all-season floor mats for all three rows, a 110-volt power outlet, and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.
The Black Edition lives up to its name with 20-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels and Gloss Black roof rails, but its darker aesthetic is complemented by LED door trim lighting. Heated and ventilated leather front seats, heated second-row seats, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated wiper zone add to its appeal.
For parents, we suggest the four upper trims, as the Conversation Mirror and CabinTalk In-Car PA system allow you to more easily see and talk to your kiddos in the third row.
Test-Drive Your Next SUV at Muller Honda Highland Park
Between the Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot, which is the better SUV? Only you can decide. However, our team will do its best to give you all the information you need to make a confident choice. Stop by today to compare specs and no-obligation quotes and to see how your favorite model handles on the road.
FAQ About Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot SUVs
Which is better: the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot?
Whether the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot is better depends on your needs. The Honda Pilot offers three rows of seats and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.1 The Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds1 but is more nimble and efficient, especially with the available hybrid powertrain, which makes an EPA-estimated 40/34 MPG (City/Highway).3
How much longer is the Honda Pilot compared to the Honda CR-V?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is 15.1 inches longer than the Honda CR-V, as well as being 5 inches wider. These Honda CR-V vs. Honda Pilot size differences allow the Honda Pilot to accommodate an extra row of seats and up to three extra people. However, its first- and second-row legroom is ever so slightly shorter than that of the Honda CR-V.
Which SUV – the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot – is more cost-effective in terms of fuel efficiency?
The Honda CR-V has better fuel efficiency than the Honda Pilot. Not only does it have the advantage of being a smaller, lighter vehicle, but it also has an available hybrid powertrain that can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 43/36/40 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 AWD versions of the Honda CR-V Hybrid can make an EPA-estimated 40/34/37 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
2Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
3Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery package/condition, and other factors.