Honda
Crosstour
Owner report available
Honda
Pilot
Owner report available
Honda Crosstour vs Honda Pilot
The short answer
The Honda Crosstour offers fuel economy, while the Honda Pilot excels at power instead. Choose the Honda Crosstour if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Honda Pilot if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Crosstour
Overall
Sentiment is predominantly positive among long-term owners, who frequently describe the vehicle as a practical, reliable, and surprisingly enjoyable "unicorn" or "perfect car" that was ahead of its time. It is praised for its versatile cargo space (capable of fitting full sheets of plywood), comfortable ride, robust V6 engine power, and the availability of AWD. Owner satisfaction is often tied to securing a well-maintained example, as the vehicle is noted to be increasingly hard to find in good condition.
Best version to buy
2013-2015 EX-L V6 AWD (Facelift Models). The facelifted models (2013-2015) are specifically sought after.
Known issues
- VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) System Problems: Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, oil leaks from the VCM actuator solenoid onto the alternator (leading to alternator/battery failure), and excessive vibration that we…
- Oil Consumption: Significant oil usage, particularly in earlier V6 models (e.g., 2010), often linked directly to the VCM system. Frequency: very frequent.
- Intermittent No-Start Condition: Push-button start models may fail to crank, displaying a "starter system fault" light, often related to electrical gremlins or a failing brake switch. Frequency: recurrent.
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
The verdict
The Honda Crosstour is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Honda Crosstour are a dealbreaker, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Crosstour or the Honda Pilot?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Honda Crosstour than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Honda Crosstour or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot seats more passengers than the Honda Crosstour on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda Crosstour is classed as a Coupe, the Honda Pilot as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Crosstour or the Honda Pilot?
The EPA rates the 2015 Honda Crosstour at 22–25 mpg combined and the 2026 Honda Pilot at 20–22 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Crosstour or the Honda Pilot?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.