Honda CR-VvsHonda Pilot
Compared as tested: 2.4 CVT 4x4 vs 3.5 AT 4WD
Key Specs Comparison
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 249 hp✓ |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 347 Nm✓ |
| 0–100 km/h | 10 s | 9.9 s✓ |
| Weight | 1640 kg✓ | 2109 kg |
How They Compare
- The Honda Pilot puts out 61 more horsepower (249 hp vs 188 hp).
- The Honda CR-V is 469 kg lighter — 29% less weight to push around.
- The Honda Pilot delivers more torque: 347 Nm vs 245 Nm.
- The Honda Pilot runs a larger 3.5L engine versus the 2.4L unit in the Honda CR-V.
- The Honda Pilot rides on a 145 mm longer wheelbase, which usually translates to more cabin room.
- At 4.88 m, the Honda Pilot is 30 cm longer than the Honda CR-V — easier to live with in town for the shorter car.
- Drivetrain is a real differentiator here: the Honda CR-V uses Four wheel drive (4WD) while the Honda Pilot runs All wheel drive (AWD).
- The Honda CR-V pairs its engine with a Continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox; the Honda Pilot goes with a Automatic.
Radar Comparison
Performance at a Glance
Expert Analysis
The Daily Commuter's Champion: Honda CR-V
The CR-V's 2.4L engine produces 188 hp and 245 Nm of torque. While those figures won't pin you to your seat, this crossover weighs significantly less than its larger sibling. Carrying 469 fewer kilograms translates to a far more nimble driving experience, making it highly maneuverable for darting through dense city traffic or squeezing into tight urban parking spaces. Honda pairs this setup with a Continuously variable transmission (CVT). For the everyday driver, this gearbox choice is ideal, as it prioritizes smooth, linear power delivery over harsh, abrupt shifts. It achieves a 0-100 km/h sprint in 10 seconds, proving perfectly adequate for daily highway merges and stop-and-go traffic.
The Family Hauler: Honda Pilot
For drivers who prioritize interior volume and capability, the Pilot presents a compelling case. Its 3.5L V6 generates a robust 249 hp and 347 Nm of torque. This substantial power allows the larger vehicle to match the lighter CR-V off the line, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds. The Pilot relies on a traditional Automatic transmission, an appealing feature for driving enthusiasts who prefer distinct gear changes over the steady drone of a CVT. The increased exterior dimensions directly benefit passenger comfort. The stretched 2775 mm wheelbase translates to expansive cabin room, ensuring third-row passengers or growing teenagers have ample legroom on long road trips.
Which Honda Belongs in Your Garage?
These two vehicles serve distinctly different buyer profiles despite wearing the same badge. The CR-V is the ultimate urban commuter vehicle. Choose the 2.4L if your routine involves tight city parking garages, fuel-conscious daily driving, and a desire for a lighter, easily maneuverable ride. The Pilot is the definitive choice for large families. Buy the 3.5L if you need to regularly transport multiple passengers, haul heavy loads, and want the confident, buttoned-down feel of a traditional automatic transmission. Choose the CR-V for city life, and select the Pilot for maximum family space.
Full Specifications
Engine
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 188 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Displacement | 2356 cc | 3471 cc |
Performance
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 10 s | 9.9 s |
Efficiency
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|
Dimensions & Weight
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4580 mm | 4875 mm |
| Width | 1820 mm | 1995 mm |
| Height | 1695 mm | 1845 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm | 2775 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1640 kg | 2109 kg |
Drivetrain
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Four wheel drive (4WD) | All wheel drive (AWD) |
| Transmission | Continuously variable transmission (CVT) | Automatic |
| Body Type | Crossover | Crossover |
Verdict
🏆 Honda Pilot 3.5 AT 4WD
51 vs 49 points
The Honda Pilot edges ahead on overall specs. The Honda wins on: power, comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is quicker, reaching 60 mph in 9.9s versus 10s for the Honda CR-V.
Which has more power, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot produces 249 hp, 61 hp more than the Honda CR-V's 188 hp.