Best Honda SUV to Buy Used

June 29th, 2025 by

Do you need a solid, budget-friendly SUV? Honda’s lineup offers many options. Keep reading as we make a Honda SUV model comparison to help you find your perfect match for driving in Marion, Illinois, whether you need something for hauling kids and cargo, heading off-road, or daily driving.

Used Honda Passport in black paint for sale in Marion, IL.

Why Choose a Used Honda?

Honda vehicles offer serious staying power and quality, providing comfort and versatility without breaking the bank. Many recognize Honda SUV reliability, so you’re sure to find a vehicle you can depend on, whether a compact HR-V or a spacious, family-friendly Pilot.

Honda CR-V: The All-Rounder

The CR-V balances performance, comfort, and practicality, with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats down. The 2015 CR-V’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 185 hp.

This model year gets 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Newer gas models hit 30 mpg combined, while hybrids reach 40 mpg, saving you money on daily Marion commutes and longer road trips around Illinois. The CR-V’s safety scores are excellent, and many models reach over 200,000 miles. Kelley Blue Book named the CR-V the Best Compact SUV of 2023.

Best Years for a Used Honda CR-V

CR-V model years vary in quality. Fourth-generation models (2012-2016) offer solid dependability, while those from 2020 or newer have improved safety technology, cutting-edge infotainment features, and capable engines. Due to engine issues, there are several years to avoid, including 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 models.

Choosing the right model year depends on your needs and budget. Older models cost less with proven reliability, but newer ones offer better features. Either way, a good CR-V will serve you well for years, from grocery trips in Marion to weekend getaways in Shawnee National Forest.

Honda HR-V: Compact Convenience

If you want SUV perks in a city-friendly package, check out the Honda HR-V. This smaller option offers versatility without bulk, making it perfect for downtown Marion. Don’t let its size fool you; it seats five comfortably.

A 2023 HR-V comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 158 hp. Its strength is efficiency; 28 mpg combined means fewer fuel stops. The HR-V maximizes space with 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the back seats folded. That’s plenty for groceries, luggage, or gear. With good care, HR-Vs last up to 200,000 miles, and newer models add solid safety features. The HR-V fits the bill perfectly if you want a zippy city car that handles weekend adventures.

Honda Pilot: Family-Friendly and Spacious

Do you have a large family? The Honda Pilot is your answer. Honda’s biggest SUV gives you space for people and gear, with three rows of seats and plenty of cargo space. It offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet with all the rear seats down.

The Pilot’s V-6 engine balances power with decent fuel economy, averaging 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Regarding safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given it five-star ratings for several years. With its comfortable ride and family-friendly features, the Pilot offers serious value.

Honda Passport: The Adventurous Option

The Honda Passport is your best option for city comfort and weekend adventure capabilities. This two-row midsize SUV is ideal for visiting state parks or tackling gravel roads. Third-generation Passports offer significant reliability improvements. The 2019 model earned a perfect 5 out of 5 reliability score from Consumer Reports. Fuel economy runs around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The Passport offers around 50.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. If you like boating at Rend Lake, a used Passport makes weekend adventures cozy and practical.

Comparing Used Honda SUV Models: Which One Fits You Best?

Choosing the right Honda SUV depends on your needs. Here are a few quick facts to help you decide:

  • Size: The HR-V is the smallest option, making it ideal for city maneuverability. The Pilot and Passport offer the most room, but the Pilot stands out with its three rows of seating if you have a family.
  • Passenger space: The 2023 Honda CR-V has 106 cubic feet of passenger volume, beating the HR-V by a little over 7 cubic feet, but the Pilot wins with 154.9 cubic feet. These numbers change slightly depending on the model year.
  • Cargo capacity: The CR-V can fit 11 carry-on suitcases, while the HR-V can hold seven. The larger the SUV, the more cargo space you’ll have.
  • Acceleration: The HR-V can go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds; the Passport is the quickest, accomplishing it in 5.9 seconds.

Certified Preowned Honda SUVs: Are They Worth the Extra Cost?

Certified Preowned (CPO) Hondas pass a 182-point inspection and include a seven-year/100,000 powertrain warranty and two years or up to 100,000 miles of non-powertrain coverage. The warranty often justifies the higher cost of a CPO Honda, saving you thousands on major repairs. You’ll get roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty and two free oil changes in the first year. Many dealers offer CPO-specific financing rates. If you plan to keep your Honda long-term and value warranty protection, a CPO model is worth the extra cost.

Where To Buy a Used Honda SUV: Dealerships vs. Private Sellers

You can buy a used Honda SUV from dealerships or private sellers. Dealerships offer safer transactions with vehicle history reports that reveal any past accidents. Many include warranty coverage, even for non-CPO vehicles. A dealership also offers multiple models, years, and trim levels in one spot, and you can save time with on-site financing.

Private sellers may offer lower prices but won’t generally provide a warranty. Always have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and run history reports yourself. Dealer security is worth the cost when you spend thousands on a car.

Find the Perfect Used Honda SUV at Ike Honda Today

Are you ready to find your ideal used Honda SUV? Contact our Ike Honda team to learn about our selection of quality preowned vehicles. Our team can help match you with the right Honda for your lifestyle and budget, whether a nimble HR-V for city drives or a roomy Pilot for family trips. With solid financing options and staff who care about your needs, we make car shopping straightforward and fun.

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