The compact Honda CR-V and the midsize Honda Pilot are both solid choices for crossover SUV shoppers. However, the CR-V has some advantages. Here are four reasons to buy a 2022 Honda CR-V, not a 2022 Honda Pilot.

2022 Honda CR-V gets better gas mileage than the 2022 Honda Pilot

The first reason to buy a 2022 Honda CR-V instead of a 2022 Honda Pilot is the CR-V gets better gas mileage than the Pilot. With the price of gas very high these days, an efficient SUV like the CR-V translates to savings at the fuel pump. 

The standard CR-V with a gas engine has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 38 combined mpg. However, the Pilot has an estimated fuel economy of up to 23 combined mpg. Unlike the CR-V, the Pilot doesn’t offer an efficient hybrid model.

2022 CR-V is safer than the 2022 Pilot

The second reason to buy a 2022 Honda CR-V instead of a 2022 Honda Pilot is the CR-V is safer than the Pilot. One of the most trusted authorities for safety evaluations is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CR-V earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Pilot didn’t receive a safety award from IIHS.

Honda CR-V is more reliable than the Honda Pilot

The third reason to buy a 2022 CR-V instead of a 2022 Pilot is the CR-V is more reliable than the Pilot. The CR-V earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 84/100, compared to 79/100 for the Pilot. With its reliability, the CR-V is more likely to run strong for many miles and years and not leave you stranded on the side of the road. A reliable SUV like the CR-V also means less maintenance and repairs. This helps to reduce the cost of ownership.

2022 CR-V costs less than the 2022 Pilot

The fourth reason to buy a 2022 CR-V instead of a 2022 Pilot is the CR-V costs less than the Pilot. The starting price of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,800 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,800 MSRP for the Touring Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Pilot ranges from $38,080 MSRP for the Sport trim up to $51,870 MSRP for the Black Edition trim.

Please note: These prices are subject to change, as many automakers are increasing the price of cars with the high inflation costs.

Also, when you factor in its many standard and available features, the CR-V offers much value. The base-level LX trim comes standard with features like a multi-angle rearview camera, a lane-keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control. As you move up the CR-V trim lineup, you can get more premium features. Examples include a wireless phone charger, a power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Honda CR-V has advantages over the 2022 Honda Pilot for gas mileage, safety, reliability, and a lower price. If you’re debating about which crossover SUV to purchase, these are key reasons to buy a 2022 CR-V, not a 2022 Pilot.