Summary
- The Toyota RAV4 remains popular due to its affordable starting price and global reputation for reliability. The CR-V poses a challenge with its strong sales numbers and the introduction of its all-new sixth-generation model.
- The RAV4 offers a wide range of trim levels, including both conventional and hybrid engine options. The CR-V has fewer trim options but offers hybrid models with a more powerful engine.
- The RAV4 excels in fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid variants. It outperforms the CR-V in terms of MPG, which can result in significant savings on fuel costs. However, the CR-V has a slight advantage in interior space and cargo room, making it more practical for some buyers.
The RAV4 remains one of the most popular Crossovers on the market. In 2022, Toyota sold over 399,941 examples of the RAV4 in the United States and 840,000 worldwide. It also helps that it has a relatively affordable starting price.
The compact crossover market is vibrant with models like the Nissan Rogue and the Ford Explorer, which also have a significant market share. But, the brand giving Toyota a run for its money is Honda with its CR-V. Honda sold approximately 280,000 CR-Vs in the United States, coming in second behind the RAV4 in 2022. But that gap will only get thinner with the introduction of the all-new sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V.
So, the race is on between the two crossover front-runners, but which vehicle is better? The RAV4 may slightly edge out the CR-V because of its global popularity and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, but the CR-V is no slouch by any means. The latest CR-V has some features and conveniences that make it stand out in the crowded compact crossover segment.
So, without further ado, here is an overview of the traits that make the RAV4 an excellent choice for a crossover and why the CR-V can be viewed as a better choice for some buyers.
Updated on August 24, 2023: The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are such awesome SUVs that it would be a shame to let this piece get lost in the multitudes of outdated articles. Therefore, we have decided to update and refresh this list with some new information to keep it fresh and new for you to enjoy!
10 Toyota RAV4: More Affordable
The 2023 RAV4 has a starting price of $28,275. You will have to pay a little higher for the CR-V, with the entry model LX having a sticker price of $28,410 before options. Granted, that is only a few hundred bucks more for the base model Honda, but as you go higher into the trim levels, the cost differences start to grow wider, as you can see below. Generally, all the RAV4 models are comparatively cheaper than their CR-V counterparts.
For example, the CR-V EX, which is a trim right above the LX, has a starting price of $31,060. The RAV4 XLE sits above the RAV4 entry trim and costs $29,785. In the top trims, the Sports Touring Hybrid CR-V is the most expensive model, starting at $39,100. The Hybrid Limited is RAV4’s most expensive variant, costing slightly more with a $39,530 price tag.
The thing with that comparison is that the top choice for the CR-V could easily be compared to the RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium, which is more affordable than the Honda. Either way, it should be noted that the RAV4 has more affordable model variants between the entry-level and the top trim for prospective buyers to choose from.
9 Toyota RAV4: Exhaustive Choice Of Trim Levels
The 2023 RAV4 model benefits from a choice of 13 trim levels. These variants include six conventional internal combustion and seven hybrid engine models. All RAV4s are powered by a 2.5-liter engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The top trims get an additional power boost from a hybrid system. The standard gas-powered RAV4 engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Entry-level trims are available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The top trims and off-road-focused TRD variant come with all-wheel-drive as standard.
Trim Levels For 2023 Toyota RAV4
Trim |
MSRP |
Trim |
MSRP |
Toyota RAV4 LE |
$28,275 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE |
$32,735 |
Toyota RAV4 XLE |
$29,785 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland |
$34,025 |
Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium |
$32,675 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium |
$35,625 |
Toyota RAV4 Adventure |
$34,470 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE |
$33,920 |
Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road |
$37,895 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE |
$36,885 |
Toyota RAV4 Limited |
$36,580 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited |
$39,530 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE |
$31,225 |
The CR-V has five variants to choose from. A standard CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid models (Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid) get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a two-motor hybrid-electric setup that provides a total of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
Trim Levels For 2023 Honda CR-V
Trim |
MSRP |
Trim |
MSRP |
Honda CR-V LX |
$28,410 |
Honda CR-V EX-L |
$33,710 |
Honda CR-V EX |
$31,060 |
Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid |
$39,100 |
Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid |
$32,400 |
8 Toyota RAV4: More Fuel Efficient
The EPA estimates that the RAV4’s four-wheel-drive non-hybrid variants can get up to 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the freeway. This results in a combined 30 MPG for the 2023 RAV4. On the other hand, a standard non-hybrid CR-V will get about 27 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the freeway. EPA estimates a combined fuel rating of 29 MPG, just slightly less than the RAV4.
