Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

RAV4

$27,975 (2023)

Pictured: RAV4 Off-Road in Cavalry Blue with Ice Edge Roof. MSRP as tested $42,700.

CR-V

$28,410 (2023)

Pictured: Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

RAV4

The RAV4 has been the nation's top-selling SUV for many years. It offers a wide range of trim levels and options, including hybrid and plug-in models, to appeal to different budgets. The RAV4 scores highly in safety and reliability and has good fuel economy, even in the gas engine types. If you're looking for a practical SUV that's built to last, you can't go wrong with RAV4.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign with a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, a new hybrid powertrain and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!)  Technology however still lags a bit behind the competition.

During our test drive with the CR-V Sport Touring hybrid we were impressed by its improved and more engaging driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical and fuel efficient choice.

A new driver coaching Apple CarPlay app also makes the CR-V a great choice for teens.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid.

RAV4

For 2023, all RAV4 models have the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with over-the-air updates, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited/Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE now all come standard with a new 10.5-inch Multimedia display for 2023. Other models feature a new 8-inch Multimedia screen.

A new 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is  standard on Limited/Hybrid Limited and Prime XSE,  and optional on TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE grades. A 7-inch Multi-Information Display screen is standard on lower trims.

CR-V

The CR-V enters its 6th-generation with a new advanced hybrid powertrain, more capability and space. Honda says every 2023 CR-V benefits from extensive improvements to the body, chassis and powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement.

CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature a standard fourth-generation hybrid system. With 247 lb.-ft of torque they are the most powerful CR-Vs ever.   Updated available all-wheel drive is quieter.

Notable safety updates include new driver and passenger airbags first introduced on the new Civic. Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder are also new standard additions to the CR-V. CR-V also now features a Driver Attention Monitor.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability.   

Learn more: All-New 2023 Honda CR-V Offers Hybrids, More Tech, Room and Comfort

RAV4

• Engine offers more horsepower
• More ground clearance and available off-road capability
• More functional cargo space
• Toyota's new, user-friendly, infotainment system
• Larger multimedia screens

CR-V

• Refined turbocharged engine delivers quicker, smoother feel
• Delivers a more car-like ride
• More upscale, stylish interior
• More passenger head and leg-room
• Standard ambient lighting

RAV4

• Noisy engine
• Second-row isn't as big
• Ride isn't as refined

CR-V

• Smaller multimedia screens
• Not geared for off-roading
• Less horsepower

RAV4

CR-V

30 mpg  (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD,  XLE Premium, Limited FWD)

29 mpg ( XLE AWD,  XLE Premium AWD, 

28 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

40 mpg

27 mpg (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD, XLE AWD, XLE Premium, XLE Premium AWD, Limited FWD)

 25 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

43 mpg

35 mpg (LE FWD, Limited FWD)

34 mpg (LE AWD, XLE FWD, XLE Premium FWD)

33 mpg  (XLE AWD,  XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited AWD)  

32 mpg (TRD Off-Road)

36 mpg

RAV4

CR-V

• New 10.5-inch Multimedia display standard on TRD Off Road w/6 speaker audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
  
• New 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is optional on TRD Off Road
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
  
• Optional 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio 
• 1 yr trial Drive Connect subscription — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter Display
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• Optional wireless charging
• Five USB ports
• One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet  in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in cargo area

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

RAV4

CR-V

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) —Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) 
• OPTIONAL: Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• OPTIONAL: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats
• Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC),  Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST)  
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags  — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

RAV4

CR-V

180.9 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited) 181.5 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

184.8"

73.0 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited) 73.4 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

73.5"

67.0 in. (LE and XLE)

67.2 in. (XLE Premium and Limited)

68.6 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

66.5" w/AWD

204-horsepower (hybrid), 190-horsepower gas-only

 247 pound-feet

14

3,370/3,490 lbs. (LE)

3,405/3,515 lbs. (XLE and XLE Premium)

3,615 lbs. (Adventure and TRD)

3,485/3,640 lbs. (Limited)

3,926 (Sport Touring AWD Hybrid) 

1,500 lbs. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited) 3,500 lbs. (Adventure grade/TRD)

1,000