In the ever-growing market of crossovers, two models have been dominating the sales charts for years - the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. These two vehicles have been rivals since the beginning, offering similar features and capabilities to cater to the needs of families across America.
Both the RAV4 and CR-V have evolved significantly over the past two decades, constantly striving to stay ahead of the competition. They may have started off on a level playing field, but with each new generation, they have brought something new to the table, making it difficult for consumers to choose between them.
But fear not, as we have done the research and compiled a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. From tech features to performance and fuel economy, interior and exterior design, safety, pricing, and key rivals, this article will cover it all. So sit back, relax, and read on to find out which crossover comes out on top.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V Comparison: Tech Features
In today's world, technology plays a crucial role in the driving experience, and both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a range of tech features to enhance it. Let's take a closer look at what each model has to offer.
Toyota RAV4:
The Toyot RAV 4comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, providing easy access to its infotainment system. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing drivers to make hands-free calls and stream their favorite music. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
In 2020, Toyota finally added Apple CarPlay and, starting with the 2020 model year, Android Auto compatibility to the RAV4's list of features. This integration allows drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphone to the vehicle's infotainment system, giving them access to their apps, contacts, music, and more.
If you opt for a higher trim level, the RAV4 offers an 8-inch touchscreen display with a navigation system and a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system. This system is sure to please audiophiles, providing crisp and clear audio throughout the cabin.
Toyota has also stepped up its game by offering advanced tech features like a digital rearview mirror, which is a first for the brand. It uses a camera mounted on the back of the vehicle to provide an unobstructed view of the road behind, eliminating any blind spots caused by passengers or cargo.
Other notable tech features available on the RAV4 include a wireless phone charger and up to five USB ports, ensuring that your devices stay charged and connected at all times. All in all, the RAV4 is a tech-savvy crossover that caters to the needs of modern-day drivers.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V comes equipped with a range of standard tech features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a basic four-speaker sound system, and a 5-inch infotainment touchscreen display. While these features are sufficient for most drivers, the CR-V falls short when compared to the RAV4 in this aspect.
However, it does offer some useful optional features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, similar to the RAV4. But unlike Toyota, Honda does not offer a larger touchscreen display or a premium sound system as an option, limiting the tech capabilities of the CR-V.
But where the CR-V stands out is its standard safety features, which we will discuss in detail later in this article. These features include automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a collision mitigation braking system, making the CR-V one of the safest crossovers in its class.
Winner: Toyota RAV4. With its array of tech features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital rearview mirror, the RAV4 edges out the CR-V in this category.
Performance and Fuel Economy
When it comes to performance and fuel economy, both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a range of options to cater to different driving needs. Let's dive into what each model has to offer in terms of power and efficiency.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, providing smooth and efficient power delivery.
For those looking for more power, Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the RAV4. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 219 horsepower. The hybrid also comes equipped with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and offers improved fuel efficiency compared to its gas-powered counterpart.
In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4 offers an EPA-estimated mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in its class. The hybrid version takes it a step further, offering an impressive 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V also comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, albeit with slightly lower outputs than the RAV4 at 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and can be had with either front or all-wheel drive.
Like the RAV4, the CR-V also offers a hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a combined output of 212 horsepower. However, unlike the RAV4, which comes standard with front-wheel drive, the CR-V hybrid comes equipped with all-wheel drive.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the CR-V offers an EPA-estimated mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The hybrid version improves upon this, delivering an impressive 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Winner: Tie. Both the RAV4 and CR-V offer similar options in terms of power and fuel economy, making it difficult to choose one over the other in this category.
Interior and Exterior Design
In terms of design, both the RAV4 and CR-V have undergone significant changes over the years to keep up with current trends and customer demands. Let's take a look at how these two crossovers stack up against each other in terms of interior and exterior design.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 has gone through a complete redesign for the 2019 model year, giving it a more rugged and aggressive appearance. It features sharp lines and angular bodywork, giving it a bold and modern look that appeals to many customers.
On the inside, the RAV4 offers a spacious and well-designed cabin that is comfortable for long drives. It comes equipped with cloth upholstery as standard but can be upgraded to synthetic leather or genuine leather on higher trim levels. Practicality is also a strong suit for the RAV4, with ample cargo space and convenient storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Honda CR-V:
The CR-V received a facelift in 2020, giving it a fresher and more sophisticated appearance. It now features a new grille, headlights, and taillights, along with modified bumpers, making it more appealing to the eye.
The interior of the CR-V is also well-designed and spacious, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers. It comes equipped with a cloth interior, but like the RAV4, it can be upgraded to synthetic leather or genuine leather on higher trim levels.
Additionally, Honda has been praised for its Magic Seat system, which allows for various seating and cargo configurations, enhancing the practicality of the CR-V.
Winner: Toyota RAV4. With its bold and modern exterior design, as well as its spacious and practical interior, the RAV4 takes the win in this category.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for any vehicle, and both the RAV4 and CR-V come equipped with a range of features to ensure the safety of their passengers. Let's see how they compare in terms of safety features.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a variety of driver-assist technologies such as lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also comes with an impressive array of standard and optional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
To top it off, the RAV4 has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2020, making it one of the safest crossovers currently on the market.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V also comes equipped with a range of standard safety features, including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a collision mitigation braking system. It also offers several optional features such as blind-spot monitoring and a multi-angle rearview camera.
In terms of safety ratings, the CR-V was also named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2020, making it another safe choice for families.
Winner: Tie. Both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a comprehensive list of safety features and have earned top safety ratings, making it a tie in this category.
Pricing
Price is always a significant factor when buying a new vehicle, and both the RAV4 and CR-V offer competitive pricing for their respective segments. Let's take a closer look at how they compare in terms of cost.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 comes with a starting price of $26,050 for the base LE trim, which is slightly higher than its rival, the CR-V. However, it offers more standard features than the CR-V, making it a better value for money proposition.
Pricing for the higher trims of the RAV4 ranges from $27,345 for the XLE to $35,880 for the range-topping Limited trim. The hybrid version starts at $28,500 for the LE, going up to $39,780 for the Limited trim.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V has a lower starting price of $25,050 for the base LX trim, making it slightly more affordable than the RAV4. However, it offers fewer standard features than the RAV4, making it less of a value for money proposition.
Pricing for the higher trims of the CR-V starts at $27,560 for the EX and goes up to $33,250 for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The hybrid version starts at $27,850 for the hybrid base trim and goes up to $37,170 for the hybrid Touring trim.
Winner: Honda CR-V. With a lower starting price and a more affordable range of higher trims, the CR-V emerges as the winner in this category.
Key Rivals
Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V have several strong competitors in the crossover segment, including the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester. Let's see how these two crossovers stack up against their key rivals.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a strong rival to the RAV4 and CR-V, offering similar features and capabilities. It comes equipped with a range of standard tech features, including Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
In terms of performance, the Escape offers three engine options - a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a hybrid powertrain. However, its fuel efficiency falls short when compared to the RAV4 and CR-V, with an EPA-estimated mileage of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is known for its upscale interior, sporty handling, and impressive list of standard features. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system as standard. Higher trims offer a larger 8-inch display, navigation, and an upgraded Bose premium sound system.
In terms of performance, the CX-5 offers two engine options - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The latter produces an impressive 250 horsepower, making it the most powerful option in this comparison. However, its fuel economy is not as efficient as the RAV4 and CR-V, with an EPA-estimated mileage of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers a spacious cabin, a long list of standard safety features, and a capable all-wheel drive system. It comes equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a four-speaker sound system as standard. Higher trims offer a larger 8-inch display, navigation, and a premium nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The Forester offers one engine option - a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 182 horsepower. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers an EPA-estimated mileage of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Winner: Tie. Each of these competitors offers unique features and capabilities that may appeal to different customers, making it difficult to choose a clear winner among them.
Conclusion
After comparing the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V across different categories, it is safe to say that they are closely matched in terms of features, performance, and overall value for money. While the RAV4 edges out the CR-V in tech features and interior design, the CR-V offers a lower starting price and a more affordable range of higher trims. However, both models have several key rivals to contend with, and each offers unique features that may appeal to different customers.
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V will come down to personal preference and which features are most important to you. But one thing is for sure - both of these crossovers are strong contenders in the highly competitive crossover segment and are sure to please families looking for a capable, practical, and technologically advanced vehicle. So test drive both and see which one suits you best!
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