Honda CR-V vs Honda Pilot
Choosing between the Honda CR-V and the Honda Pilot is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Honda CR-V vs Honda Pilot: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Honda CR-V
by $10,411 — Honda CR-V: $39,347 · Honda Pilot: $49,758
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower depreciation
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Honda CR-V
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Honda CR-V
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $17,512 | $24,365 |
| Fuel | $6,800 | $9,273 |
| Insurance | $10,185 | $10,920 |
| Maintenance | $4,850 | $5,200 |
| 5-year total | $39,347 | $49,758 |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 | $0.83 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Honda CR-V | Honda Pilot | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $37,080 | $46,667 | CR-V |
| 12,000 mi· now | $39,347 | $49,758 | CR-V |
| 15,000 mi | $41,047 | $52,076 | CR-V |
| 20,000 mi | $43,880 | $55,940 | CR-V |
| 30,000 mi | $49,547 | $63,667 | CR-V |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Honda CR-V or the Honda Pilot cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Pilot depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (CR-V: 0.97×, Pilot: 1.04×).
Does the price gap between the CR-V and Pilot matter long term?＋
The Pilot costs about $10k more upfront, and since depreciation is a percentage of price, the costlier car usually loses more dollars too. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.