Honda SUVs and Crossovers in Peoria, IL

If you’ve ever shopped for a new Honda SUV, you’ve likely heard both the terms crossover and SUV – and maybe wondered what the real difference is. While they share many traits, the difference between a crossover and an SUV mainly comes down to how they’re built, how they handle the road, and what kind of performance you can expect.

At Bob Lindsay Honda in Peoria, IL, we’re here to clear up the confusion and help you understand which type of vehicle best fits your driving style. Whether you’re looking for something sporty and compact like the Honda HR-V, family-friendly like the Honda CR-V, or rugged like the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot, we’ll explain the key differences so you can find your perfect vehicle with confidence.

Understanding the Difference

Let’s start with the basics. The biggest difference between a crossover and an SUV lies in the chassis – the foundation that supports the vehicle.

A crossover, also known as a crossover utility vehicle, is built on a car chassis, similar to what you’d find under a Honda Accord or Honda Civic. This gives it a smoother, more car-like ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency.

A traditional SUV was historically built on a truck chassis, offering greater strength for towing and off-road use. However, all modern Honda SUVs use a unibody (car-based) platform that blends comfort with impressive capability.

Honda Crossovers: Efficiency and Everyday Comfort

Honda’s smaller crossover vehicles, like the Honda HR-V and Honda CR-V, are designed for drivers who value comfort, efficiency, and versatility.

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that’s great for city driving. Built with a car chassis, it offers agile handling and easy maneuverability while still providing plenty of interior space. The 2026 HR-V has a spacious interior, flexible rear seats that fold flat, creating up to 55 cubic feet of cargo capacity – impressive for its size.

With its efficient four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and available wheel drive, the HR-V is a friendly SUV that’s ideal for commuters, young families, or anyone looking for the versatility of an SUV without the bulk.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V takes things up a notch as one of Honda’s most popular compact SUVs. With seating for five passengers, a smooth ride, and available hybrid powertrains, it’s a great example of a crossover utility vehicle that balances efficiency and performance.

The 2026 CR-V offers a spacious interior and up to 76.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, depending on configuration. Its hybrid model combines gas and electric power for strong acceleration and excellent gas mileage.

These smaller Honda crossovers are built for drivers who want sedan-like comfort with SUV functionality – perfect for daily drives around Peoria or weekend getaways.

Honda SUVs: Capability and Space

When you move up in the Honda SUV lineup, you reach models like the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot – larger SUVs that bring more power, towing capacity, and passenger capacity.

Honda Passport

The Honda Passport is the adventurous spirit of the Honda family. It’s considered a midsize SUV but still offers the unibody construction of a crossover – giving you the best of both worlds. Under the hood, the 2026 Passpower is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower.

Designed with all-wheel drive, this Honda SUV is great for those who enjoy outdoor adventures or need to tackle unpredictable terrain. Inside, there’s plenty of room for five passengers, plus up to 100.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded down.

The Passport’s rugged design and available TrailSport trim make it ideal for drivers who want a perfect SUV that’s both comfortable and capable.

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is the largest SUV in Honda’s diverse SUV lineup, offering three rows of spacious seating for up to eight passengers. It’s built on the same strong car platform as the Passport but tuned for families who need more space and flexibility.

The Pilot’s spacious interior provides over 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume when the rear seats are folded, offering ample space for gear, luggage, or supplies. With available all-wheel drive and a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, it can handle both the highway and the occasional off-road trail with ease.

For families or anyone who needs to move people and cargo comfortably, the Pilot represents the ideal Honda SUV – versatile, roomy, and ready for any adventure.

Honda Prologue: The Electric SUV of the Future

When discussing crossovers and SUVs, it’s impossible not to mention where the market is heading – electrification. The all-new 2026 Honda Prologue joins the SUV category as Honda’s first electric SUV, combining modern design with innovative performance.

The Prologue rides on an electric car platform, delivering smooth power, instant torque, and zero emissions.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious interior, seating for five, and high-tech amenities like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and built-in Google integration.

Key Differences Between Honda’s Crossovers and SUVs

While Honda’s SUVs and crossovers share many similarities, a few key differences stand out:

• Construction: All Honda SUVs use unibody (car-based) platforms, but larger models like the Passport and Pilot are engineered for more strength and capability.
• Performance: Crossovers like the CR-V and HR-V prioritize efficiency, while SUVs like the Passport and Pilot emphasize power and towing capacity.
• Passenger Capacity: Smaller Honda crossovers seat five passengers, while the Pilot offers three rows for up to eight.
• Cargo Space: The Passport and Pilot provide more cargo capacity than the CR-V or HR-V.
• Road Capabilities: SUVs are better suited for off-roading or rough terrain, while crossovers are ideal for city and highway driving.
• Fuel Efficiency: Crossovers are typically more efficient than SUVs, especially with hybrid powertrains available in the CR-V Hybrid.

The Honda SUV Size Overview

To help you compare, here’s a quick breakdown of Honda SUV models and the type of drivers they suit best:

• Honda HR-V: Smallest, ideal for urban driving and efficiency.
• Honda CR-V: Compact SUV with more space and hybrid options.
• Honda Passport: Midsize SUV with off-road capabilities.
• Honda Pilot: Largest three-row SUV, offering maximum seating and cargo.
• Honda Prologue: All-electric SUV with cutting-edge tech and design.

Whether you’re drawn to the agility of a compact crossover or the strength of a midsize SUV, Honda’s lineup ensures you’ll find the perfect Honda SUV for your needs.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between a crossover and an SUV depends on your priorities. If you want something lightweight, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive, the Honda HR-V or CR-V might be your match. But if you need more room, cargo space, and towing power, consider the Honda Passport or Honda Pilot.

For those ready to embrace the future, the Honda Prologue offers an electric alternative without sacrificing the versatility you expect from a Honda SUV.

Explore the Honda SUV Lineup at Bob Lindsay Honda

Ready to experience the difference between a crossover and an SUV firsthand? Visit Bob Lindsay Honda in Peoria, IL, to explore our Honda SUV inventory. Our team at Bob Lindsay Honda will help you compare trims, configurations, and SUV functionality to find the ideal Honda SUV for your family or lifestyle.

You can also search vehicles online to view our current selection, schedule a test drive, or learn more about the Honda SUV models. Whether you’re looking for an efficient compact SUV or a three-row SUV with maximum cargo volume, you’ll find the perfect SUV waiting at Bob Lindsay Honda.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.