Instead of Buying the 2023 Honda CR-V SUV, Here’s Why You Should Buy the 2023 Honda Pilot in Nigeria

• For the 2023 model year, Honda revamped its SUV lineup, including redesigning the midsize Pilot and the compact CR-V. 
• Both SUVs are much improved and have many positive features, but which of them is the best for Nigerian buyers?
• Many experts recommend the Honda Pilot over the CR-V, and we will be finding out one major reason why that’s the case.

The 2023 Honda Pilot has been described to have one big feature you won’t find in the 2023 Honda CR-V. To experts, it’s that feature that makes the 2023 Honda Pilot stand ahead of the 2023 CR-V. 

In this article, we will be finding out what that major reason is and why Nigerian buyers should go after the 2023 Honda Pilot instead of the 2023 CR-V.

Overview of the 2023 Honda CR-V

The 2023 CR-V features a more masculine exterior. A taller radiator grille with chunky hexagonal mesh inserts, wider lower air intake, sportier bumper, higher and straighter hood, and slimmer headlamps lend the redesigned model a striking appearance at the front. On the sides, the 2023 CR-V features bigger windows and a taller rear quarter glass, which should make long drives more comfortable for all passengers.

Outback, the look is a little more evolutionary, but the extra length makes the rear look a little smaller, a little more tucked in, and a little more contoured. A shapely D-pillar and a heavily sloped rear glass give it a bit of a fastback vibe, capturing some of the crossover coupe mojos that are so in vogue these days. A metallic finishing plate under the dark rear bumper adds a bit of zest.

Proportionally, the future CR-V looks to be growing somewhat in length, which could also mean Honda plans to drop an optional third row inside to better compete with the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The 2023 Honda CR-V will have a simple interior that aligns with the brand’s new philosophy – “Simplicity and something.” Honda should use a slimmer dashboard and clean up the CR-V’s centre console, relocating the infotainment system screen and reducing the number of physical controls.

Also, the 2023 Honda CR-V comes in six trims: LX, EX-L, EX Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Touring, and Touring Hybrid.

Overview of the 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 model comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. However, in the new generation SUV, it makes 285 horsepower, a 5-hp increase over last year. The 2023 Pilot has ditched the old nine-speed automatic transmission for a new 10-speed unit, although the SUV remains a front-wheel-drive-based model with all-wheel drive available as an option.

While the updated V-6 engine doesn’t make the Pilot feel much quicker than the last generation model, its throttle response is improved and the 10-speed automatic’s shifts are nice and smooth.

The Pilot’s interior is roomy and practical for the first two rows, with lots of storage space and slightly above-average visibility for a vehicle of this class. The latest Pilot’s dashboard keeps buttons to a minimum, but we like how Honda managed to make the most commonly used controls accessible rather than burying them in a touchscreen menu, which can be the case on other SUVs.

The Pilot offers plenty of usable tech features, but on the whole, it’s a half-step behind the curve. The infotainment, with wireless phone connectivity, works quickly and is easy to navigate, but the 9-inch screen feels dwarfed by the large cabin. Unfortunately, the new Accord’s 12.3-inch screen isn’t available here. There are plenty of places to charge, including a wireless charging pad. There’s only one USB-C port available, however. The rest are the less powerful USB-A type, which limits options for phones, tablets, and laptops that support fast charging.

The 2023 Honda Pilot is Great for Nigerians Because it Has an Off-Road Model, Which The 2023 CR-V Does Not Have

SUVs with off-road capabilities are very popular these days. Drivers long to get their hands on them, especially considering how bad Nigerian roads are. The 2023 Honda Pilot meets these demands with the new TrailSport trim, but the CR-V does not.

The Honda CR-V is only great for city driving but could be better for driving off-road. With the Honda Pilot TrailSport, you get a rugged look that signals it’s ready to head off the beaten path. However, the TrailSport isn’t all show; it has features that aid off-road journies.

For enhanced road traction, the TrailSport models come with the i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Other off-road features include all-terrain tires, a trail torque logic off-road system, a TrailWatch camera system, and stabilizer bars.

Also, the Pilot TrailSport comes equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension with a one-inch lift. The extra lift provides additional ground clearance, which enables effective and safe travel over uneven surfaces. The distinctive 18-inch wheels for the rugged SUV have inset spokes for protection on rough terrain.

The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Is The Best For Driving Through Nigerian Bad Road Conditions

Even if you don’t drive off-road, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport has other benefits over the 2023 CR-V. This includes driving in adverse weather conditions, such as during rainy periods, on slippery roads, or on roads with broken concrete, potholes, and cracks.

Additional Benefits You’ll Get From the 2023 Honda Pilot Over The 2023 Honda CR-V

The TrailSport off-road model has some other benefits over the CR-V. They include:

• It’s a bigger SUV, which gives it more interior space
• It can seat up to eight people with a total passenger volume of 158.4 compared to the 104 cu-ft on the CR-V
• It provides more storage space with a maximum cargo space of 113.7 cu-ft compared to the 76.5 cu-ft on the CR-V
• It has a more powerful engine. All models come standard with a 3.5-litre V-6 engine, which produces 258 horsepower

Conclusion

The off-road abilities of the 2023 Honda Pilot are a huge benefit compared to the 2023 CR-V. So, if you want a Honda SUV that will serve you well in Nigeria, especially managing bad roads, then the 2023 Honda Pilot is the vehicle for you.