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    A Perfect Comparison Between Toyota RAV4 And Honda CR-V

    Image Source: Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock

    The 2024 Toyota RAV4 and 2025 Honda CR-V both occupy a central position in today’s economical family vehicle market, presenting a combination of efficiency, spaciousness, and adaptability that will attract households opting to avoid a third-row seat and maintain a budget. From the broader perspective to the finer details, specifications, and pricing, it’s evident why these models sustain such strong popularity.

    Crossover utility vehicles such as the CR-V and RAV4 have become the equivalent of sedans for smaller families in the past generation. They tend to provide a more car-like ride and handling compared to trucks, with a touch of off-road capability and slightly higher ground clearance. They are flexible in the best possible manner, and their elevated seating position makes access to children, child seats, and groceries a breeze. Moreover, in an era where the average new vehicle price is nearing $50,000, both these vehicles can be acquired for approximately $30,000 in their basic variants up to about $40,000 when fully loaded, even as high-mpg hybrids.

    An exception is the Toyota RAV4 Prime, featuring a more potent 302-hp hybrid system along with an 18.1-kwh battery pack that provides 42 miles of all-electric driving on a full charge. It represents the performance and innovation pinnacle of the lineup, unmatched in the Honda CR-V roster.

    2025 Honda CR-V

    Price and Attributes Comparison between Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both base versions are priced around $30,000. RAV4 offers a Prime plug-in hybrid model. CR-V Hybrid available in front- or all-wheel drive, RAV4 Hybrid exclusively in AWD. Top choices: CR-V LX or Sport Hybrid, RAV4 XLE or XLE Hybrid

    Cost of a Brand New Honda CR-V?

    The starting price for a base model of the Honda CR-V LX with front-wheel drive is about $31,000. This includes features such as keyless start, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Across the lineup, including hybrids, adding all-wheel drive costs an extra $1,500.

    Moving up, mid-level EX and EX-L variants add more comfort and convenience features. The EX model gets a power driver seat, heated front seats, a sunroof, blind-spot monitors, and 18-inch wheels. The EX-L serves as the entry model for the non-hybrid lineup to feature a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen. It also includes an eight-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging.

    CR-V Hybrid models are available in Sport and Sport-L trims, characterized by a sportier design with black-painted 18-inch wheels and a smaller touchscreen. The Sport-L variants add a power tailgate, leather upholstery, and wireless device charging. At the top end is the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, priced at around $42,000. This version boasts Bose audio, 19-inch wheels, and a built-in navigation system. Optional extras span from unique paint colors to a tow hitch and cargo accessories, among a few other features.

    How Much Would a Brand New Toyota RAV4 Cost?

    Unless opting for a plug-in hybrid model like the RAV4 Prime, the RAV4 lineup offers a variety of front- or all-wheel-drive gasoline iterations, as well as all-wheel-drive Hybrid versions. The starting price for a base LE RAV4 is approximately $30,000, climbing up to about $41,000 for the Hybrid Limited AWD. In the entire lineup, the premium for all-wheel drive on non-hybrid models amounts to $1,400.

    The base LE comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, adaptive cruise control, a comprehensive set of safety features, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    The XLE RAV4 commences at $31,680, incorporating a power-adjustable driver seat, blind-spot monitors, and alloy wheels. Optional features include heated seats and a sunroof. The XLE Premium model at $34,425 introduces synthetic leather seats and automatic climate control.

    Hybrid options commence with the Hybrid LE at around $33,000, merely $1,650 more compared to a non-hybrid LE AWD at the time of writing. The XLE Hybrid approaches $35,000 and could potentially fulfill all requirements for most RAV4 shoppers with optional heated seats. The non-Prime RAV4 lineup culminates in the $41,000 Hybrid Limited, reaching $44,000 when accessorized with a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Advanced Technology Package featuring wireless device charging, hands-free liftgate operation, and a panoramic camera system.

    In the middle lies the Hybrid SE, an attractive mid-range choice priced around $35,000. Meanwhile, Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants are equipped with necessary additional features for regular camping or off-road activities. These models do not come in Hybrid form and start at approximately $36,000 and $40,000, respectively, with the Prime model exceeding $50,000.

    Advantage: Toyota RAV4, as AWD comes at no extra cost in high-mpg hybrid form.

    • Comparing Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in terms of size, dimensions, and cargo space
    • CR-V is marginally longer and lower than RAV4
    • CR-V offers more cargo space with rear seatbacks up or down
    • RAV4 is slightly taller overall and in certain variants boasts increased ground clearance

    Dimensions of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are fairly close in comparison, as are their specifications when benchmarked against similar models like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. The Toyota RAV4 typically measures around 181 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 67 inches in height across most versions, riding on a wheelbase of approximately 106 inches. On the other hand, the CR-V spans about 185 inches in length, 74 inches in width, and 67 inches in height, with a similar wheelbase of around 106 inches.

    Consequently, the CR-V boasts a larger cabin, confirmed by official dimensions and the perception of spaciousness. While the RAV4 cabin is slightly more upright, the CR-V’s cabin imparts a roomier feel, both in the front and the back. By passenger volume, the CR-V offers 103.5 cubic feet, surpassing the RAV4’s 98.9 cubic feet. In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 provides 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat or nearly 70 cubic feet when folded, but the CR-V leads in this category as well with about 39 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 76.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded. An observation from real-world usage suggests that while the RAV4’s seats lay flat with pressure, the CR-V does not achieve a completely flat surface.

