The 2025 Honda Pilot vs Passport vs CRV offer unique features for different lifestyles. Discover key comparisons in performance, interior space, technology, safety, fuel efficiency, pricing, and off-road capabilities to find the perfect SUV for your needs. Explore your options today!
2025 Honda Pilot vs Passport vs CRV: A Comprehensive Comparison
The 2025 Honda Pilot is a spacious three-row SUV perfect for families, while the Passport offers rugged off-road capability in a mid-size design. The CR-V excels in fuel efficiency and compactness, making it ideal for city driving. Choose based on your needs: space, adventure, or efficiency.
Introduction
What makes the perfect SUV for your family’s needs or personal adventures? Could it be the spaciousness to carry a crowd, the power to tackle rugged trails, or the efficiency to navigate city streets? The 2025 Honda Pilot, Passport, and CR-V are three standout SUVs in Honda’s lineup, each designed to cater to different priorities. The Pilot is a three-row family hauler, the Passport a rugged mid-size option, and the CR-V a compact crossover with top-notch efficiency.
Through a Socratic exploration, this article invites you to reflect on their differences, asking thought-provoking questions to uncover which SUV aligns best with your lifestyle. From performance to pricing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed choice in 2025. Also take look Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Pilot in this comparison.
Performance: Powering Your Journey
What kind of driving experience are you seeking—smooth and efficient or powerful and versatile? Could the engine type or fuel economy shape your decision? Let’s compare the performance specs of these SUVs:
| Vehicle | Engine | Horsepower/Torque | Transmission | Drive Options | Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 1.5L Turbo I4 / 2.0L Hybrid | 190 hp / 179 lb-ft (Gas) 204 hp (Hybrid) | CVT | FWD, AWD | Gas: 28/34/30 (FWD), 27/32/29 (AWD) Hybrid: 43/36/40 (FWD), 40/34/37 (AWD) |
| Honda Passport | 3.5L V6 | 280 hp / 262 lb-ft | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 19/24/21 (AWD) |
| Honda Pilot | 3.5L V6 | 285 hp / 262 lb-ft | 10-speed automatic | FWD, AWD | 19/27/22 (FWD), 19/25/21 (AWD) |
- Honda CR-V: Offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 190 horsepower or a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain delivering 204 horsepower, both paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its fuel efficiency, especially the hybrid’s 40 mpg combined (FWD), makes it ideal for cost-conscious drivers. How might this efficiency benefit your daily commutes or long trips?
- Honda Passport: Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Exclusively available with all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s built for rugged performance and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Could this power suit your need for towing or off-road adventures?
- Honda Pilot: Features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD, it also tows up to 5,000 pounds. Why might the Pilot’s slightly higher power appeal to you over the Passport?
The CR-V excels in fuel economy, particularly with its hybrid option, while the Passport and Pilot offer robust V6 power for towing and highway driving. Best comparison of the 2025 Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot. Which performance style aligns with your driving needs?
Interior and Comfort: Space for Your Life
How much space do you need for passengers, groceries, or gear? Could a roomier cabin or flexible cargo area make your trips more comfortable? Here’s how these SUVs compare:
| Vehicle | Passenger Volume | Cargo (Behind 3rd/2nd/1st Row) | Seating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 103.5 cu ft | 39.3 / 75.8 cu ft | 5 |
| Honda Passport | 114.9 cu ft | 41.2 / 77.5 cu ft | 5 |
| Honda Pilot | 158.4 cu ft | 18.6 / 55.9 / 109.2 cu ft | Up to 8 |
- Honda CR-V: As a compact crossover, the CR-V seats five passengers with 103.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. It offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Its spacious cabin is ideal for small families or individuals. How might this compact design suit your urban lifestyle?
- Honda Passport: With 114.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Passport also seats five but provides a roomier feel and slightly more cargo space at 41.2 cubic feet behind the second row, up to 77.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Could this extra space be perfect for outdoor gear or pets?
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot leads with 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and three-row seating for up to eight. Cargo space starts at 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 55.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 109.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. Why might the Pilot’s third row be a game-changer for larger families?
The Pilot offers the most space for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for big families. The Passport provides a middle ground, while the CR-V’s compact size suits smaller crews or city drivers.
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected
What technology features are essential for your driving experience—a large touchscreen, wireless connectivity, or family-friendly extras? Could these enhance your daily drives? Here’s a comparison:
- Honda CR-V: Features a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with a 9-inch option on higher trims, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features include wireless charging, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. How might the CR-V’s tech meet your connectivity needs?
- Honda Passport: Comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offer a rear entertainment system, tri-zone climate control, and a premium audio system. Could the larger standard screen appeal to tech-savvy buyers?
- Honda Pilot: Equipped with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgradable to 9 inches, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It includes unique features like CabinTalk (in-car PA system) and an available rear entertainment system with wireless headphones. Why might these family-oriented features stand out for you?
The Passport’s larger standard touchscreen gives it a slight edge, while the Pilot’s CabinTalk and rear entertainment system cater to families. The CR-V’s tech is robust but more compact-focused. Which features matter most to you?
Safety: Protecting Your Loved Ones
How important are safety ratings when choosing an SUV? Could advanced driver aids provide peace of mind? All three models feature Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies:
| Vehicle | IIHS Rating | NHTSA Rating | Key Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Top Safety Pick (2024) | 5-star (2024) | Collision mitigation, lane keeping assist |
| Honda Passport | Top Safety Pick (2024) | 5-star (2024) | Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise |
| Honda Pilot | Top Safety Pick+ (2025) | 5-star (2024) | Pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition |
- Honda CR-V: Includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. It earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024, likely similar for 2025.
