CR-V vs. Pilot vs. Passport: Choosing the Right SUV
Buyer’s Guide
CR-V vs. Pilot vs. Passport: Choosing the Right SUV
All three are capable Honda SUVs, but they’re built for different lives. The CR-V is the compact, efficient daily driver. The Passport is a rugged two-row built for adventure and towing. The Pilot is Honda’s only three-row SUV, built to haul the whole family. Seating capacity is usually the fastest way to decide between them.
Quick Comparison
CR-V
Body styleCompact SUV
Seating5
Engine190-hp 4-cyl (gas or hybrid)
Fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined
Length184.4 in
TowingLight-duty only
Passport
Body styleMidsize, 2-row
Seating5
Engine285-hp 3.5L V6
DrivetrainStandard AWD (i-VTM4)
Length191.5 in
TowingUp to 5,000 lbs
All three are also available in a rugged, off-road-focused TrailSport trim.
Full Spec Comparison
| Spec | CR-V | Passport | Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style | Compact SUV | Midsize, 2-row | Midsize, 3-row |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 | 7–8 |
| Engine | 190-hp 4-cyl (gas or hybrid) | 285-hp 3.5L V6 | 285-hp 3.5L V6 |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | Standard AWD (i-VTM4) | FWD or AWD |
| Fuel economy | Up to 30 MPG combined | Lower, V6-rated | Lower, V6-rated |
| Exterior length | 184.4 in | 191.5 in | 200.1 in |
| Max towing | Light-duty only | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Off-road trim | TrailSport available | TrailSport available | TrailSport available |
Which One Fits Your Life?
Choose the CR-V If…
- You want the most affordable, most fuel-efficient option
- Five seats is all the space you need
- You mostly drive in town, not off-road or towing heavy loads
- A hybrid powertrain matters to you
Choose the Passport If…
- You want serious towing capability (up to 5,000 lbs) without a third row
- Off-road capability and standard AWD matter more than max passenger count
- You want more power and a roomier cabin than the CR-V, but don’t need to seat more than 5
- You’re drawn to the TrailSport’s rugged, adventure-ready styling
Choose the Pilot If…
- You regularly need to seat 7 or 8 people
- Maximum cargo flexibility matters — fold the third row and it rivals the Passport’s space
- You want the same towing capacity as the Passport, plus more room
- You want the option of FWD instead of standard AWD
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the CR-V and the Passport?
Size and purpose. The CR-V is a compact, fuel-efficient SUV built for daily driving, while the Passport is a larger, more powerful midsize SUV built for towing and off-road capability. The Passport starts at a higher price point in exchange for that extra capability.
Does the Passport have a third row?
No. The Passport seats 5 across two rows. If you need a third row, the Pilot is Honda’s only three-row SUV.
Which Honda SUV can tow the most?
The Pilot and Passport are tied at up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The CR-V is only rated for light-duty towing.
Which Honda SUV is most fuel-efficient?
The CR-V, by a wide margin. Its smaller size and four-cylinder engine (with a hybrid option) deliver up to 30 MPG combined, well ahead of the V6-powered Pilot and Passport.
Is the Passport bigger than the Pilot?
No. The Pilot is about 9 inches longer than the Passport and offers a third row, while the Passport is positioned between the CR-V and Pilot in size.
See all three side by side. Schedule a test drive at Napleton Honda of Morton Grove.