Best Honda SUVs for Families | CR-V vs Pilot vs Passport Comparison

When it comes to SUVs, Honda continues to lead the industry with outstanding capability, versatility, fuel economy, and premium comfort features that will surely be a hit with your family. No matter if you have a small family, are expecting another addition in the near future, or you're looking for more space for a large family - Honda SUVs have you covered. With so many great options to choose from, how can you tell which Honda SUV is best for families like yours? Germain Honda of Dublin is here to help with our Best Honda SUVs for Families guide. You'll be able to compare three of the most popular Honda SUVs for families (CR-V, Pilot, and Passport) side-by-side and make an informed purchasing decision!
Which Honda SUV is Best for Families? - CR-V vs Pilot vs Passport Compared
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|---|---|---|---|
2027 CR-V | 2026 Pilot | 2026 Passport | |
| Starting MSRP* | $33,070* | $43,990* | $46,545* |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 or 8 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 190 | 280 | 280 |
| Length | 184.8 inches | 199.9 inches | 191.5 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 78.5 inches | 79.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume (rear seat up/down) | 39.3 cu ft / 76.5 cu ft | Up to 60.1 / 113.7 cubic feet | 83.8 / 104.6 cubic feet |
| Passenger Volume | 103.5 cubic feet | 158.4 cubic feet | 119.1 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity (2WD/AWD) | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 / 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance (2WD/AWD) | 7.8 - 8.2 inches | 7.3 - 8.3 inches | 8.3 inches |
| Fuel Economy 2WD (City/Highway/Combined)** | 28 / 33 / 30 | 19 / 27 / 22 | N/A |
| Fuel Economy AWD (City/Highway/Combined)** | 27 / 31 / 29 | 19 / 25 / 21 | Up to 19 / 25 / 21 |
| TrailSport Trim Available | Yes (CR-V Hybrid) | Yes | Yes |
Best Honda SUV for Small Families - Honda CR-V
New CR-V InventoryBest Honda SUV for Large Families - Honda Pilot
New Pilot InventoryBest Honda SUV for Medium Families - Honda Passport
New Passport Inventory
As the data above clearly illustrates, there are plenty of key differences and notable similarities between these three Honda SUV models. All that's left to do is decide which one is best for your family! Features like available AWD, the Honda Sensing suite of safety technology as standard, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are perks not found on many other models in their class.
The big difference between them is size, with the Pilot and Passport being midsize and the CR-V being a compact. There is still a difference between the Pilot and Passport and the best way to illustrate this is the length. The Pilot is the largest at 199.9 inches while the Passport is 191.5 inches and the CR-V comes in at 184.8 inches. The extra length in the Pilot is to accommodate a third row of seats, bumping the seating capacity up to 8 compared to 5 on the other two. Medium to large-sized families are sure to appreciate the extra space found inside the Pilot and Passport.
That third row of seats takes up a lot of what would be cargo space and the Passport will give you the most cargo space without having to remove or fold down seats. The CR-V offers a lot of interior space for a compact, but being the smallest, it is still the easiest to parallel park or drive in the city. It also has the smallest engine, a 190-horsepower four-cylinder, which delivers 30 MPG combined fuel economy, the best of the group. That's before you even consider the innovative CR-V Hybrid and its cutting-edge drivetrain that delivers outstanding fuel economy.
The Honda CR-V, Pilot, and Passport are exceptional in snow and rain thanks to available AWD and impressive ground clearance. Those in search of additional off-road capability should look no further than the CR-V TailSport Hybrid, Pilot TrailSport, and Passport TrailSport. The CR-V can handle some basic towing but the bigger SUVs with their 285-horsepower V6 engines can tow a lot more, up to 5,000 lbs. All this capability makes it easy to create long-lasting memories with your family and friends. If you have any questions or would like to see these vehicles in person, Germain Honda of Dublin is here with a friendly and knowledgeable team of Honda SUV specialists to help you.
Disclaimers:
*MSRP including tax, license, registration, $1,550 or $1,595 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
**Based on 2026/2027 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.


