The Complete Guide to Honda’s SUV Models and Features
You’re looking at Honda’s SUV lineup and wondering which one actually fits your life—the compact and efficient HR-V, the popular CR-V, or the spacious, family-hauling Pilot.
Maybe you’re a first-time Honda buyer trying to decode the alphabet soup of model names, or perhaps you’re a current owner looking to size up for more cargo room. Honda’s SUV lineup has grown significantly, offering everything from subcompact city runabouts to rugged off-roaders and even an all-electric option.
Here’s the thing about Honda SUVs—they all share that signature Japanese reliability and smart interior packaging, but each model serves a completely different purpose.
Honda’s SUV Lineup at a Glance
Honda currently offers six distinct SUV models in North America: the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Pilot, Prologue, and the CR-V Hybrid. They range in size from subcompact to three-row family haulers, with a new all-electric entry and a dedicated off-road trim.
Size hierarchy (smallest to largest): HR-V → CR-V → Passport/Prologue → Pilot.
Each model also has unique variants. The CR-V, for instance, comes in gas, hybrid, and even a hydrogen fuel-cell (e:FCEV) version. The Passport and Pilot share a platform and V6 engine, but the Passport is a two-row SUV with a more rugged focus, while the Pilot adds a third row for maximum passenger capacity.
Honda HR-V: The Affordable Compact
The HR-V is Honda’s entry-level subcompact SUV and the most affordable option in the lineup. It’s designed for city dwellers, first-time buyers, or anyone who wants Honda reliability in a smaller, more maneuverable package.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: Around $26,600
- Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 158 hp, 138 lb-ft torque
- Fuel Economy: 26 city / 32 highway mpg
- Cargo Space: 24.4 cubic feet behind rear seats
- Seating: 5 passengers
Features and Practicality
The HR-V received a significant update for 2026, including a new standard 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charging pad, and subtle exterior styling tweaks. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features is standard across all trims, with blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims.
The HR-V’s biggest strength is its clever packaging. Despite its compact dimensions, it offers impressive cargo space—virtually identical to the Civic Hatchback. The 60/40 split rear Magic Seats fold flat, making it easy to haul everything from bicycles to furniture.
The downside? The 2.0-liter engine is modest—acceleration is “best described as leisurely”. If you regularly haul heavy loads or need passing power on the highway, the CR-V’s turbocharged engine is a better bet.
Honda CR-V: The Best-Selling All-Rounder
The CR-V is Honda’s compact crossover SUV and consistently ranks as one of the best vehicles in its class. It’s the Goldilocks option—not too small, not too big, with excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and a reputation for reliability.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: $30,920 (gas), $35,630 (hybrid)
- Engine (Gas): 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 190 hp, 179 lb-ft
- Engine (Hybrid): 2.0-liter four-cylinder + dual electric motors, 204 hp, 247 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy (Gas): Up to 30 mpg combined (FWD)
- Fuel Economy (Hybrid): Up to 40 mpg combined (FWD)
- Cargo Space: 39.3 cu ft (gas), 36.3 cu ft (hybrid)
- Seating: 5 passengers
Features and Variants
The CR-V lineup is broader than any other Honda SUV. You can choose from:
- Gas-only models: LX, EX, EX-L trims
- Hybrid models: Sport, TrailSport, Sport-L, Sport Touring trims
- Fuel-cell model: CR-V e:FCEV (limited lease-only in California)
For 2026, every CR-V gets the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration and wireless charging. Higher trims add a 10.2-inch digital driver display.
The new TrailSport trim for 2026 brings off-road-inspired styling, all-terrain tires, and improved all-wheel-drive traction management that sends torque to the wheels with grip and applies braking to those that slip. However, ground clearance remains unchanged from other CR-Vs, so it’s more about looks than serious off-road capability.
Why Buy the CR-V?
The CR-V Hybrid is the standout. With 204 hp and up to 40 mpg combined, it’s both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the gas version. One reviewer called it “a masterclass in how to make a great compact SUV”. It’s ideal for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a practical, efficient daily driver without sacrificing space or features.
