Long-Distance Family SUV Guide: 2025 Honda HR-V vs CR-V vs Pilot for Quebec Road Trips
June 25 2025,

The summer driving season brings endless possibilities for Quebec families looking to explore beyond Montreal. Whether you're planning weekend getaways to the Laurentians or extended road trips across the province, choosing the right Honda SUV can transform your travel experience from stressful to memorable.
Honda's three-SUV lineup offers distinct advantages for different family sizes and travel styles. Each model delivers the reliability and comfort that make long highway stretches enjoyable, but understanding their unique strengths helps you pick the right companion for your summer adventures.
Compact Efficiency: 2025 Honda HR-V
The HR-V proves that good things come in efficient packages. With seating for five and 691 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, this compact SUV handles weekend trips and daily driving with equal ease.
Key Road Trip Features:
- Real Time AWD available on LX AWD, Sport, and EX-L NAVI trims
- 158 hp 2.0-litre engine delivers reliable highway performance
- Fuel economy: 9.4/7.8/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway/combined) with AWD
- 53-litre fuel tank provides solid range between fill-ups
- 1,064 mm front legroom keeps drivers comfortable on long hauls
HR-V Trim |
Drivetrain |
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
LX 2WD |
FWD |
9.1/7.4/8.3 |
4 speakers, fabric seats |
LX AWD |
Real Time AWD |
9.4/7.8/8.7 |
AWD, heated front seats |
Sport |
Real Time AWD |
9.4/7.8/8.7 |
6 speakers, dual-zone climate |
EX-L NAVI |
Real Time AWD |
9.4/7.8/8.7 |
Leather, navigation, 8 speakers |
The HR-V works best for couples or small families who value fuel efficiency and easy parking at destination stops. Its compact footprint navigates Quebec's historic city centres without stress.
Versatile Favourite: 2025 CR-V
Canada's best-selling compact SUV earns its reputation through balanced capability. The CR-V offers more space than the HR-V while maintaining manageable size and excellent fuel economy.
Family Road Trip Advantages:
- Choice of 1.5-litre turbo (190 hp) or hybrid powertrain (204 hp combined)
- 1,113 litres cargo capacity (2,166 litres with seats folded)
- Hybrid models achieve 6.0/6.9/6.4 L/100 km fuel economy
- Real Time AWD standard on Sport, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid
- Honda Sensing safety suite standard across all trims
CR-V Trim |
Engine |
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
LX 2WD |
1.5L Turbo |
8.4/7.1/7.8 |
4 speakers, manual climate |
LX AWD |
1.5L Turbo |
9.1/7.6/8.4 |
AWD, 4 speakers |
Sport |
1.5L Turbo |
9.1/7.6/8.4 |
6 speakers, AWD standard |
EX-L Hybrid |
2.0L + Hybrid |
6.0/6.9/6.4 |
Leather, 8 speakers, AWD |
Touring Hybrid |
2.0L + Hybrid |
6.0/6.9/6.4 |
Navigation, Bose audio, AWD |
The CR-V strikes the sweet spot for most Quebec families, offering hybrid efficiency without compromising passenger or cargo space.
Maximum Space: 2025 Honda Pilot
When your crew includes three rows of passengers or serious cargo requirements, the Pilot delivers SUV capability in a family-friendly package. This eight-passenger SUV handles everything from hockey tournaments to extended cottage stays.
Large Family Benefits:
- 285 hp 3.5-litre V6 engine provides confident highway passing power
- 635 litres cargo space behind third row, expanding to 3,166 litres
- Available 2,268 kg towing capacity with accessory package
- i-VTM4 AWD standard across all five trim levels
- Tri-zone climate control keeps all passengers comfortable
Pilot Trim |
Engine |
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) |
Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Sport |
3.5L V6 |
12.4/9.3/11.0 |
i-VTM4 AWD, 7 speakers |
EX-L |
3.5L V6 |
12.4/9.3/11.0 |
Leather, 9 speakers, memory seats |
TrailSport |
3.5L V6 |
13.2/10.1/11.8 |
All-terrain tires, off-road tuning |
Touring |
3.5L V6 |
12.7/9.4/11.2 |
BOSE audio, head-up display |
Black Edition |
3.5L V6 |
12.7/9.4/11.2 |
Premium features, unique styling |
The Pilot's 70-litre fuel tank and reasonable highway efficiency provide solid range considering its size and capability. Advanced safety features like Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor add confidence during highway lane changes.
Making Your Choice
For weekend getaways and daily efficiency, the HR-V delivers impressive capability in a fuel-sipping package. Growing families appreciate the CR-V's balance of space, efficiency, and advanced hybrid technology. Large families or those with serious cargo needs find the Pilot's three-row versatility worth the extra fuel cost.
Each Honda SUV includes comprehensive warranty coverage and the reliability that makes long-distance travel worry-free.
Ready to find your perfect road trip companion? Visit Lallier Honda Montreal to experience how each model handles Quebec's highways and discover which SUV fits your family's adventure plans.