It is on its Hybrid variants where the RAV4 considerably outshines the CR-V regarding fuel efficiency. An all-wheel-drive hybrid RAV4 will manage 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the freeway. This would bring a combined fuel rating of approximately 40 MPG. An all-wheel-drive hybrid engine CR-V will get about 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the freeway, bringing an EPA-estimated combined fuel rating of about 37 MPG.
This difference of 3.0 MPG may not seem like a lot, but when it is added up when traveling across the country or even the state, it will soon add up to a substantial amount of cash out of pocket due to the price of gasoline these days.
7 Toyota RAV4: Better Off-Road Credentials
The 2023 RAV4 has an approach angle of 19 degrees and a departure angle of 21 degrees. The CR-V has a lesser approach angle of 17.7 degrees but a slightly better departure angle of 21.3 degrees. To clarify the terminology:
-
Ground Clearance:
how high the SUV is from the ground to the lowest point of the chassis -
Approach Angle:
the degree of angle the vehicle can go up when approaching anything going uphill -
Departure Angle
: how much of an angle the SUV can go downhill without touching the bottom -
Breakover Angle:
which Toyota has yet to release, is the degree of the bend in the middle of the front and rear tires, such as when driving over a hump in the road
These metrics might have a marginal difference, but every inch of clearance in offroading is vital to the vehicle’s capabilities.
Off-Road Specs
Toyota RAV4 |
Honda CR-V |
|
Ground Clearance |
8.4 inches |
7.8 inches |
Approach Angle |
19 degrees |
17.7 degrees |
Departure Angle |
21 degrees |
21.3 degrees |
Breakover Angle |
not given |
18 degrees |
But, the RAV4 is a clear winner thanks to its ground clearance. It stands 8.4 inches above the ground, while the CR-V manages to clear 7.8 inches. This makes the RAV4 better at maneuvering rocky paths and slippery surfaces, albeit slightly. Toyota also produces a TRD version of the RAV4, and this variant is dedicated to offroading. The RAV4 Off-Road TRD can also tow about 3,500 pounds, more than twice the standard RAV4.
6 Toyota RAV4: Toyota’s World-Class Infotainment System
The entry-level multimedia system from Toyota is practical and adequate for frequent usage. It includes Toyota’s eight-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota also provides its RAV4 customers with SiriusXM, including a three-month platinum plan trial subscription.
The infotainment screen is a sizable 8.0 inches with reliable knobs and buttons that control frequent functions like audio volume and climate control. A JBL premium audio system, a wireless charging pad for a smartphone, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in the top trims. In his HotCars article, Aaron Hussian puts Toyota’s infotainment display as one of The 2023 Toyota RAV4’s Best Features.
Honda’s entry-level infotainment system is not as refined, and you might need to upgrade if you wish to experience a premium multimedia setup. For starters, there are only four speakers to provide audio in the whole vehicle.
The entry-level trims also get a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, and although capable, it is not as intuitive to use as the RAV4’s infotainment interface. Only the top-trimmed Sport Touring Hybrid gets a 12-speaker premium BOSE sound system. The other trims either get Honda’s four-speaker or eight-speaker audio setup.
5 Honda CR-V: More Interior Space
The 2023 Honda CR-V’s interior is roomier compared to that of the RAV4. The total usable space in the CR-V’s interior is estimated to be about 106 cubic feet compared to the 98.9 cubic feet of the RAV4. 2023 CR-Vs also have better front headroom at 40 inches compared to the RAV-4’s 37.7 inches.
Interior Dimensions For RAV4 and CR-V
Toyota RAV4 |
Honda CR-V |
|
Headroom (front/rear) |
37.7 inches/39.5 inches |
40 inches/38.2 inches |
Legroom (front/rear) |
41 inches/37.8 inches |
41.3 inches/41 inches |
Shoulder (front/rear) |
57.8 inches/56.4 inches |
57.9 inches/55.9 inches |
Hiproom |
54.3 inches/47.7 inches |
55.6 inches/52.6 inches |
The same is true for legroom as well. The Honda CR-V has more in the front and the rear, making it a better fit for those of you with longer legs. The RAV-4 is not too far behind in legroom, so you should still have a decent amount of room for your legs to sit comfortably in both rows of seats. The hip room is the same scenario, with the CR-V having more space for slightly larger people, which to the majority of buyers means that the Honda is the better choice if you have a bigger family with older children.
