The Best Honda SUVs for Relocating in California

If you're one of the many Californians choosing to move on to greener pastures, you might be looking for an SUV that can safely and securely transport your family and your belongings to your new home. Lucky for you, Honda offers a range of budget-friendly SUV options, and in this article, we'll be going over our favorites in terms of performance, space, and additional features to help you find the perfect vehicle for your move.

The Short Version

The Family Friendly Ride	Honda CR-V
The Big Family Ride	Honda Pilot
The Adventurer's Ride	Honda Passport
The Compact Ride	Honda HR-V

• • Honda offers a variety of SUVs suitable for different needs, making them ideal for those relocating from California.

• • The 2025 Honda CR-V is a top choice for families, offering spacious interiors, excellent fuel economy, and advanced safety features.

• • For larger families, the 2025 Honda Pilot provides ample seating and cargo space, along with a powerful V6 engine and modern safety technologies.

• • The Honda Passport is perfect for adventure seekers, featuring off-road capabilities, a robust V6 engine, and standard all-wheel drive.

• • The Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that combines affordability, efficient fuel economy, and smart space utilization, making it ideal for shorter-distance moves or budget-conscious buyers.

Hasta la Vista California!

California, famously known as the Golden State, has long been a dream destination for many. With over four million people calling Los Angeles home, it's the most populated city on the West Coast. However, in recent years, more folks have been packing up and heading out of California than moving in.

Back in 2024, a notable number of people decided to leave, driven by reasons like the high cost of living and the pursuit of homeownership dreams. Interestingly, while about 690,100 people left California between 2022 and 2023, around 422,000 new residents moved in. Popular spots for those leaving include Texas, Florida, and New York.

If you're thinking about joining the trend and moving, having the right vehicle can make your transition a breeze. Honda offers a variety of new models tailored to meet different needs, making them a fantastic option for your journey.

So, whether you're planning a move to a new state or simply dreaming of a fresh start, let's dive into the top Honda SUVs that can meet your moving needs. From roomy interiors to reliable performance, these vehicles are designed to make your move as smooth as possible.

Honda CR-V: A Top Choice for Families

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has won the hearts of many families. With its excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, it’s no wonder why it’s a top choice for families looking for a spacious midsize SUV to leave the City of Stars in.

Let’s dive into what makes the CR-V such a standout vehicle for family moves.

Interior Comfort and Space

Cargo space is essential when you're packing up for a move, and the Honda CR-V does not disappoint. Designed with interior comfort in mind, this compact SUV offers a spacious cabin that enhances the driving experience. Passengers in the front row enjoy up to 40 inches of headroom, while those in the rear benefit from an impressive 41 inches of legroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone.

The CR-V can comfortably seat up to five people, and the rear seat is designed to recline for added passenger comfort. This flexible seating configuration makes it easy to adapt the space to your needs, whether you’re transporting kids, friends, or bulky items. With 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the Honda CR-V provides ample storage for various needs.

Whether you’re moving boxes, furniture, or simply your loved ones, the CR-V’s spacious interior and ample cargo space make it one of the roomiest SUVs in the compact SUV category. It’s designed to accommodate all your moving essentials while ensuring a comfortable ride.

Performance and Handling

Performance is another area where the Honda CR-V shines. Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it delivers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency. The nonhybrid version achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, meaning fewer gas stops on your way to your new home.

The CR-V’s performance is complemented by its responsive handling and comfortable ride, ensuring that whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising down the Pacific Coast, you’ll enjoy a smooth and confident driving experience. This makes it a practical and reliable vehicle for all your moving needs.

Technology and Features

The Honda CR-V is packed with technology and features that'll keep you and your passengers comfortable no matter how long the drive is to your new home. The standard infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless connectivity for all passengers. With options for a 7.0-inch or 9.0-inch touchscreen, the CR-V caters to different preferences and needs.

In addition to infotainment, the CR-V is equipped with advanced safety features that provide peace of mind while driving with family. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, these features ensure that the CR-V not only offers a comfortable ride but also prioritizes safety for all occupants.

Honda Pilot: Perfect for Larger Families

For larger families, our sales team recommends the Honda Pilot, another standout midsize SUV option. With seating for up to eight passengers, advanced safety features, and a powerful V6 engine, the Pilot is designed to provide a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

Let’s explore the details that make the Pilot perfect for larger families on the move.

Spacious Interior and Cargo Capacity

The Honda Pilot is all about space and flexibility. With three rows of seating, it can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it one of the largest options in Honda’s lineup. The flexible seating configurations allow you to optimize passenger and cargo space according to your needs, whether you’re transporting a large family or a significant amount of luggage.

The Pilot’s cargo space is notably generous, with the capacity to fit more items than some competitors like the Kia Telluride. This makes it ideal for moving out, as you can easily transport large items without compromising on passenger comfort. The spacious interior ensures that everyone has enough room to sit comfortably, even on long journeys.

In addition to its ample cargo space, the Pilot offers a range of storage solutions, including under-floor storage compartments and configurable seating options. This practicality makes it easy to accommodate varied cargo loads, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free moving experience.

Advanced Safety and Tech Features

Safety is also a top priority for the Honda Pilot, which includes standard adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, keeping your journey comfortable and secure. The Honda Sensing® suite offers a range of advanced safety technologies, including collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist, keeping those early-morning departures from turning into afternoon drags.

