Introduction
Honda SUV Lineup produces 4 main models designed to suit different needs, from everyday driving to larger-scale travel. The Honda SUV Lineup includes the HR-V as the base-level smallest choice, the CR-V for best space and fuel efficiency, the Passport built for 285-hp V6 power and off-road use with 5,000 lbs towing, and the Pilot with 3 rows for up to 8 passengers. By comparing what each model offers in price, MPG, cargo and safety, you can select the right SUV without overpaying.
For those that are shopping Honda’s SUV range, the main things to think about are price, seating capacity, engine power, towing, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and safety tech. In 2026, the HR-V will start at around $26,500, the CR-V will start at around $30,920, the Passport will come in at around $44,950, and the Pilot will start at around $42,395. Also, each model has a unique role in the lineup, so which is best is based on what you plan to do in your SUV.
Honda SUV Lineup at a Glance
The HR-V has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 158 horsepower and is also designed to seat five. The CR-V also puts five in at once, and what it gives you is a choice between a 190-horsepower turbocharged engine or a 204-horsepower hybrid. The Passport has a 285-horsepower V6, which also includes all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and the Pilot has the same 285-horsepower V6 to offer, but what it also does is go for up to three rows and will seat up to eight.
Fuel economy is also the dividing issue between these models. The HR-V attains 26 city/32 highway mpg with front-wheel drive, while the CR-V does better at 28 city/33 highway mpg with its gas powertrain. Also, the CR-V hybrid does very well at 43 city/36 highway mpg. The Passport is rated around 19 city/25 highway mpg, and the Pilot does better at 19 city/27 highway mpg with front-wheel drive.
2026 Honda HR-V: Best in Terms of Price Point
The Honda HR-V is their compact SUV, which does well for people mostly looking for a budget-friendly option for getting around town, doing errands, and going about their daily routine. It has a 158-horsepower four-cylinder, which does the job fine and also has the option of all-wheel drive, which does a great job of improving traction for those that drive in tough weather. With room for five, it does very well for single people, couples, and small families which don’t require a large interior or heavy-duty tow capacity.
The 2026 model of the HR-V, which is priced at around $26,500, is the cheapest in this segment. It does well in fuel efficiency and also has compact dimensions, which in turn is great for city driving and parking. Also, it comes with the Honda Sensing safety package, which includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. But it does come up short in terms of towing capacity and also in terms of interior space when compared to Honda’s larger SUV models.
2026 Honda CR-V: Top of the Line Balance
The CR-V is an average out of Honda’s SUV group, which in turn appeals to the largest audience. It seats five and also has more interior and cargo space than the HR-V. In terms of powertrains, we see 1.5-liter turbocharged gas models, which put out 190 hp, and hybrid versions, which put out 204 hp. This gives buyers what they want in either traditional gas or in hybrid, which has improved efficiency.
The CR-V has a starting price of around $30,920, over the HR-V and below the bigger Passport and Pilot models. It has a large benefit, which is the hybrid system that is very much what people go for when they are looking at better fuel economy; some of its front-wheel-drive versions have been known to hit up to 43 city/36 highway mpg. Gas engines in the CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds, whereas the hybrid versions are rated for up to 1,000 pounds also. For everyday use with family, for commuting, long-distance trips, and mid-scale cargo, the CR-V does very well.
2026 Honda Passport: Best in Power and Towing
The Passport is aimed at buyers that want a powerful two-row SUV with better towing and off-road performance. It has a 3.5-liter V6, which puts out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Also, it comes stock with all-wheel drive, which improves traction. TrailSport models are best for outdoor driving; they have features which do better on rough terrain. Also, unlike the HR-V and CR-V, the Passport is able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when proper options are added.
The Passport has a starting price of $44,950, at which point it is more expensive than the more compact Honda SUVs. Also, in terms of fuel efficiency, it does perform poorly at 19 city/25 highway mpg. But what it lacks in gas mileage, it makes up for in interior space, a 5-seat layout, a very powerful V6 engine, comes equipped with all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and also has an impressive towing capacity. Also, it is a better option for people that enjoy the great outdoors and which regularly pull boats or other recreational trailers.
2026 Honda Pilot: Best for Big Families
The Honda Pilot is the largest SUV in this comparison, and we put it forward as the best option for families that require three rows. It features a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 285 hp and has a capacity for up to eight passengers based on how you configure the seats. That is what sets it apart from the HR-V, CR-V, and Passport, which all have 5-seat layouts. Also, the Pilot has great cargo space out back when the rear seats are folded.
The 2026 Pilot starts at $42,395 and can have a tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds when fitted out with AWD. In terms of fuel efficiency, we see 19 city/27 highway mpg with front-wheel drive. Also, it features Honda Sensing safety tech and has options like Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, parking sensors, which also include other driver-assistance systems. For large families that need plenty of space in the back and the ability to tow, the Pilot is Honda’s best bet.
Honda SUV Safety Features
Safety technology is a key feature in all of Honda’s SUV models. In the suite of Honda Sensing features, you will find Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as other driver-assist technologies. What’s included may differ by model and trim, so it is best for buyers to check the details of the specific version they are looking at.
Higher trim levels introduce features like Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, parking sensors, and also more convenience technologies. The Pilot does well for families, which we note for its integration of these safety features into a package that also includes 3-row seating; meanwhile, the smaller HR-V and CR-V put out better fuel economy, are easier to maneuver, and have lower total cost of ownership.
Which Honda SUV Should You Choose?
The HR-V does very well in the economy and size categories, which is what you may be looking at if budget, compactness, and fuel efficiency are what you are after. When it comes to the CR-V, it is the best in class for everything; it has 5-seat options, great cargo space, the option of a hybrid, which also performs well in terms of price. Also, it is a great fit for families which don’t require a third row.
The Passport does well for drivers that want more power, standard AWD, off-road capability, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing. The Pilot is best for larger families, in which it seats up to eight in three rows; also, it has great towing power. In terms of which to choose, go for the HR-V for value, the CR-V for a balanced ride, the Passport for rough capability, and the Pilot for max family space.
