Compact SUVs have recently gained popularity because they are ideal for many individuals. They can accomplish a wide range of tasks well and are neither huge nor small. Their bigger load space, roomy interiors, and elevated driving position—all of which are competitive with those of larger SUVs—also entice drivers. In this sector, Toyota and Honda have established themselves as leaders with their RAV4 and CR-V, respectively, reliable and reasonably priced vehicles.
Selecting the superior small SUV can be challenging, though, particularly when each has advantages and disadvantages and finally comes down to personal preference. To assist you in making a better choice, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of these two SUVs in this post.
Three main factors will be compared and contrasted: the features and performance of these SUVs, their comfort and spaciousness, and their fuel efficiency. These factors aid in determining if they represent a fair value for certain individuals.
We’ll compare the technical features of the SUVs using professional reviews from reliable sources like MotorTrend, Car & Driver, and Top Gear in addition to official data from Honda and Toyota and our evaluations. We will also see what owners have to say about the more individualized aspects, such as comfort and ride quality.
What is the Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is an example of a vehicle that evolved with the times. The RAV Four was first introduced as a concept in 1989 and became a reality in Japan, Europe, and the United States by 1994. This car was special because it was comfortable like a conventional car but with the excitement factor of an off-road vehicle. To further add a unique touch, Toyota named it RAV4, which is an acronym for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD.”
RAV4s came in a variety of configurations at first, including two-door and all-electric models. Toyota sold about 300,000 of them in its first three years, indicating that people liked them. Toyota made adjustments throughout the years to keep things interesting, and in 2016 they unveiled the RAV4 Hybrid, which was potent and, more significantly, fuel-efficient. In 2022, the Toyota RAV4 emerged as the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the United States. We believe its success in American sales can be attributed to three factors.
The Toyota RAV4 is a desirable option for anyone seeking a fuel-efficient, clever, and small SUV. Families seeking a roomy, secure car that can manage a variety of terrains without going too far off-road will find it to be ideal. However, aficionados who lust for high-performance engines or manual gearboxes might not be the right fit for the RAV4. You may want to look into other options if you like the feel of a conventional SUV and aren’t interested in hybrid technology. The RAV4 is all about driving a more economical and sensible car.
What is the Honda CR-V?
Since making its debut in the United States in 1997, the Honda CR-V, short for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, has enjoyed great popularity as a small sport utility vehicle. Since its release, it has sold around six million units in the United States, making it the best-selling CUV in the country. Since 2017, it has also been the best-selling Honda vehicle.
When the first CR-V was released, it was unique among SUVs. Because of its unibody design, four-wheel independent suspension, and long wheelbase, it had a ride quality comparable to that of a car. It brought new features like 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Real-Time 4WD, which provided dependable off-road capability. And what do you know? You could even use the back of the car as a picnic table! When compared to Toyota SUVs such as the RAV4, the CR-V frequently prevails due to its great resale value and dependability.
Its interior is spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient. For those who seek a pleasant ride and plenty of cargo room, including young families and commuters, this is a fantastic vehicle. For individuals searching for long-term value, the CR-V is a smart option because of its outstanding dependability. The CR-V isn’t the greatest vehicle if you’re looking for something that can travel fast or off-road. It’s more about being sensible and comfortable. It’s not for those who enjoy great experiences or thrills. In the end, the RAV4 and CR-V are strong rivals, so we’ll need to examine the specifics to determine which is best for you.
Performance and features
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque sits beneath the RAV4’s hood. An automatic transmission with eight speeds is linked to it. The RAV4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds, which is faster than the previous model. It’s even faster if you go with the RAV4 Hybrid, taking only 7.4 seconds.
Moreover, the RAV4 is equipped with a lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition as standard features. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that several cutting-edge safety systems, including rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, are optional on the base model and incur an extra fee. Thus, choose one of the updated RAV4 versions if you want a little more power and sophisticated technology.
In contrast, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering Honda’s CR-V produces 190 horsepower when mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). For non-hybrid models, it boasts a reasonable 0–60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, however not as fast as the RAV4. Selecting the hybrid model accelerates the acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour to 7.9 seconds.
The CR-V comes equipped with standard driver safety systems such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Honda has also included a few other safety features, such as rear-seat reminders, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. The CR-V is the car for you if safety is your top priority when making a purchase.
Fuel efficiency
If you want to save money on gas, the RAV4 is fantastic. Specifically, the 48-mile range of the RAV4 Prime on electricity alone. The hitch is that the RAV4 Prime is more expensive upfront than the standard RAV4 Hybrid. Thus, even though you save money on gas, the additional money you pay may not be recovered right away. Additionally, the standard RAV4 gets excellent gas mileage, particularly if you select the front-wheel-drive model. On the highway, it may achieve up to 35 miles per gallon. Depending on the model, the beginning price of the 2024 RAV4 ranges from $28,000 to $30,000. This is a rather affordable pricing.
If the Honda CR-V is catching your attention, it comes with two engine options: a 204-hp hybrid system and a sportier 1.5-liter gas engine. According to our 2023 Honda CR-V review, the normal CR-V can achieve up to 30 mpg in the city, but the hybrid model is a champ with 40 mpg. The standard model of the 2024 CR-V starts at $29,500, while the hybrid variant costs $33,350.
Therefore, the RAV4 is a fantastic option if you want to save money on gas and don’t mind paying a little bit extra upfront. However, the CR-V is a vehicle worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable vehicle with a strong hybrid alternative. It truly depends on the qualities you want in a vehicle.
Comfort and space
When choosing an SUV, load capacity and riding comfort are important factors to take into account. How do these two cars fare in this department, then?
Five persons can easily fit in the spacious and comfortable cabin of the RAV4. The seats are comfortable and supportive, yet some reviewers have noted that extended rides may cause them to feel rigid. Cargo capacity is another area where the RAV4 excels. When the back seats are folded down, the amount of space behind them increases to a roomy 69.8 cubic feet, from 37.6 cubic feet. If you have a lot to tote, this is fantastic. It’s also useful because the battery doesn’t take up any cargo space.
Additionally highly rated for size and comfort is the 2024 Honda CR-V. Both the front and back seats are comfortable and roomy in the cabin. There’s plenty of room for your head and legs on the plush front seats. Adults can fit in the back, however the seats aren’t as comfortable as those in the front. The ability to recline the back seats for increased comfort is a plus. The cargo area is 39.3 cubic feet behind the back seats, and it expands to a whopping 76.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. In addition to being cozy, the electric version of the CR-V is silent.
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