4 Honda CR-V: Better Cargo Room
The two compact crossovers have plenty of luggage space, but the CR-V slightly edges out the RAV4 on this front. Fold down the second-row seats, and you get a total of 76.5 cubic feet of space for large cargo. When those same second row of seats is in the natural upright position, you will only have about 39.3 cubic feet of luggage space in the Honda CR-V, which is plenty of room for basic everyday hauling of groceries, sporting equipment, or anything else that you may need to get from one place to another.
The CR-V benefits from its slightly bigger dimensions to create ample room for both passengers and cargo. The 2023 RAV-4 has a slightly smaller usable amount of space, with a total luggage space of 69.8 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded down. When upright, there is a total of 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space. Of course, you also have some floor space that you can use to haul things as well, as long as you keep it away from the area around the foot pedals that the driver needs to use.
3 Honda CR-V: The More Practical Crossover
Honda provides some accessories as standard that make the CR-V just a little more practical. For example, all-season floor mats are supplied with all CR-V models. These floor mats trap dust, mud, and debris. They can easily be cleaned and placed back into the foot well, preventing the degradation of the fabric that lines the floorboards.
Another accessory is the rear seat protector. These panels prevent the back of the rear seats from scratches that may be brought about by the continuous in-and-out sliding of heavy cargo when the rear seats are folded down.
As standard, all CR-Vs also come with ambient lighting, which seems like a premium touch in modern vehicles. This is less practical and more about aesthetics, but it counts on something that’s considered a mainstream model because Toyota only offers this feature in the top trims of the RAV4.
2 Honda CR-V: More Driver-Assist Features As Standard
Some of the standard Toyota RAV4 driver-assist features include trailer-sway control (TSC), hill start assist control (HAC), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with direct pressure readout for individual tires, and a backup camera with dynamic grid lines. Features like downhill assist and vehicle proximity alert are reserved for top trims. One thing that you may consider to be a top selling point of the technology package is the brand of stereo system that comes with the SUV. For the Toyota RAV4, the brand name that jumps out at you when you turn up the volume will be JBL Audio Systems.
The CR-V has its own standard version of these driver-assist technologies and an additional active traffic jam-assist feature. Low-speed braking control and blind spot information system (BSI) with cross-traffic monitoring are found in the top trims. The only driver-assist feature you find in the RAV-4 that is missing in the CR-V is the sway control function. For the Honda CR-V, you may be looking to hook up your mobile device to the surround sound system, but what should matter the most is that the system you are hooking up to is none other than a BOSE sound system in the top trims.
1 Honda CR-V: More Safety Features As Standard
Toyota Safety Sense technologies include several standard safety features. Since the safety of everyone in the cars is one of the biggest priorities for most buyers these days, that is superb technology to have. The Honda CR-V is no slouch when it comes to safety, though, in fact, the Honda CR-V takes things a step further than the RAV4. Honda includes similar styles to RAV-4’s safety features, a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, dynamic traction control, and an electronic brake distribution (EBD) system. All these features come as standard in all CR-V models. The 2023 Honda CR-V has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
Safety Features Comparison Between RAV4 and CR-V
Toyota RAV4 |
Honda CR-V |
pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection |
pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection |
radar cruise control |
adaptive cruise control |
automatic high beams |
automatic high beams |
lane departure alert with steering assist |
lane departure alert with steering assist |
lane tracing assist |
lane-keeping assist |
raod sign assist |
traffic sign recognition |
blind-spot monitoring |
blind-spot monitoring |
rear cross-traffic alert |
cross-traffic monitoring |
eight airbags |
ten airbags |
Star safety system |
Honda safety system |
traffic jam assist |
|
rear seat reminder |
The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, received an overall five out of five stars for safety from the NHTSA, but when you dig in a little deeper, you will see that for frontal and rollover crashes, the RAV4 only received a four out of five. Since Toyota received a Top Safety Pick award for the last two years from IIHS, you can bet that the RAV4 is a safe SUV for on-road trips. When you start checking into comments that owners log into websites, it becomes apparent that it is also an excellent rig for going off-road, as is the Honda CR-V.
Source
https://www.topspeed.com/2023-toyota-rav-4-vs-2023-honda-cr-v/