When you’re looking for a small SUV that doesn’t ask you to sacrifice agility and cabin space for performance, you should be able to get everything you want.
Taking a look at the Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V reveals some similarities, but the RAV4 takes the lead in several areas.
Under the Hood
In a power comparison between the Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V, you’ll find that they both offer a single powertrain, but how they perform is as different as night and day. The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V uses a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that gets 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The transmissions are different, too. You’ll get an eight-speed automatic with the RAV4, while the CR-V uses a CVT.
Need to tow with your compact SUV? Hook up a trailer and pull up to 3,500 pounds with the RAV4 or 1,500 pounds with the CR-V.
Prioritizing Safety
Both Honda and Toyota make safety a priority in their small SUVs. Take a closer look at the Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CRV and you’ll see that they both have a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems. Honda Sensing comes with collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and lane-keep assist.
The RAV4 has Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 bundle, which is just as robust as the Honda. It’s looking out for you on all sides with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Toyota’s full-speed radar cruise control is a step above Honda’s because it has the ability to bring the RAV4 to a full stop, and it works in stop-and-go situations.
Technology for Fun and Function
Technology is front and center in both the RAV4 and CR-V. The entry-level RAV4 LE has an 8-inch touchscreen to house the infotainment system that works with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio. If you want to bump up your tech game, check out the Limited trim. It has a 10.25-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo.
The CR-V starts with a 7-inch touchscreen, a four-speaker stereo, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The upgraded touchscreen is a nine-inch screen, and if you opt for this, you’ll also get a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll have to take a few steps up to the EX-L in order to get it.
Trims for Every Driver
Both the RAV4 and CR-V give you options when it comes to trim variety. If you’re looking to head over rough terrain, the RAV4 is your best bet. It offers the Adventure trim and the TRD-Off-Road. The TRD-Off-Road has an off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, making it perfect for your weekend adventures. The Adventure also has some added features, including fender flares, hill descent control, and selectable drive modes for a variety of terrains.
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