2023 Honda Pilot vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid showcased a significant transformation in its sixth-generation design, exuding a more assertive and robust demeanor compared to its mild-mannered predecessors. This compact SUV adopted a forward-leaning, tougher, and more truck-like aesthetic, larger by about 2.5 inches in length and half an inch in width than the outgoing model. The increased wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks gave the CR-V Hybrid a muscular stance.

The retained D-pillar taillights were modernized, featuring three L shapes each, contributing to a more aggressive look. The rear end became blockier, matching the bolder front fascia, and all lights were upgraded to LED. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, included special Sport styling touches like black roof rails, black mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels—19 inches for the top-line model, while 18 inches were standard across the lineup.

Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design language seen in the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, featuring the signature honeycomb grille on the dash's climate control vents. The premium feel continued with high-quality materials in the Sport Touring cabin, accentuated by contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot presented a redesigned, more rugged, and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but actually reflected its increased dimensions—3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor.

These changes were well-suited to the Pilot's all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which boasted a one-inch taller ride height, 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and robust underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional route compared to other new Honda models, but remained attractive, functional, and versatile with elevated material quality across the lineup.

Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, aligning its design with practical, family-oriented use.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified choice between a turbocharged or hybrid powertrain. Notably, Honda associated its sport models with the hybrid powertrain for enhanced power and efficiency. This compact SUV could reach speeds of up to 115 mph thanks to its new hybrid powertrain, which combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, resulting in 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

With a fourth drive mode added—Snow, joined Sport, Normal, and Econ—the CR-V Hybrid's Real Time AWD system could now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new hill-descent control system and a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking further enhanced its driving dynamics. Fuel efficiency was maximized with numbers like 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined for the FWD Sport trim, which was 3 mpg better than its AWD counterparts and significantly more efficient than the FWD turbocharged model.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot offered FWD as standard on most models, with AWD standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims.

The Pilot's acceleration was responsive, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV, and easy to modulate for smooth stops. While it cornered confidently at conservative speeds, it wasn't designed for sporty driving, prioritizing comfort over performance with some noticeable body roll during turns. The TrailSport trim added off-road capabilities with a one-inch increase in ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

Despite the off-road enhancements, the Pilot maintained a comfortable, composed ride on-road, making it suitable for both daily family use and adventures into the great outdoors.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior dimensions translated to increased interior space, with cargo volume growing by 3 cubic feet over the 2022 model. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, outperforming the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and edging out the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all models included wide-opening rear doors for easier access to the back seats. Rear seat legroom extended by 0.6 inches to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably with eight reclining positions for the seats. The CR-V Hybrid also included multiple storage solutions like a cubby for two smartphones and eight cupholders distributed throughout the cabin.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Pilot's interior followed a more conventional design, offering practical storage solutions like a useful dash shelf, and a range of infotainment screen sizes—seven inches for base trims and nine inches for higher trims. The Elite trim's screen felt a bit small given the space available on the dash but remained functional.

The Pilot excelled with its stowable second-row center seat, providing a center pass-through for third-row access. The third row, though less spacious, was adequate for shorter trips. The Pilot's cargo areas were highly versatile, with up to 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, growing to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row folded, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all rear seats down. These figures made the Pilot a highly capacious SUV, outdoing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to technology preferences with standard physical buttons for key functions. The 7-inch touchscreen included physical volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch screen in the Sport Touring trim had a volume knob with hard buttons for other controls. Both Hybrid models featured extensive connectivity options including USB-A and USB-C ports and Bluetooth. The Sport Touring trim added advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a comprehensive 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system.

Comparatively, stepping up to the EX-L trim of the 2023 Honda Pilot provided a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included features like a multi-view camera system, with the Elite adding a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and intuitive layouts. Notably, the Touring and Elite trims also featured a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features. The Honda Sensing system was standard, including adaptive cruise control, improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition. Additionally, the CR-V Hybrid featured a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, and a new rear-seat reminder.

The 2023 Honda Pilot also boasted an impressive array of standard safety features. Honda Sensing provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features were effective without generating false alarms, ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience.