2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Which is best?

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two of the best-selling autos in the USA, so it’s no shock that plenty of automotive buyers find yourself evaluating them side-by-side. They’re actually comparable in some ways, particularly by way of measurement and value, however there’s an abundance of variations that would simply tilt one in your path greater than the opposite. The Honda is a bit sportier in look and to drive, whereas the RAV4 is extra utilitarian usually and out there with a wide range of totally different seems and capabilities such because the Prime plug-in hybrid and three off-road-oriented trims. Which is best for you? Check out the solutions for every of the questions under.

Learn our full evaluation of the 2023 Honda CR-V

Learn our full evaluation of the 2023 Toyota RAV4

Which has a nicer inside?

That is a simple one. After its redesign for 2023, the Honda CR-V not solely has a nicer inside than the RAV4, it has probably the greatest if presumably THE finest interiors within the phase. Supplies and construct high quality are prime notch with beautiful buttons and switches that pleasingly click on, and the distinctive honeycomb metallic trim throughout the sprint that makes the CR-V inside simply plain cool. The RAV4 isn’t utterly bereft of fashion, although. We just like the totally different coloration schemes tied to the RAV4’s varied distinctive fashions (orange for the Journey, blue for the XSE), and it’s actually not an unattractive house. Supplies and construct high quality are additionally above common. It’s simply that the RAV4 doesn’t have fairly the identical premium vibe and the CR-V is kind of merely stronger.

Which has higher infotainment know-how?

Once more, Honda for the win. Toyota gave the RAV4 its newest infotainment system for 2023, and though it seems higher and reacts faster than earlier than, we don’t like that there are not bodily menu buttons and there’s an excessive amount of locked away behind varied touchscreen controls (a few of which, like sound system ranges get locked out whereas driving). The CR-V additionally bought up to date know-how for 2023, and though hardly class-leading, it’s person pleasant and feature-packed sufficient.

Which has a much bigger again seat?

On paper at the least, the CR-V has a much bigger again seat: 41 inches versus 37.8 inches. In the end, although, we’re speaking about levels of “actually large and sensible” right here. Full-sized adults and rear-facing youngster seats may have no drawback becoming in both, and for those who’re in search of family-friendly transportation, it’s arduous to think about being dissatisfied by the RAV4’s passenger house. It’s simply that you simply’ll most likely discover a bit extra within the CR-V.

(CR-V is the one with leather-based upholstery and no rubber cargo mat)

Which has extra cargo capability and performance?

On paper, the RAV4 has extra cargo house with 37.5 cubic-feet to the CR-V’s 36.3. We backed this up in real-world testing, too, because the Toyota can in actual fact maintain only a bit extra behind its raised again seat. It has larger benefits than that, although. Its cargo cowl could be saved underneath the ground, which itself can decrease by about 2 inches for elevated house/versatility. The RAV4 Hybrid additionally has a spare tire, whereas the CR-V Hybrid doesn’t. Lastly, sure RAV4 fashions just like the Journey, Woodland and TRD Off-Highway have extra purposeful roof rails than the CR-V’s.

Which is safer?

The CR-V obtained a Prime Security Choose+ award from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security for its best-possible efficiency in all classes, apart from one new class: it bought two out of three factors for entrance crash prevention at night time. The RAV4 hasn’t even been subjected to that take a look at but, and it obtained “Common” scores in two of the IIHS up to date assessments the place the CR-V aced. We wouldn’t put too a lot weight in that, although, because the RAV4 continues to be a Prime Security Choose … it simply doesn’t get the +.

Each come customary with ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, lane-keep help, and adaptive cruise management, whereas blind-spot and rear-cross visitors are customary on all however the base RAV4 LE (a trim that had no equal within the CR-V lineup on the time of this writing).

Which will get higher gasoline financial system?

Relating to the gas-only engines, the CR-V and RAV4 are tied at 30 mpg mixed with front-wheel drive and 29 mpg mixed with all-wheel drive (off-road-oriented RAV4s are bit decrease).

As for the hybrids, the CR-V’s Sport trim is obtainable with a front-wheel-drive model able to 43 mpg mixed. The RAV4 doesn’t supply a FWD hybrid. Its all-wheel-drive model will get 40 mpg mixed, although, which is superior to the AWD CR-V’s 37 mpg mixed. Understand that we’re speaking a couple of minimal distinction by way of precise cash spent, right here.

There’s additionally the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid that Honda has no reply for.

Which is extra highly effective?

It is a tough one. The CR-V’s customary 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It has a repeatedly variable transmission. The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four good for 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. It has a standard eight-speed computerized. Because of this the CR-V has much less energy and torque, but it surely’s turbocharged, so it truly feels faster and can be a smoother, extra refined engine. The Honda’s CVT is vulnerable to droning underneath heavy acceleration, in contrast to the RAV4’s eight-speed.

It is price mentioning that we suggest the hybrids of each over their gas-only variations. As soon as once more, the RAV4 Hybrid has extra energy with 219 horses versus the CR-V’s 204. Nevertheless, we discover the CR-V’s hybrid powertrain to be superior and the acceleration distinction negligible. The Honda system depends extra on its electrical motor for acceleration and the engine doesn’t make as a lot noise when it kicks in.

Which is best to drive?

The CR-V largely will get the nod right here as a result of its engines are extra refined. We additionally choose its steering, and usually, the CR-V feels extra like a automotive to drive.

Which is extra comfy?

We’ve discovered that the CR-V has extra comfy seats with a larger vary of movement, however that is one the place particular person choice is of larger significance. Trip consolation positively will depend on the trim stage, as a result of the RAV4’s off-road-oriented fashions may have firmer rides and further noise due to their all-terrain tires. Generally, it’s most likely a wash.

Are there variations that stand out greater than others?

The RAV4 provides three off-road-oriented fashions: the gas-only TRD Off-Highway, Journey and the hybrid Woodland Version. The latter two are pictured above. The CR-V doesn’t supply something like them.

When was the final time they have been redesigned?

The present-generation RAV4 dates again to the 2019 mannequin yr, and obtained a gentle replace for 2022. The CR-V was utterly redesigned for 2023.

Which is cheaper and provides extra gear?

To get probably the most up-to-date pricing, native stock and gear data for every automotive’s trim ranges go to right here for the Honda CR-V and right here for the RAV4 and right here for the RAV4 Hybrid.