2020 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda CR-V
Overview | |
MSRP$31,650 | MSRP$25,350 |
Average price$25,163 | Average price$25,215 |
Listings567 | Listings1375 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2020 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryThe Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim. | |
2021 Honda CR-V Reviews SummaryEven in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out. So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted. The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list. So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight4036 lbs | Curb Weight3337 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height66.1 in |
Length196.5 in | Length182.1 in |
Width78.6 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase104.8 in |
Maximum Payload1509 lbs | Maximum Payload1358 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $31,650 | $25,350 |
Average price | $25,163 | $25,215 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | The Honda Pilot was once the leader of the midsize 3-row SUV pack. But several rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda have caught up to (and in some cases, surpassed) the Pilot. Still, the Pilot offers tons of cargo space, an adult-friendly third row, and an impressive list of standard safety features. But Honda’s choices on driver controls and in-car tech are its biggest shortcomings. Read on to learn how the Pilot stacks up against the competition, and to learn the CarGurus recommended trim. | Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out. So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted. The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list. So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4036 lbs | 3337 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 182.1 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 104.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1509 lbs | 1358 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 1500 lbs |
The 2020 Honda Pilot shared the dynamic styling characteristic of the Honda lineup, featuring thin LED headlights and a multi-tiered grille. The subtle uptick in the belt-line around the rear side windows masked the size of the Pilot, giving it a more svelte appearance. Inside, the Pilot boasted a modern cabin with a semi-digital instrument panel, combining analog fuel and engine-temperature gauges with a digital screen for other information. The cabin felt comfortable and spacious, though it used hard plastics in many areas, making it less upscale compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
Trim levels for the Pilot ranged from the base LX to the top-tier Black Edition. The LX came with 18-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. The EX trim added features like remote start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX-L included leather upholstery and a power liftgate, while the Touring trim added 20-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded stereo. The Elite trim featured power-folding side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof. The Black Edition, new for 2020, offered unique black-painted wheels and black exterior accents.
The 2021 Honda CR-V looked similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. It had a grille opening and some chromed plastic details, but overall, its styling was not a major selling point. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white. More vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic were limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V featured black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. The seats had a modern, angular design, but competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling.
The CR-V's interior aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Lower trims required manual operation of the tailgate, while higher trims offered power and hands-free options. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, unlike Subaru, which provided them on most trims.
The 2020 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on the LX, EX, and EX-L trims, while the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition received a 9-speed automatic. The V6 provided strong acceleration, making it easy to move from a standstill or pass on the highway. The Pilot's ride was tuned for comfort, making it ideal for commutes and road trips, though it lacked athleticism.
The Pilot featured Honda's Intelligent Traction Management System with drive modes for Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. These modes adjusted drivetrain and traction control settings for different conditions. The system was controlled by a button below the shifter buttons, which was not very intuitive. The Pilot's shifter button setup replaced a conventional shifter, which could be confusing for some drivers.
The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high performance but offered smooth, steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its segment. The CR-V used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which held engine revs constant as the vehicle gained speed. This setup was less engaging than the conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, common in this class. The CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, with no real surprises.
The 2020 Honda Pilot offered a spacious 8-passenger cabin with second-row bench seating. Higher trims featured second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Pilot's third row was adult-friendly, unlike some rivals. EX trims and higher had one-touch fold-down rear seats for easier access to the third row. With the second and third rows folded, the Pilot provided 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
The Pilot was designed for family hauling, with plenty of spaces for toys and gear. Higher trims with second-row captain’s chairs provided a narrow passage to the third row, useful for separating kids. A conversation mirror allowed parents to keep an eye on the back seats.
The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Lower trims required manual operation of the tailgate, while higher trims offered power and hands-free options. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, unlike Subaru, which provided them on most trims.
The 2020 Honda Pilot's LX trim featured a 5-inch color LCD screen with a 215-watt, 7-speaker stereo. Higher trims had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system lacked a tuning knob and had a confusing layout. All but the LX trim included HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Cabin Control Remote Capability. Navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system were optional on the EX-L and standard on higher trims. The Touring, Elite, and Black Edition had a 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and mobile hotspot capability. The Elite and Black Edition also included a wireless charging pad.
The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L added two more speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were plentiful in higher trims, with USB ports in the front and second rows. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.
The 2020 Honda Pilot came standard with the HondaSensing suite of driver assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had front and side-impact airbags, child-seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Assist, and traction control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Pilot earned a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and the best crash test score of Good from the IIHS. It also received a Superior rating in IIHS crash prevention technology evaluation.
The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It did not receive the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V had a Good rating in the original side crash test and an Acceptable rating for the ease of use of its LATCH child safety seat anchoring system. Honda made its advanced safety features standard across all trims, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upward.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the better choice, offering more space, stronger performance, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
- You need a spacious 8-passenger cabin with an adult-friendly third row.
- You prefer a V6 engine with strong acceleration and a comfortable ride.
- You want a comprehensive suite of safety features and high safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Honda CR-V if:
- You seek a compact crossover with excellent safety features standard across all trims.
- You need a vehicle with ample passenger and cargo space for five people.
- You prefer a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Pilot is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Pilot is the better choice, offering more space, stronger performance, and a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2020 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious 8-passenger cabin with an adult-friendly third row.
- You prefer a V6 engine with strong acceleration and a comfortable ride.
- You want a comprehensive suite of safety features and high safety ratings.
Choose the 2021 Honda CR-V if:
Shop Now- You seek a compact crossover with excellent safety features standard across all trims.
- You need a vehicle with ample passenger and cargo space for five people.
- You prefer a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

By: CarGurus + AI
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