Honda is one of the most reputable car manufacturers in the industry, and that reputation certainly follows the brand’s line of best-selling SUVs. Honda has five SUV options tailored to meet a variety of budget and lifestyle needs, from the compact HR-V and CR-V to the spacious Pilot and Passport. These Honda SUVs offer the reliability, performance, safety, and comfort that has earned Honda numerous awards. So, what makes Honda’s top-selling SUVs so special, and how do they compare to other brands? Let’s find out!
2021 Honda HR-V
The 2021 HR-V is Honda’s smallest SUV and has a starting MSRP of $21,020. It is also inexpensive to own, with a fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The HR-V comes in four trims – the LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L – that offer a progressive list of features from heated front seats with leather trim to the Honda Sensing safety package. In terms of value and options, the EX is probably the best value with a starting price of $24,220. This includes heated front seats, a moonroof, smart entry, and the Honda Sensing suite.
Like all vehicles in its segment, the HR-V falls somewhat short when it comes to performance. However, its 141 hp engine is more than enough for city driving, and it does have the option for all-wheel drive to keep you safe in bad weather. But where the HR-V stands out from other subcompact offerings is with its nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space. If you want a vehicle that has the affordable price and good handling of a sedan, but all the versatility of an SUV, then the HR-V will meet those requirements.
Key Takeaways:
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- The HR-V is affordable and fuel-efficient with a sporty design and spacious interior.
- Good ground clearance and all-wheel drive give it surprising versatility for its size.
2021 Honda CR-V
The 2021 Honda CR-V is next in the Honda lineup of SUVs and has a slightly higher starting price of $25,350. The CR-V offers the same fuel economy as the HR-V at 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, but the similarities end there. The CR-V includes a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. While this isn’t a phenomenal amount of power, the turbocharged engine is enough to give the CR-V an easy ride.
The CR-V also impresses with its spacious interior, innovative technology, and plentiful safety features. Passengers have plenty of room in both the front and back seats, even with the rear cargo area fully loaded. As for technology, the CR-V is available with a 7-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as SiriusXM satellite radio and even built-in navigation. When it comes to safety, the CR-V earned top ratings thanks to the standard Honda Sensing suite that offers a forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Key Takeaways:
- The CR-V’s standard turbocharged engine offers an impressive fuel economy and snappy acceleration.
- The CR-V features a spacious interior with advanced technology and safety features to give drivers confidence behind the wheel.
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2021 CR-V is also available with a hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive fuel economy of 40 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. With a starting MSRP of $30,560, the hybrid boasts a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to deliver a responsive 212 hp. This makes the CR-V hybrid quick to accelerate and easy to handle, defying traditional hybrid stereotypes.
The CR-V hybrid also features remarkable technology beginning with the Hybrid Drive Information Interface system, which delivers vital information like powertrain performance and power supply to the driver’s dashboard behind the steering wheel. Aside from this state-of-the-art technology, the hybrid gives drivers more control over the vehicle with three drive modes—ECON, Sport, and EV. ECON mode increases fuel efficiency, EV mode allows for electric operation only, and Sport mode boosts the hybrid’s performance.
Key Takeaways:
- The CR-V hybrid is affordably priced with a powerful engine and outstanding fuel economy.
- The hybrid’s three drive modes give drivers further control over engine performance.
2021 Honda Pilot
A sportier and more stylish option for larger families, the 2021 Honda Pilot features a spacious cabin and seating for eight across its three rows. The SUV starts at $32,250 and offers seven trim – the LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. For 2021, Honda upgraded its standard features to include a nine-speed automatic transmission, dual-zone climate control, and an automatic start-stop system that boosts fuel economy up to 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
Beyond its notable fuel economy, the Pilot performs incredibly well for a large SUV thanks to its V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its interior is also impressive and offers drivers the choice between a second-row bench seat or second-row bucket seats. This interior customization is only the tip of the iceberg as the Pilot offers exceptional cargo room and multiple storage areas. This makes it ideal for large families who need the maximum amount of space for passengers and gear.
Key Takeaways:
- The Pilot is a stylish alternative to the minivan with plenty of trim options.
- It includes an impressive interior with seating for eight and extensive cargo space.
2021 Honda Passport
The 2021 Honda Passport is among the top-rated midsize SUVs, and for good reason. Starting at $32,590 for the base model, the Passport comes in several trims, including the Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The 2021 models now feature a standard 8-inch touchscreen, seating for five, and over 50 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. This makes it one of the roomiest midsize SUVs on the road, easily allowing you to transport five full-size adults in comfort.
As for performance, the Passport features the same reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine as the Pilot. Whether on backroads or the highway, you will never need more power than this SUV can provide. Beyond performance, the Passport also features the Honda Sensing safety suite to give drivers greater peace of mind and help cover for momentary lapses in concentration. This technology makes it one of the safer midsize SUVs on the market.
Key Takeaways:
- The Passport has a powerful V6 engine that can even handle light towing.
- It offers a spacious interior along with enhanced safety and driver-assist features.
Honda’s SUV Lineup
Honda’s lineup of SUVs offers something for every budget and lifestyle, from the entry-level HR-V to a fully-optioned Pilot Black Edition. For drivers looking for more cargo and passenger space, an upgrade to the Honda Pilot or Passport is a great option that won’t break the bank. But most drivers will be happier with the more efficient HR-V and CR-V. Across the board, Honda’s fleet of SUVs carries the weight of the Honda reputation for reliability, comfort, and performance, which goes a long way among drivers looking for the best vehicle that meets all their needs.
