If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile family vehicle, the Honda SUV lineup for 2023 offers some of the best options on the road. This guide breaks down the key specs and comparison points for every model. We’ll look at the Honda SUV LineUp 2023 – Key Specs and Comparison to help you find your perfect match.
From the subcompact HR-V to the three-row Pilot, Honda has a utility vehicle for every need and budget. Each model brings Honda’s reputation for durability, smart packaging, and efficient performance. Let’s get started with a quick overview before we look at the details.
Honda SUV LineUp 2023 – Key Specs and Comparison
This section provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire 2023 Honda SUV family. We’ve organized them from smallest to largest to give you a clear sense of where each model fits.
- Honda HR-V: The entry-level subcompact SUV, all-new for 2023 with a larger size.
- Honda CR-V: The bestselling compact SUV, also fully redesigned for this model year.
- Honda Passport: The two-row midsize SUV built for adventure and off-pavement capability.
- Honda Pilot: The flagship three-row family SUV, ruggedly redesigned for 2023.
- Honda Odyssey: While a minivan, it’s a crucial part of Honda’s family hauling lineup and often cross-shopped.
2023 Honda HR-V: The Stylish Starter
The all-new HR-V grows up for 2023, sharing a platform with the Civic. It offers more space and a more refined drive than before. It’s ideal for city dwellers and small families.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 158 hp
- Fuel Economy (FWD): 26 city / 32 highway mpg
- Starting MSRP: Around $24,000
Strengths and Weaknesses
Its biggest strength is its incredibly versatile and spacious interior for its class, thanks to the clever Magic Seat. The cargo area is also impressively large. However, its engine can feel underpowered, especially during highway merging or on steep hills. The infotainment system uses physical knobs, which some prefer, but the screen is on the smaller side compared to rivals.
2023 Honda CR-V: The Compact Champion
The CR-V is Honda’s heart of the SUV lineup and a top seller for good reason. The 2023 model is a complete redesign, featuring a more sophisticated look, a nicer interior, and hybrid power as the primary option.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder (standard on LX); 2.0L Hybrid 4-cylinder (Sport and above)
- Horsepower: 190 hp (turbo); 204 hp (hybrid)
- Fuel Economy (Hybrid FWD): 40 city / 35 highway mpg
- Starting MSRP: Around $29,000
Trim Level Comparison
Choosing the right trim is key. The LX offers great value, but the Sport Hybrid is where the CR-V truly shines with its excellent fuel efficiency and extra power. The EX-L adds leather and a power liftgate, while the Touring has every available feature like a head-up display and wireless phone charger.
2023 Honda Passport: The Off-Road Ready Adventurer
Slotting between the CR-V and Pilot, the Passport is a two-row SUV with a focus on capability. It has a more rugged attitude and standard all-wheel drive on higher trims, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Starting MSRP: Around $39,000
Capability and Interior Space
The Passport’s V6 engine provides confident power for towing or passing. Its interior is spacious, with a wide and flat cargo floor that can easily fit bulky gear. The EX-L and TrailSport trims offer improved off-road features, like all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and all-terrain tires. The infotainment system, however, is starting to show its age in terms of graphics.
2023 Honda Pilot: The Family Command Center
Completely redesigned for 2023, the new Pilot is tougher, more spacious, and more feature-packed. It’s designed to handle large families and their cargo with ease, all while offering genuine off-road chops in the TrailSport and Elite trims.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 285 hp
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (TrailSport: 3,500 lbs)
- Starting MSRP: Around $38,000
Third-Row and Cargo Practicality
The Pilot’s third-row is now one of the most usable in its class, fitting actual adults comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row is generous, and the second-row seats slide forward easily for access even with a carseat installed. Every Pilot now has a 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts. The new interior layout is also more modern and user-friendly than the outgoing model.
Head-to-Head Model Comparisons
Let’s put these SUVs side-by-side on critical factors to see which one might be best for your situation.
Fuel Efficiency Showdown
- CR-V Hybrid: The clear winner, often achieving over 40 mpg in mixed city driving.
- HR-V: The most efficient gas-only model, thanks to its smaller size and engine.
- CR-V Turbo: A good balance of power and economy for a non-hybrid.
- Pilot & Passport: Given their size and V6 power, their economy is similar and what you’d expect for the segment.
Family Hauler: CR-V vs. Pilot
For a family of 4 or fewer, the CR-V (especially the hybrid) offers ample space and fantastic efficiency. Its lower price and running costs are a big plus. For families of 5 or more, or those who regularly need a third row, the Pilot is the mandatory choice. Its extra space, comfort, and capability make it the ultimate family tool.
Adventure and Towing: Passport vs. Pilot
The Passport, with its shorter wheelbase and focus on two-row utility, can feel more nimble on tight trails. It’s a great choice if you don’t need a third row but want serious cargo space and towing. The new Pilot, however, with its updated all-wheel drive system and available TrailSport trim, now matches much of the Passport’s off-road ability while adding the third row. Your decision here comes down to seating needs.
Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Follow these steps to narrow down your choice from the Honda SUV lineup.
- Determine Your Budget: Include not just the purchase price, but estimated insurance, fuel, and taxes.
- Count Your Passengers: Do you need a third row now or in the near future? This quickly splits the lineup.
- Assess Your Cargo Needs: Think about weekly groceries, sports gear, home improvement runs, or vacation luggage.
- Consider Your Driving Environment: Mostly city commuting? Long highway trips? Frequent dirt roads or light trails?
- Prioritize Must-Have Features: Make a list of non-negotiable features (e.g., Apple CarPlay, leather, towing hitch).
- Test Drive Your Top Two Contenders: Always drive the exact trim level you’re considering. Pay attention to seat comfort, visibility, and noise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which 2023 Honda SUV has the best gas mileage?
The Honda CR-V Hybrid has the best fuel economy in the lineup, with EPA ratings of 40 city / 35 highway mpg for front-wheel drive models.
What is the biggest Honda SUV for 2023?
The three-row Honda Pilot is the largest SUV in Honda’s 2023 lineup. The Odyssey minivan offers more passenger space but is not classified as an SUV.
Is the 2023 Honda CR-V bigger than before?
Yes, the 2023 CR-V redesign made it slightly longer and wider than the previous generation, increasing interior and cargo space.
What’s the difference between the Honda Passport and Pilot?
The main difference is that the Passport is a two-row, five-passenger SUV with a focus on adventure, while the Pilot is a three-row, eight-passenger SUV focused on maximum family utility. The new Pilot now offers similar off-road features.
Does the 2023 Honda HR-V have all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option on every trim level of the 2023 HR-V, but it is not standard.
Final Recommendations
Choosing from the Honda SUV lineup depends entirely on your personal needs. For singles or couples, the HR-V offers incredible value and practicality. Small to medium families will find the CR-V Hybrid almost impossible to beat for its blend of space, efficiency, and refinement. If adventure is your priority and you don’t need a third row, the Passport is a compelling choice. For large families who need space, comfort, and now even off-road potential, the redesigned Pilot is a top contender in its class.
Remember to visit a dealership to sit in these vehicles. Feel the quality of the materials, test the infotainment system, and check your sight lines. The right Honda SUV for 2023 is the one that fits your life seamlessly, providing reliable transportation for years to come. Each model in the lineup carries forward Honda’s commitment to safety, with most trims including the Honda Sensing® suite of driver aids as standard equipment, giving you extra peace of mind on every journey.