2019 Honda Pilot vs CR-V

For large families and those with active lifestyles that need to haul a lot of stuff, modern crossovers and SUVS like the Honda Pilot and CR-V are the solution to their needs. With sleek exteriors and stylish modern interiors that merge comfort with engine efficiency and off-road capabilities, these mean machines are perfect for tackling any kind of terrain while ensuring that the driver and all its passengers are comfortable and secure within its four corners.

It is not surprising why both Honda SUVs have surpassed the sedan and pick-up truck category in terms of popularity because this dependable sports utility vehicle lineup offers plenty of terrific options. Of course, no one can ever go wrong with this reputable Japanese brand that is known for their reliable manufacturing and precision engineering. With Honda providing two of the most popular automobiles in the SUV segment, the big question now is which model offers the right fit for one’s lifestyle. Take a look at the similarities and differences of the Honda CR-V and Pilot 2019 models below:

Size and Styling

Both the 2019 Honda Pilot and CR-V SUVs are affordable options that give value for money. However, the much bigger Pilot with its larger seating capacity and more powerful engine, of course, bears the more expensive manufacturer suggested retail price. This is their primary difference with the 2019 Honda Pilot starting at $31,450 MSRP and the 2019 Honda CR-V starting at $24,350 MSRP.

Exterior Size and Styling

Both the Honda CR-V and Pilot models still look sporty and capable on the outside with only slight refreshing updates for 2019. Noteworthy, the CR-V is much smaller than the Pilot in terms of body size. The CR-V is 5.6 inches smaller in width, 15.9 inches lesser in length, and 4.1 inches shorter in height compared to the Pilot. When driving in tight cities and cramped parking spaces, the CR-V has an edge because of its size. However, in terms of carrying capacity, the Pilot wins because it can carry more passengers and more load.

The two models have new additional colors to their lineup. For those looking to purchase the latest CR-V unit, there are now ten vibrant color pallets available.

For the much bigger Pilot, the 2019 model offers the familiar sporty yet stylish looking exteriors that are highlighted by a vibrant pallet of versatile paint color choices. Drivers can choose from up to eight colors, some limited to specific trim categories.

Interior Room and Design

The interior is cozy with comfortable seats, generous head room, comfy shoulder room, and great legroom for both the Honda CR-V and Pilot. The dashboard is pristine with plenty of cube holes and cup holders for daily driving essentials. The Pilot comes in Gray with cloth cushions for both the Pilot LX and EX trim, leather for the Pilot EX-L and Touring, or the more luxurious perforated leather upholstery for the optimal trim called Pilot Elite.

In the same token, the exteriors for the 2019 CRV Honda, are also dependent on the trim level. The CR-V LX and EX trim levels are equipped with a Black Cloth interior. The Honda CR-V EX-L upgrade will give drivers a Black Leather interior. The top-of-the-line CR-V Touring version also come with the same Black Leather interior.

Space Considerations

The clear difference between the two Honda SUV models is their size. The 2019 Honda Pilot is clearly a much larger vehicle than the 2019 Honda CR-V with bigger interior volume, more rows, and larger passenger capacity. To give a better picture of their differences, take a look at this table below: Honda CR-V Criteria Honda Pilot 2 rows Number of Rows 3 rows 5 passengers Seating Capacity 7 to 8 passengers 105.9 Cubic Feet (LX Trim) Passenger Volume 152.9 (LX EX Trims) 142.1 cubic feet Total Interior Volume 168.2 cubic feet Not applicable Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row 16.5 cubic feet 39.2 cubic feet Cargo Space Behind 2nd Row 46.8 cubic feet 83.9 cubic feet Cargo Space Behind 1st Row 75.8 cubic feet Seating for seven or eight passengers in the Pilot means larger families can get to their destination in one vehicle. Even with all the three rows up, there is enough cargo space to fit coolers, foldable chairs, and some bags with 16.5 cubic feet of available space. If there is a need for more cargo space, and there are less people coming, the third row seat can be easily put down to create 46.8 cubic feet. Even with that row folded, 5 passengers can still fit comfortably into the Pilot. If people are loading cargo like moving homes or transferring to a new dorm, all the seats can be folded to create 83.9 cubic feet of space.

The 2019 Honda CR-V is a lot smaller and holds less. Offering only the standard 5 seats, but it comes with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The maximum cargo volume of 75.8 cubic feet can still adequately carry a lot of things should the need arise.

Drivability

The fact that people are choosing between two Honda SUV models means that they are on the right track to having a great powerful and comfortable machine at their disposal. Both the CR-V and Pilot offer great power trains that promises smooth and easy handling on the road, with above average fuel efficiency to ensure that each trip can optimize gas consumption.

Performance

Both the Honda CR-V and the Pilot offer an awesome combo of power and efficiency. Both come in various trim levels, but nevertheless, all models are able to perform well on the road. The entry-level Honda CR-V LX trim possesses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a Continuously Variable Transmission which can generate 184-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

The upgraded Honda CR-V models of EX, EX-L, and Touring trims 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is mated to a CVT and produces 190-horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity of the Honda CR-V across all trims is 1,500 pounds.

