Are you searching for SUVs for sale only to find there are enough to make your head spin? In such a wide and ever-growing market, it can be tough to find that perfect used SUV when there are so many options available. Make it easy on yourself and start out doing a little homework before you go out and start test driving.
Think about your daily driving habits and needs. Do you require something with ultra fuel efficiency, or do you need a flexible vehicle to accommodate your growing family? If you like to get out into nature, you need to make sure you have plenty of cargo room for equipment. Thinking about your lifestyle and what you want out of your vehicle can greatly reduce the number of vehicles you’re looking at, making it easier to choose.
Another thing that helps is looking for a brand with a great track record. When you look at a brand like Honda, drivers know they can trust their vehicle. Honda has a strong reputation when it comes to making quality, long-lasting vehicles that just won’t quit. So if you’re hoping to get the most out of your investment, picking a reliable name is the perfect place to start.
If you’re still not sure, let us help you out. We’ve checked out Honda’s SUV lineup to see what they’re all about. From the best-selling CR-V to the full-size Pilot, Honda’s SUV lineup doesn’t fail to impress when it comes to sizes and options to fit every lifestyle.
The Comfortable Runabout Vehicle: CR-V
The Honda CR-V is Honda’s top-selling SUV for a reason. With over 20 years of innovation and design behind it, Honda has created a well-oiled machine. The CR-V made its debut in the late 1990s, so when it comes to used vehicles, there are plenty of years to choose from, depending on your budget and needs. The CR-V is a compact SUV that, on average, fits five people, with some models having the option to seat up to seven, making this a versatile SUV great for a growing family. Despite its compact size, the CR-V offers great cargo space making it easy to take along everyone and everything you might need for your next adventure.
When drivers are looking at the compact SUV market, they are often stuck deciding between the Honda CR-V and its competition, like Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape. But after five generations and moving into a sixth, the CR-V is still going strong. With numerous updates and facelifts, the CR-V continues to hold its own against its competitors.
So if you’re thinking about a CR-V, what years should you consider? The fifth generation was rolled out in 2017 and featured a complete refresh with options for a five or seven-seater. The 2017 model comes standard with a 2.4L I-4 engine that generates 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, making for a great and responsive driving experience. If you’re hoping for more power, Honda also has a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The redesign for the fifth generation gives drivers more cabin room; this includes cargo space. To help improve steering and handling, Honda increased the length and width of the body. Drivers looking for a used CR-V from 2017 can expect to choose from four different trim options that range from the base LX to the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. The great thing about Honda is they tend to give drivers a lot of their money, so even at the standard level, the CR-V offers a handful of useful features like climate control, a color LCD screen, and USB ports for electronics.
The Honda safety suite comes standard giving drivers an extra set of eyes and keeping them covered from all sides. Level up to the top Touring model to take advantage of extras like a roof rack and a navigation system. Are you looking to go green? In 2020 Honda began offering a Hybrid CR-V for those looking to go farther on less. With plenty of comfort, space, and power, the CR-V is a great, budget-friendly SUV that can fit a variety of lifestyles.
Just a Little Smaller
Are you looking to go even smaller than the CR-V? Then check out Honda’s compact HR-V. While the HR-V hasn’t been around as long as the CR-V (only in North America since 2015), the compact vehicle has gotten plenty of attention with great design features and updates to keep it young and fresh.
The HR-V was built to be a practical compact crossover that is perfect for commuting, running errands, and getting drivers from point A to point B without hassle. To make it easy to take advantage of the cargo space, the HR-V is designed with a second-row Magic Seat. This allows drivers to use every inch of space, haul larger items, or recline the front seats for maximum comfort.
While the HR-V is still in its first generation, it has been noted that not every year is its best. The 2016 year is thought to be the most troublesome because of mechanical problems and recalls. Drivers also noted cramped legroom in the 2016 model, leading to an uncomfortable driving experience.
However, this doesn’t mean the HR-V is a lost cause because by 2018, troubles began to taper off, and by 2021 the HR-V saw mass improvements both inside and out. The 2021 HR-V has been reported to have none of the past issues of the 2016 and has no reported recalls so far. So if you’re looking for a compact commuter vehicle that won’t hurt your wallet, search out the 2020 or 2021 HR-Vs to get a great deal on the latest technology Honda has to offer without the heavy price tag of buying brand new.
A Passport to Fun
The Honda Passport is the second-largest SUV in the Honda family. It provides plenty of space and flexibility to meet your day’s needs. However, you might have heard conflicting reports about this SUV. The Passport first debuted in 1998, and up until 2001, it was host to mechanical issues and recalls that left drivers anything but impressed. But that doesn’t mean you should write the Passport off just yet.
It took Honda a little while to put the time and effort into the SUV game, so when they first put the Passport out there, it was nothing more than a rebranded Isuzu Rodeo, so it lacked the great engineering Honda is famous for. However, after 2001 Honda took the Passport back to the drawing board and redesigned the SUV inside and out for a 2019 reboot.
The 2019 model was a great reintroduction for the third generation of Honda Passports. It let drivers know just what they could expect from the new SUV. The NHTSA gave the 2019 Passport a five-star overall safety score. This isn’t a huge surprise considering the Passport comes decked out and ready for an adventure with Honda Sensing Technology, a suite of safety features that give drivers peace of mind every time they get behind the wheel. Go up a year and take advantage of the 2020 Passport’s ample cargo space, comfortable cabin, and fuel-efficient V6 engine.
Be the Pilot of a Pilot
The last and largest of the Honda SUVs is the Pilot. The Pilot is known to be a spacious, practical family vehicle that drivers can rely on year after year. The full-size SUV hit the market in 2003 and is currently in its third and best generation. With an update at the start of the generation in 2016, the Honda Pilot is modern and sleek looking, fitting easily into both town and country.
Check out the 2018 model if you’re looking to get the latest and greatest technology like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This makes it easy to connect your compatible smartphone and receive calls, texts, and messages, plus take your listening library with you on the road, all without taking your eyes off your destination.
Are you looking for the ultimate in safety? The 2019 Pilot was named a Top-Safety Pick by the IIHS. With Honda always prioritizing safety, the Pilot’s standard Honda Sensing safety suite can help drivers see what is going around on all sides, making it easier than ever to stay safe on the road. Essentially, all these safety features are your co-pilot as you navigate your morning commute or next family road trip.
If You Need an SUV, Big or Small, You Can’t Go Wrong With Honda
If your search for an SUV has you running around in circles trying to decide, narrowing down your choices to a well-known name like Honda can certainly help. With several options when it comes to size and capability, it’s easy to find a crossover or SUV that fits into your lifestyle and your budget. When you buy a vehicle, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, and Honda has a stellar reputation for long-lasting, dependable vehicles that are hard to beat.