    When focusing on practicality and comfort, the RAV4 slightly trails in terms of front-seat comfort. Meanwhile, the CR-V’s front seats offer greater support and comfort. The larger door openings in the Honda also facilitate easier access to the back seats. Due to the seating position and roofline, taller occupants may find more headspace in the Honda compared to the Toyota.

    Advantage: CR-V.

    • Comparison between Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in terms of towing capacity
    • RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD models can tow weights up to 3,500 pounds
    • If towing is something you consider, the CR-V Hybrid’s 1,000-pound limit might not meet your needs
    • Do not overlook the possibility of towing, even if it’s just a small amount, with the Toyota hybrid variant

    The RAV4 Hybrid has a towing capacity of up to 1,750 pounds, while non-hybrid models have a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds in most variations.

    Certain variants like Adventure and TRD Off-Road can tow up to 3,500 pounds, whereas the plug-in Prime version of the RAV4 can handle 2,500 pounds.

    On the other hand, the towing capacities of the CR-V are slightly lower, reaching up to 1,500 pounds for non-hybrid versions. Additionally, the CVT automatic transmission in the CR-V does not seem as well-suited for towing as the RAV4’s 8-speed automatic. Although the CR-V Hybrid’s instant torque and predominantly electric propulsion make it seem better equipped for towing, Honda has rated its towing capacity at just 1,000 pounds, which is more suitable for light trailers.

    Winner: Toyota RAV4.

    2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

    • Comparison between Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of off-road capabilities
    • RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants are specifically designed for off-road use
    • Both lineups offer around eight inches of ground clearance in most versions
    • In hybrid models, there are significant differences in the types of AWD systems used

    The Honda CR-V features 7.8 inches of ground clearance with front-wheel drive and 8.2 inches with all-wheel drive. In contrast, the RAV4 lineup varies the ground clearance based on trim level. Opting for the trail-oriented Adventure or TRD Off-Road gasoline versions of the RAV4 provides up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, with the latter incorporating specialized off-road modes that could be beneficial.

    All-wheel-drive CR-Vs utilize a mechanical all-wheel-drive system to distribute power to the rear wheels as needed, irrespective of whether they are hybrid or not. This is similar to the method employed by non-hybrid all-wheel-drive RAV4s in power delivery. However, RAV4 Hybrid models incorporate a separate motor for the rear wheels as part of the hybrid system, although it is not mechanically connected to the engine or front transaxle. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, but based on our observations, the RAV4 Hybrid’s AWD system demonstrates remarkable finesse, particularly on snowy driveways, which is where AWD is most often used.

    Winner: RAV4, due to its focus on trail-specific versions.

    2024 Toyota RAV4

    • Comparison between Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in terms of safety features
    • Both exhibit predominantly good safety records, with some shortcomings
    • Overall, RAV4’s crash-test scores are slightly superior
    • Both vehicles are recognized as 2024 IIHS Top Safety Picks
    • Blind-spot monitors are standard on all CR-V models but optional on RAV4

    Both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V boast commendable safety ratings and results, although there is room for enhancement. The RAV4 has secured five stars overall from the less rigorous NHTSA NCAP program. While it did not achieve the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ status, it did earn the Top Safety Pick designation, with updated side-impact test outcomes deemed “Acceptable.”

    Conversely, the Honda CR-V does not fare better and even performs marginally worse in IIHS assessments, receiving a “Poor” rating in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, despite achieving a “Good” result in the updated side-impact test. Like the RAV4, the CR-V lineup achieves a five-star NHTSA rating based on a combination of four- and five-star ratings.

    Both models feature automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control, with well-rated headlights. While blind-spot monitors are standard on all CR-V trims but are only optional on RAV4 models, the CR-V falls slightly behind due to poor rear visibility and the absence of a surround-view camera system.

    Winner: Toyota RAV4.

    2025 Honda CR-V

    Comparison between Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of performance metrics. In non-hybrid variants, the CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine and a CVT, while the RAV4 features a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Driving characteristics of RAV4s vary significantly depending on the model. Handling and ride quality are notably better in all CR-V versions

    The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 share similarities in power and performance, but their non-hybrid and hybrid variants differ significantly in powertrains and power delivery mechanisms.

    The CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine generates 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CR-V may not provide rapid responses, but its CVT delivers smooth and adequate performance for daily driving and highway passing maneuvers. Honda has improved the drivability of this combination by adding simulated gearshifts to the transmission, resulting in a smooth and relatively quiet driving experience, albeit not remarkably quick.

    On the other hand, base RAV4 models come equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the 8-speed automatic transmission provides responsive shifts, the overall powertrain lacks refinement and tends to exhibit loud and coarse characteristics, not significantly faster than the CR-V in terms of acceleration (approximately around eight seconds for both models in 0-60 mph acceleration tests).

    The hybrid versions of both models offer better performance, increased refinement, and significantly improved fuel efficiency for a slightly higher upfront cost. Toyota’s hybrid system includes a rear-wheel motor, delivering a combined output of 219 hp and providing a noticeable boost in acceleration compared to the base engine. Honda’s hybrid system employs two electric motors, with one directly powering the wheels most of the time, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque in an electric car-like manner, with the engine being quite audible on uphill climbs.

    Overall, the Honda CR-V excels as a superior handler, offering enhanced ride quality and a quieter cabin.

    Image Source: Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock

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