Beneath the hood of the 2019 Honda Pilot model is a bigger 3.5-liter V6 that offers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This can come with either a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic transmission as the buyer’s choice depending on the trim level chosen.

The 2019 Honda Pilot is offered in five different trim levels – LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The all wheel drive version is able to haul 5,000 pounds and the two-wheel driver version of the Pilot can tow 3,500 pounds. Drivers that need to haul a lot of stuff can use these details to make their choice.

Fuel Economy

For people that need a smaller vehicle that is good for cramped city driving, the Honda CR-V is a great choice because it can carry more items than a sedan, and yet, it is still so much smaller than the beefy Pilot. The CR-V is more fuel efficient with a higher 34 mpg (miles per gallon) highway rating and 28 mpg city driving rating in a two wheel drive.

Even the all wheel drive drive version of the CR-V gives great fuel economy only with a slight drop in fuel efficiency ratings at 33mpg for the highway and 27 mpg for city driving. The Honda CR-V 2019 model is able to give flexibility without having to go hard on the gas pump every single day.

The bigger Honda Pilot naturally gives lesser fuel economy because the bigger V6 engine it comes with naturally consumes more gas. The most efficient Pilot trim, is the the two-wheel drive with a nine-speed transmission Touring with its rating of 20 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg rating for the highway.

Using the 4 wheel driver version of the Pilot lowers the rating to 19 mpg for the city and 26 mpg for the highway. That being said, the Pilot still remains fuel efficient for its size compared to other similar brands. Adding a little bit more to fuel consumption is a tiny price to pay for being able to carry more passengers and cargo with the larger interior space that the Pilot provides.

Ride Feels

The Honda CR-V and Pilot both give comfortable ride quality because of its terrific coil spring suspension that is able to absorb the shock coming from most kinds of surfaces. The bigger Pilot offers more stability at higher speeds, but the CR-V can also keep pace.

Steering is smooth for both models, whether it is the two wheel drive or the all wheel driver version. The latter makes both SUVs easily traverse different types of terrains with ease, while keeping all the vehicle occupants secure.

In terms of outdoor noise, the Pilot and CR-V are both adept in filtering out the sound of traffic and the wind. Talking about the noise from the engine, both vehicles can barely hear the its buzz. Both SUVs making driving and riding pleasurable.

Comfort, Options, and Performance

Both the Honda Pilot and CR-V come win either two wheel or all wheel drive trims. The latter is a popular choice for adventure seeking drivers that can traverse both the city streets and off-road conditions. The all wheel drive trims come with the Honda patented Intelligent Control System™. This is also paired with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management that helps driver navigate and tackle hard conditions like snow, sand, and mud.

The higher trims in both models come with special exterior colors and more lux interiors, with leather trimmings and better quality cushions. For instance, the Honda Pilot Elite adds second row comfy captain’s chairs, which reduces the passenger capacity to seven. This is an available option for the Honda Touring Pilot trim.

Another example, the higher trim option of the CR-V makes the front leather seats heated. The higher trims of the Pilot do include rear-seat heating. The seating temperature control in both models is made possible with Honda’s Automatic Climate Control feature.

Of course, in this day and age, no car ride is complete without the connectivity and entertainment factor. Both the Pilot and the CR-V can be equipped with a 7-inch touch screen LCD. The higher trims can feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the clearer and more broad range satellite SiriusXM Radio. On top of that, the higher models come 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Honda CabinTalk™. Choosing the base trim of both Honda SUVs is still not a bad choice because they come with a base audio system, and Bluetooth hand-free phone calling, Bluetooth audio streaming.

Safety

Honda has always prioritized safety, which is why all the Honda Pilot and CR-V 2019 models give access to the Honda Sensing suite. This is an advanced technology program that is a standard in all Pilot trims and CRV trims (except the base LX model), which helps assisting the drivers and give them ample warnings when their surroundings put them in great jeopardy.

The sensing suite includes these driver protection features: Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Monitor, Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning. All these features are put in place because safety is the utmost priority.

Honda has passed all the safety inspection tests placed by the various government regulation bodies. Both SUVs have been top rated by the IIHS, or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for their consistent technological advancements and safety efforts. This is grading is in line with the company’s top priority of not just providing quality vehicles that give a great ride, but ensuring that all the drivers, passengers, and other third parties on the road are secure.

Which Model to Choose?

The answer is it depends on the different clients’ lifestyles! Both Honda SUVs are a great choice because they provide style, comfort, and security, but the needs of the client will be the ultimate determinant of what kind of model they will get. Those who have more children will benefit from the bigger seating capacity of the Honda Pilot. Fuel economy may have been compromised, but being able to sit everyone in one car as they travel is a significant consideration. Those who have smaller families, but love the ride and versatility of an SUV will find the CR-V more palatable.

Bottom Line

Anyone looking for a dependable and flexible SUV should consider the Honda line-up. Both the 2019 CR-V and Pilot models come with a variety of options to suit everyone’s tastes and address their needs. When comparing vehicles, it is the driver’s responsibility to thoroughly research the available options.

Reading the specs on the internet coupled with perusing personal online testimonials and reviews are necessary for making an informed choice. Most of all, it is important to take a trip to the nearest dealership, so people can see the actual model and take it out for a spin to really get the feel of the vehicle.