Unlocking Honda’s SUV Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s SUV market, there are few automakers, that have seen the success that Honda has. Their exceptional starting prices, unwavering reliability, and brilliant blend of tech and comfort have helped them stand out in a sea of rising competitors. Every one of Honda’s offerings has its appeal and the Japanese brand has managed to keep its lineup dud-free.

Honda offers SUVs for all kinds of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a small entry-level SUV or a mid-size three-row SUV, Honda has you covered. Among their four SUVs, all are top competitors in their segment. Rather than opting for a huge volume of choice, the Japanese automakers have kept things simple and are reaping the rewards for their strategy.

With Honda looking to expand their offerings soon with the Prologue, we take stock of their current excellent lineup of SUVs, from cheapest to most expensive, and outline their pros and cons. We lay out all the information you could need to make an informed decision should you be considering taking one of these SUVs home.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including ZeroTo60Times and the EPA. Entries are ranked from least expensive Honda SUV to most expensive.

4 Entry-Level Honda HR-V Stands Out As A Hero Among Small SUVs

MSRP: $24,600 – $28,150

The entry point for Honda SUVs is an interesting one. The Honda HR-V is a bit of a Frankenstein SUV, using a ton of different parts from other Honda vehicles. However, they’ve been plastered together seamlessly in a way that offers incredible value for money. The Sport trim is definitely the best value for money, offering a much more interesting interior as well as 18-inch wheels, heated seats, smart unlock, and remote engine start.

The HR-V comes with a 7.0- or 9.0-inch display, the latter being limited to the top trim EX-L. The EX-L also features wireless connectivity to the infotainment system as well as wireless charging. Where the HR-V really shines though is the interior space, it outclasses most competitors in terms of room for both passengers and cargo.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda)

The Honda HR-V borrows its powertrain from the base-level Civic. This little 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine may not be the quickest or most powerful but it’ll get you from point A to point B without too many complaints. This powertrain is matted to a CVT, one which Honda has painstakingly tuned to be incredibly smooth. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup but you can also opt for all-wheel drive as an option.

Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from the EPA)

In terms of fuel economy, the HR-V does pretty decently well for itself and manages to keep up with segment standards. The front-wheel drive layout provides slightly better fuel economy, but you’re only realistically losing a single mile per gallon in the all-wheel drive models.

Pros

• Great starting price
• Roomy seating
• More cargo space than most competitors

Cons

• Slow acceleration
• CVT is super unengaging
• A hybrid option is missing for the U.S. market

3 The Honda CR-V Is One Of The Best Compact Crossovers You Can Buy

MSRP: $29,500 – $40,200

The 2023 Honda CR-V marked the compact SUV’s entry into its sixth generation and 2024 continues the legacy of the CR-V as a truly special car. All models of the CR-V are good choices, with Honda making sure that their award-winning SUV is decently equipped from the word go. However, the Sport Hybrid will offer you the best value for money, adding a ton of features such as a leather-wrapped interior and 18-inch wheels.

The CR-V sports a ton of modern technology. A 7.0-inch infotainment screen is standard, as is a partially digital gauge cluster. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims offer an upgraded screen spanning 9.0 inches. The top-of-the-line Sport Touring also offers a Bose audio system.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda)

Once again, Honda’s SUV lacks the power to outpace top performers in this segment, especially if you go with the lower trim gas-powered variants. The hybrid powertrain delivers some extra desired power but neither is particularly performance-oriented. Front-wheel drive is standard on most models, with all-wheel drive being optional, the Sport Touring comes with all-wheel drive standard.

Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from the EPA)

Pros

• Very comfortable ride
• Fuel economy is exceptional
• Tech is very intuitive

Cons

• Non-hybrid engines are underpowered
• Hybrid engines can be loud
• A little more expensive than competitors

2 The Honda Pilot Is Not Far Off Fighting Three-Row Hotshots

MSRP: $37,090 – $52,480

The Honda Pilot is now entering its second year on the market and has moved forward with essentially no changes to the line-up. This three-row SUV is the perfect option for families who value space for passengers and cargo equally. The mid-range EX-L is definitely the way to go unless you’re looking for more of an adventure vehicle, in which case the TrailSport is excellent. The EX-L adds leather seats, wireless mobile connectivity, and an electric tailgate.

A 7.0-inch infotainment screen and an equally sized screen in the gauge cluster are standard in the Honda pilot. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models feature a slightly bigger 9.0-inch infotainment display and the Elite also houses a fully digital 10.2-inch gauge cluster.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda)

The Honda Pilot features a perfectly capable V-6 which delivers enough power to help you zip the family around. It may not be particularly quick but it’ll keep up nicely even at highway speeds. This powertrain is matted to a ten-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard, all-wheel drive is optional.

Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from the EPA)

The V-6 in the Pilot may make it a capable family hauler but the downside is fuel economy. The added off-roading equipment on the TrailSport makes it even less economical. The Pilot falls short of rivals in this category.

Pros

• Smooth and powerful V-6
• Plenty of cargo and passenger space
• Intuitive infotainment controls

Cons

• The base model is not well enough equipped
• Not very fuel-efficient
• Third-row seating is too small for adults

1 The Honda Passport Offers Near Unparalleled Performance and Utility As A Midsize SUV

MSRP: $41,900 – $47,970

The Honda Passport returns the lineup to a sense of simplicity with a couple of changes for 2024. Rather than offering a huge range of different trims, the Passport comes in three variants. Honda has also once again kept the base offering attractive by keeping the list of standard features high.

The Passport EX-L, the base trim, is the best value for money due to Honda keeping the Passport simple. However, if you are a little more of an off-roader then the TrailSport will appeal to you. The Black Edition offers you a much fancier interior but for the price jump, we really wouldn’t recommend this option.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on all Passport models, as is Bluetooth and wireless phone charging. A seven-speaker audio system comes standard, however, an upgraded audio system is featured in the Black Edition; the same can be said for wireless hotspots.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Honda)

The Passport houses the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that helps to rocket the SUV around. This powertrain is matted to a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Passport features all-wheel drive as standard on all models. It may have 8.1 inches of ground clearance and the TrailSport may market itself as an off-roader but if you’re looking to hit the trails you’d be better off looking elsewhere. The Passport is a well-mannered, road-going machine.

Fuel Economy

(Data Source: EPA)

The biggest downside to the Honda Passport is its fuel economy. Its zippy V-6 is thirsty on fuel and definitely struggles to be anywhere near as efficient as its competitors.

Pros

• Massive amount of cargo space
• A quick V-6
• The base trim is well-equipped

Cons

• Less refinement that rivals
• More expensive than some bigger SUVs
• Sub-par driver-assist tech