In terms of technology, the Pilot is available with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most trims. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained, whether you’re heading to San Diego or San Antonio.

Driving Experience and Fuel Economy

The driving experience in the Honda Pilot is smooth and powerful, thanks to its robust V6 engine. With 285 horsepower, the Pilot offers strong performance and ensures a comfortable ride, even when fully loaded. This makes it an excellent choice for larger families who need a reliable and efficient vehicle for their moving needs.

Fuel efficiency is also a highlight, with the Pilot achieving up to 27 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. This competitive fuel economy makes the Pilot a practical and economical option if you need strong performance without breaking the bank.

Honda Passport: Adventure-Ready Midsize SUV

Even if you're only passing through state lines instead of national ones, a Passport - the Honda Passport, that is - will always be a good option for a move. For those seeking adventure, the Honda Passport is a midsize SUV designed to handle various terrains and driving conditions. With a robust V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, the Passport is perfect if your new home offers the opportunity for some offroad fun.

Let’s dive into the details that make the Passport an ideal choice for adventurous moves.

Off-Road Capabilities and Performance

The Honda Passport is equipped with a 280-hp V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering brisk acceleration and robust performance. The standard all-wheel drive enhances its capabilities, making it suitable for various terrains and driving conditions.

While the Passport can handle light off-road conditions, the TrailSport variant enhances its ruggedness, although it still falls short of dedicated off-road competitors like the Ford Bronco. Nevertheless, for most adventure seekers, the Passport offers a balanced blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Inside, the Honda Passport offers a roomy and comfy interior. With plenty of legroom and headspace for both front and rear passengers, it ensures everyone enjoys the ride. The use of high-quality materials and advanced climate control further enhances the driving experience, making even the longest trips more pleasant.

The Passport also comes with flexible storage options, like under-floor compartments and adjustable seating, making it easy to fit all kinds of cargo. Whether you're packing up a few extra bags or your family's valuables, the Passport's practical design ensures you have space for everything you need on your move.

Standard Features and Technology

The Honda Passport comes equipped with a range of standard features and technology aimed at enhancing safety and convenience. Every model includes Honda Sensing, a suite of standard driver-assist technologies that provide added peace of mind on the road.

In terms of infotainment, the Passport features a touchscreen display that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity for all passengers. These advanced features make the Passport a well-rounded and practical choice for families and adventure seekers alike.

Honda HR-V: Compact SUV with Big Value

The Honda HR-V is a compact SUV that packs a punch when it comes to value. Priced just over $25,000, it blends affordability with great fuel efficiency and smart use of space.

Let's dive into why the HR-V stands out in the compact SUV scene.

Efficient Design and Space Utilization

The HR-V is crafted to make the most of both passenger and cargo space. With its adaptable rear seat system, it boosts cargo capacity, making it handy for all sorts of needs. This flexible two-row setup comfortably seats five passengers and offers 24.5 cubic feet of cargo room, which expands to over 55 cubic feet when you fold down the rear seats.

Thanks to its clever interior design, the HR-V can fit up to seven carry-on suitcases with the rear seats down. No matter where you're headed to, from SoCal all the way to the east coast, the HR-V's smart design ensures you've got the space you need for everything.

Fuel Economy and Performance

If you're cruising California's highways, the HR-V's fuel efficiency is a real money-saver. It gets about 26 mpg in the city and up to 32 mpg on the highway with front-wheel-drive models, making it a smart pick for those mindful of their fuel budget. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the HR-V, delivering dependable performance while keeping those fuel costs down.

With a combined fuel economy rating hovering around 27-28 mpg, the HR-V strikes a great balance between performance and efficiency. It's an ideal choice for drivers who want to save at the pump while enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride through California's diverse landscapes.

Technology and Comfort Features

Each 2025 Honda HR-V model is decked out with cutting-edge infotainment systems that elevate your driving experience. The 8.0-inch touchscreen syncs effortlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you and your passengers connected on the go.

When it comes to comfort, the HR-V doesn’t skimp. It features premium materials and state-of-the-art climate control, making every drive a pleasure. These elements make the HR-V not only a practical choice but also a comfortable and enjoyable ride for both local moves around California and longer interstate adventures.

Hit the Road Today With Chula Vista Honda

In short, our inventory at Chula Vista Honda offers a variety of brand-new or pre-owned SUVs that suit a variety of needs and preferences, making them perfect for your next move.

The Honda CR-V is an excellent pick for families, boasting a roomy interior, great fuel economy, and top-notch safety features. This versatile compact SUV is ready for any family adventure, ensuring a smooth ride every time.

If you've got a larger crew, the Honda Pilot is a standout choice with its three-row seating and ample cargo space. It offers strong performance paired with advanced safety and tech features, making it a reliable and efficient ride.

For those with a thirst for adventure, the Honda Passport is your go-to, featuring off-road capabilities and a spacious, comfy interior. And if you're looking for big value in a small package, the Honda HR-V is your answer, blending affordability, fuel efficiency, and smart space use.

Whether you're relocating or just need a dependable SUV for everyday life, Honda’s range has something for everyone. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle and hit the road in comfort. For more details or to schedule a test drive, contact Chula Vista Honda today. We're here to help you find your perfect ride!