Pilot v. CR-V

[GatorGreg]

From what I've seen on the various forums (including HondaCR-V.org) a lot of people with 1st gen 'Vs have already plunked down their deposits for the new Pilot. Likewise, many 1st gen 'Vers have been lured by the 2nd gen 'V. It's a tough choice, but IMO the 2nd gen 'V is the better choice for folks with small families (2 or fewer kids), while the Pilot would be the way to go if you have more than 2 kids or a boat to tow.

Here are some advantages of each off the top of my head in no particular order. I'm sure someone else can come up with a more exhaustive / accurate list

Advantages of CR-V v. Pilot:

1) sunroof! (on EX models)
2) rear hatch glass that opens
3) more rear leg room
4) better gas mileage
5) less maintenance required for RT4WD system
6) manual tranny is available for those who like to shift
7) picnic table
8) can access skinny off-road trails due to its width
9) center flip down tray table / pass through to rear seats
10) new intelligent VTEC v. the Pilot's presumably dumb VTEC
11) better ground clearance (yeah, I know it's only got a 0.1" advantage, but a win is a win
12) I'm guessing the 'V has better approach and departure angles, but I'm not sure
13) turning radius
14) full size apare tire
15) cool e-brake location facilitating pass through
16) styling (okay, this is just my opinion)
17) first SUV tested by NHTSA to ever receive 5 star ratings in each of their 4 crash test categories (although Pilot will likely receive the same scores eventually)
18) A/T shifter is on the dash facilitating pass through
19) more fun to drive (subjective, but it's fun to toss the 'V around cuz of its comparatively nimble size and weight).
20) braking distance (I assume).


Advantages of Pilot v. CR-V:

1) VTM-4 system's low speed lock mode and acceleration mode
2) towing capacity (although tranny/steering cooler is not required to tow with 'V)
3) cargo capacity (although the CR-V's opening hatch glass may make it more useful in certain situations)
4) 3rd row seat
5) optional navi (although it's also available on CR-Vs overseas)
6) optional dvd entertainment system (although I've got one in my 'V and I'm sure mine sounds MUCH better )
7) steering wheel radio controls (I think the Pilot has this, not sure)
8) leather seating option (although leather seating is available on the CR-V in Canada and overseas)
9) acceleration (although by less than a second 0-60, and by less than a half second in the case of the 5 speed 'V)
10) shoulder and hip room cuz of the Pilot's wide girth


Well, since I came up with twice as many advantages for the 'V as I did for the Pilot, I guess the 'V wins

[davisdog]

Since I have 2 kids and a dog I'm going to compromise and buy both...Actually I already have the 2002 CR-V EX which we got for the wife (to replace a two door accord that was way too hard to haul kids around in) which we think is great. I also have an order in for a Pilot (EX in Sagebrush) for myself...I wanted something a little bigger so we could haul the kids, lab and all the crap to the lake or tahoe...Also having the 3rd row is a benefit for hauling a couple more folks (the little ones will love the back probably) ...I suspect it's going to be a great vehicle also.

Gator...don't forget the 6disc Indash CD changer that is standard in the CRV-EX...

The Standard CD changer and sunroof are going to give the wife the most bragging rights in her little CRV (which has as much room as my 93 Grand Cherokee by the way). I wish the rear window opened also too hall the long loads from Home Depot w/o leaving the tailgate open...oh well

[N_Jay]

Got the CR-V in December, and will have the Pilot by the end of June.

[LiuBei]

I was planning on buying a CRV but I saw the Pilot. Bigger, more room, more power, and just about everything I want. I always wanted an MDX, and now the Pilot is the compromise between the 2. I'm gonna wait until 2004 when they get all the bugs out and make slight revisions to improve.

[LiuBei]

I thought I'd throw this pic in.

[PrG]

That's a nice pic ...

As faor comparing the PILOT and CRV that like comparing apples and oranges .... two different SUVs targeted at 2 different market segments. Both are great cars ...