Honda Passport: The Rugged Two-Row
The Passport was redesigned for 2026 and sits between the CR-V and Pilot in size. It’s a two-row midsize SUV with a heavy off-road focus, particularly in the TrailSport and new TrailSport Elite trims.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: Around $44,950
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 19 city / 25 highway mpg
- Seating: 5 passengers
Features and Off-Road Focus
The 2026 Passport gets a completely redesigned interior with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen standard. It features the next generation of Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which delivers quicker responses and improved torque distribution.
TrailSport trims add roll, pitch, and elevation readouts, and the Elite version includes a TrailWatch camera system for better visibility on rough terrain. Factory accessories like rock sliders, an aluminum front scuff plate, and Molle storage boards are available.
Why Buy the Passport?
If you want a rugged, off-road-capable SUV but don’t need a third row, the Passport is the choice. It’s more practical and refined than a traditional body-on-frame SUV but offers genuine trail capability in the TrailSport trims. It’s also the most affordable way to get Honda’s V6 engine.
Honda Pilot: The Family Hauler
The Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV, with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. It’s designed for families who need maximum passenger and cargo space without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: $42,395
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 19 city / 27 highway mpg (FWD)
- Cargo Space: 18.6 cu ft behind third row, 48.5 cu ft behind second row, 87 cu ft max
- Seating: 7-8 passengers
2026 Refresh Highlights
The 2026 Pilot received a significant mid-cycle refresh with major technology upgrades:
- New 12.3-inch touchscreen (37% larger) with Google built-in and 5G Wi-Fi capability
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster now standard across all trims
- Quieter cabin with 2-3 dB noise reduction in key frequencies
- Retuned electric power steering for improved on-center feel
- Power tailgate and roof rails now standard on all trims
The TrailSport trim gets heated second-row outboard seats and an optional brown leather interior with orange stitching. Touring and higher trims add a 360-degree surround-view camera, and the Elite and Black Edition trims feature diamond-quilted Ultrasuede seat accents.
Trims and Tiers
The Pilot is offered in six trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. All share the same V6 and 10-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, while all-wheel drive is standard on TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition.
Why Buy the Pilot?
If you need to carry more than five people regularly—soccer carpools, family road trips, or camping adventures—the Pilot is Honda’s best option. It’s spacious, comfortable, and the 2026 updates make its cabin tech genuinely competitive with newer rivals. The TrailSport adds legitimate off-road capability for families who want to venture beyond paved roads.
Honda Prologue: The All-Electric Entry
The Prologue is Honda’s first all-electric SUV, arriving for 2024. It’s a midsize crossover with seating for five and a focus on everyday practicality rather than extreme off-road capability.
Key Specs
- Starting Price: $39,900
- Range: Up to 308 miles EPA
- Drivetrain: Available all-wheel drive
- Seating: 5 passengers
What to Know
The Prologue offers competitive electric range and a spacious interior, with J.D. Power noting its “rugged styling” and “smart interior design”. It’s ranked #2 in electric midsize SUVs for 2025.
However, the future of the Prologue is uncertain. MotorTrend reports that the model is expected to carry over unchanged for 2026 before being discontinued, as its Acura ZDX counterpart has been discontinued. If you’re considering a Prologue, it’s still a solid EV, but you might want to wait for Honda’s next-generation EV, likely related to the upcoming RSX.
What About the ZR-V?
Honda recently revealed the ZR-V Hybrid as a flagship SUV for the Indian market, but it’s not currently sold in North America. If you’re outside India, this model isn’t available. The ZR-V is a midsize crossover with a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain producing 184 hp, a sleek coupe-like silhouette, and a premium interior with a 9-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital display, and 12-speaker Bose audio system.
How to Choose the Right Honda SUV
Buy the HR-V if: You want the most affordable entry point, do mostly city driving, and value compact dimensions with surprising cargo flexibility.
Buy the CR-V if: You want the best all-around value. It’s the most popular Honda SUV for a reason—excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and proven reliability. The Hybrid is the standout choice.
Buy the Passport if: You need a rugged, off-road-capable SUV but don’t need a third row. The 2026 redesign adds serious capability and tech.
Buy the Pilot if: You need to carry more than five people and value maximum cargo space. The 2026 refresh makes the cabin tech genuinely impressive.
Buy the Prologue if: You want an all-electric Honda SUV with competitive range and don’t mind the uncertainty about future model availability.
Have a Honda SUV? Which model do you drive, and what’s your favorite feature? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
For further reading about Honda SUVs and their features:
