CR-V vs. RAV4 – Two Favorites Go Head to Head

A little over twenty years ago, Honda and Toyota both introduced us to their own version of what a compact crossover SUV should be. Today, we still love the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 and often argue about which one of these two is the right compact SUV to drive and enjoy on the roads. These two models have a lot to offer to make it easy for you to have the drive you want and the two brands are placing their top models against each other for a competition that will allow you to learn more and identify which SUV is the right one for you to drive.

The Matchup

The Toyota RAV4 Limited AWD and the Honda CR-V Touring AWD are the two models that are matched up for us to see which one can be the right choice. This matchup gives us a pair of models that have versatile interiors and a driving personality that’s easy to live with when you’re ready to have a great drive. These two are closely related when it comes to the dimensions, features, and the qualities you’ll find, but they do look different enough for you to have the drive and experience you want.

Going Inside The CR-V & RAV4

Both of these SUVs have room for you to seat five people and carry up to ten suitcases worth of stuff with you when you head out for a vacation. The use of this space is where you’re going to find a difference when you take a look inside each of these two models. The Honda makes better use of this area with a wider bottom cushion, more legroom, and more comfortable padding when you drive. The CR-V also makes it a little easier for you to load the cargo you need to take with a load floor that’s 1.2-inches lower than in the RAV4.

When it comes to the interior environment offered in these two SUVs, you’re going to find a significant step up in the materials and quality offered in the Toyota RAV4. You’re going to love the feeling and the look you’ll find when you make the RAV4 the right SUV to drive. The CR-V does offer you lighter colors in the cabin and some faux-wood trim that adds a bit more variety to the mix to give you a nice look that you’re sure to enjoy.

Infotainment

The Toyota RAV4 has a much better infotainment system with the 8.0-inch Entune touchscreen which is visually appealing and quick with the response. The Honda CR-V has an upgraded HondaLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, but it is a bit slower. One advantage the Honda CR-V has in this category is the fact that the tech includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to give you the smartphone mirroring you want to enjoy when you drive. This may become a difficult choice for you when you’re looking for the right tech and the size you want of the screen you use.

Under the Hood

The Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower while the Honda CR-V makes use of a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower for the drive. The Toyota uses an eight-speed automatic while the Honda uses a CVT automatic transmission for the drive. The Toyota RAV4 is more efficient and accelerates faster than the Honda CR-V, giving a nod to the Toyota RAV4 when you head out for a drive. The Honda CR-V does feel lighter when you drive with steering that’s more confident in your hands.

Putting it all Together – CR-V vs. RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 offers you a distinctive style, comfortable ride, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. This SUV does have a loud engine, isn’t as roomy as the CR-V, and can be expensive when you look to higher trims. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V is spacious with an excellent rear seat, offers responsive handling, has a punchy turbocharged engine, and gives you strong resale value. The Honda CR-V is noisy on the highway, can be difficult when you use the touchscreen and isn’t as fuel efficient as the Toyota RAV4. The choice is yours as to which one of these two compact SUVs is the right choice for you.