PrG

[rvehock]

Originally posted by GatorGreg

Well, since I came up with twice as many advantages for the 'V as I did for the Pilot, I guess the 'V wins

Greg, could it be that the V wins because you own one

[renov8r]

Originally posted by davisdog
[B]...compromise and buy both. ...something a little bigger so we could haul the kids, lab and all the crap to the lake or tahoe...Also having the 3rd row is a benefit for hauling a couple more folks (the little ones will love the back probably) ...I suspect it's going to be a great vehicle also.

Gator...don't forget the 6disc Indash CD changer that is standard in the CRV-EX...

The Standard CD changer and sunroof are going to give the wife the most bragging rights in her little CRV (which has as much room as my 93 Grand Cherokee by the way). I wish the rear window opened also too hall the long loads from Home Depot w/o leaving the tailgate open...B]

Don't forget who she'll have bragging rights about MPG!

Actually, if work circumstances go my way, we'll probably be doing the same. I have longer commute, so I'll be 'piloting' the CR_V while my wife will get the Pilot -- of things REALLY go well on the income front, she'll be riding in an MDX

[Brett727272]

Well, we have a CR-V and when we need to pick up friends (more than 2), it gets really cramped. Also, I think the CR-V is underpowered. When driving around, we have to turn off the AC to get full power from the engine going up hills.

[Dano]

We own both. The V is used by my wife. Great for around town, commuting to work, and even hauling a kid or two.

I wanted a bigger car that we could take vacations with kids and the dog, go camping, haul the boat, etc.

I like driving both, but think the pilot is well suited for longer trips, the c-rv for shorter (and with less cargo, although we did fit an 80lb dog, luggage, car seat and us for a trip all in c-rv last year)

[Spartanman]

Dano- you wrote what I was going to write my friend...

We have the first generation CRV (99); great for around town, groceries, commuting to work, hauling everday needs. It's my wife's car. She loves it. Does nice on the snowy Chicago roads too....Great build quality. Never a problem.

We got the Pilot to haul three kids, mountain bikes, camping equipment and fishing poles and for those frequent 600 mile round trippers to see Grandma and Grandpa every month.

I don't think CRV v. Pilot is comparing apples to apples. They both have their unique place.

[copperpoppy]

Comparing a CR-V to the Pilot is about the same as comparing a Civic to an Accord. They're different cars for different types of people with different wants, objectives and needs.

[Cheesehead]

Great analogy copperpoppy......The wifes sister has a 1st gen CR-V and they have one kid. Every time they come to visit the poor CR-V is bulging at the seams. We have ample room in the Pilot.

Comparing these two is like comparing apples and oranges. In any case you can't go wrong with either one.

[copperpoppy]

Originally posted by Cheesehead
Great analogy copperpoppy......The wifes sister has a 1st gen CR-V and they have one kid. Every time they come to visit the poor CR-V is bulging at the seams. We have ample room in the Pilot.

Comparing these two is like comparing apples and oranges. In any case you can't go wrong with either one.

Why thank you Cheesehead That was nice of you to say.

{whispering mode: on} Personally and IMHO I think the PILOT blows everything else out of the water but I don't want to say that too loud ... (G) {whispering mode: off}

[philmarie]

Hi all,

We have both a Pilot and a new 2002 CR-V, both purchased at the same time. I agree that you really can't compare these two, as they take aim at totally different markets. I have to say that we love them both. The wifey drives the -V -- she loves the small size and nimble handling. And too, I like driving the -V. Sure, it's not as quiet or comfortable as the Pilot, but for some reason it just seems like fun. For short trips, we are as likely to take the -V as we are the Pilot (that's about the only time I get to drive it...).

We didn't start out searching for two new vehicles, but as we were waiting for her -V to be delivered, we borrowed a Pilot to go get dinner. We ended up buying it too, since we liked it so much, and since my dislike for my old Tahoe was steadily increasing. After two tries, no more GM for us....

Phil Reedy