- Honda Passport: Offers the same Honda Sensing suite, plus standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s also a 5-star NHTSA-rated vehicle and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
- Honda Pilot: Matches the CR-V and Passport’s safety features, with additional pedestrian detection and traffic sign recognition. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025, reflecting top-tier safety.
All three SUVs provide excellent safety, with the Pilot’s Top Safety Pick+ rating giving it a slight edge. How might these ratings reassure you for family trips?
Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump
What role does fuel economy play in your decision? Could a few extra miles per gallon impact your budget? Here’s how they compare:
| Vehicle | FWD MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) | AWD MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V (Gas) | 28 / 34 / 30 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid | 43 / 36 / 40 | 40 / 34 / 37 |
| Honda Passport | N/A (AWD only) | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| Honda Pilot | 19 / 27 / 22 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
- Honda CR-V: The gas model achieves 30 mpg combined (FWD), while the hybrid reaches an impressive 40 mpg combined (FWD), making it the efficiency leader. Could this save you significantly on fuel costs?
- Honda Passport: Offers 21 mpg combined (AWD), reflecting its V6 power and rugged focus. How might this trade-off suit your driving style?
- Honda Pilot: Delivers 22 mpg combined (FWD), slightly less efficient than the CR-V due to its larger size and V6 engine. Why might this be acceptable for those needing extra space?
The CR-V’s hybrid option is the clear winner for fuel economy, while the Passport and Pilot prioritize power over efficiency.
Pricing and Value: Balancing Cost and Features
How much are you willing to spend, and what features justify the price? Here’s a pricing overview:
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | Top Trim MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | $30,100 (LX) | ~$42,150 (Touring Hybrid) |
| Honda Passport | $41,900 (EX-L) | ~$48,460 (Elite) |
| Honda Pilot | $40,200 (Sport) | $55,675 (Black Edition) |
- Honda CR-V: Starts at $30,100 for the LX trim, with the Touring Hybrid around $42,150. Its lower price makes it the most budget-friendly option (Honda CR-V).
- Honda Passport: Begins at $41,900 for the EX-L trim, with the Elite trim at $48,460. Its higher starting price reflects premium features and AWD (Honda Passport).
- Honda Pilot: Starts at $40,200 for the Sport trim, reaching $55,675 for the Black Edition. Its price reflects its larger size and family-oriented features (Honda Pilot).
The CR-V offers the best value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Passport and Pilot cater to those seeking more space or rugged capability. How might these prices align with your budget?
Reliability and Ownership Costs
How important is long-term reliability to you which is better Honda Pilot vs Passport vs CRV? Could lower maintenance costs influence your choice? Honda’s reputation for reliability is strong across all three models, with the CR-V and Pilot often ranking high in dependability studies. Ownership costs over five years are estimated as follows:
| Vehicle | True Cost to Own (5 Years) | Average Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | $45,338 | $0.60 |
| Honda Passport | $48,552 | $0.65 |
| Honda Pilot | $49,214 | $0.66 |
- Honda CR-V: Lower fuel and maintenance costs due to its compact size and hybrid option make it the most economical (Edmunds).
- Honda Passport: Slightly higher costs due to its V6 and AWD, but competitive for a mid-size SUV.
- Honda Pilot: Highest costs due to its size and fuel consumption, but its reliability offsets long-term expenses.
All three offer similar warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles basic and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain. How might these costs affect your long-term ownership?
Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Outdoors
Do you plan to venture off-road for camping or adventure? Could specialized trims make a difference?
- Honda CR-V: Lacks a dedicated off-road trim but offers AWD for light off-road use, such as gravel or snowy roads. Could this suffice for occasional outdoor trips?
- Honda Passport TrailSport: Features all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance (8.1 inches), and skid plates, designed for moderate off-roading. Why might this appeal to adventure seekers?
- Honda Pilot TrailSport: Similar to the Passport, with all-terrain tires, 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and skid plates, optimized for light off-road trails. How might this suit your outdoor plans?
The Passport and Pilot TrailSport trims are better suited for off-road adventures, while the CR-V is more road-focused.
Real-World Scenarios: Choosing the Right SUV
What can real-life scenarios teach us about picking the perfect Honda Pilot vs Passport vs CRV SUV? Consider these examples:
- The Thompsons: A family of six needs space for teens and sports gear. They chose the Honda Pilot for its roomy third row and 109.2 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for road trips. Why might this suit a large family?
- The Garcias: A couple with no kids loves hiking and camping. They picked the Honda Passport TrailSport for its off-road capability and 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space for gear. Could this fit an adventurous lifestyle?
- Emily: A single professional commutes daily in the city. She opted for the Honda CR-V Hybrid for its 40 mpg combined and compact size, ideal for urban parking. How might this align with a budget-conscious, city-based driver?
These stories highlight how priorities shape the decision. What’s most important to you—space, adventure, or efficiency?
Conclusion
Which Honda Pilot vs Passport vs CRV SUV will you choose for your 2025 adventures? The Honda CR-V shines with its affordability and fuel efficiency, especially the hybrid, making it perfect for small families or city drivers. Passport offers rugged performance and off-road capability, ideal for adventurous couples or small groups. Also, Pilot stands out with its spacious three-row interior, catering to larger families or those needing extra cargo space. Reflect on your needs—passenger capacity, driving style, or budget—and test-drive these SUVs to find your ideal match. With Honda’s reliability and quality, any choice will serve you well.
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