Though the Honda CR-V entered a new generation in 2023, the aging Toyota RAV4 is consistently the best-selling small SUV. So, what does the RAV4 have over the CR-V, and why should you buy one over the other? Let’s take a quick look at the Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V.
Toyota RAV4 costs less, barely
Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V come with front- and all-wheel-drive options, and if you look at the base FWD models, the RAV4 comes in at about $400 less than the CR-V. However, the RAV4 has a lengthy list of non-hybrid trims, and when you go all in on the top-tier Limited model with AWD, it’s about $2k more than the highest-priced, non-hybrid EX-L from Honda.
For the money, the Toyota RAV4 offers more horsepower, more standard safety features an 8-speed automatic transmission, instead of the less desirable continuously variable one. On the high end of the scale, RAV4 also offers more amenities as well as off-road-capable trims if you’re willing to shell out a bit more scratch.
2024 Toyota RAV4 interior
CR-V is newer, has less features
The Toyota RAV4 hasn’t seen a redesign since 2018, and it’s not slated for another redesign until 2027. To say it’s starting to show its age is putting it mildly. The interior trim and finishes are looking a bit dated and plasticky. In contrast, the Honda CR-V got an elegant upgrade a couple years ago, and even though the graphics on the infotainment are dated, everything else is top notch.
In terms of features, both small SUVs are fairly evenly matched with standard cloth seats, LED headlights and safety features such as lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. But the RAV4 has standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a standard 8-inch infotainment screen – as opposed to the CR-V’s standard 7-incher. The CR-V does offer an up-level 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay/Auto, but that is still bested by Toyota’s available 10.5-inch system. RAV4 also has a standard power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control, whereas those are both available features on the CR-V.
Both RAV4 and CR-V offer hybrid variants, but only the RAV4 offers a plug-in hybrid with 42 miles of all-electric range.
2024 Honda CR-V interior
CR-V has better fuel economy
With multiple trims and drivetrains, the fuel economies for both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V vary widely – but they all stay within 2 MPG for the combined driving numbers. The Toyota RAV4 ranges from 25 to 28 MPG in the city and from 32 to 35 MPG on the highway. FWD models obviously get the best fuel economy, and the off-road AWD models get the worst. The Honda CR-V keeps the numbers a bit closer – and higher – ranging from 27 to 28 MPG in the city and 32 to 34 MPG on the highway. The CR-V’s overall combined numbers are higher than RAV4, considering the city fuel economy is also higher.
2024 Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V key specs
Taking a look at key specs of both small SUVs, there are a few surprises. Namely, though the Honda CR-V is a slightly larger vehicle with more cargo capacity, the Toyota RAV4 stays fairly competitive with the passenger and cargo volume. But, it bests the CR-V, by a lot, in terms of max towing capability.
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 | 2024 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (with destination, w/o options) | $30,235 – $39,515 | $30,825 – $37,485 |
| Trims | LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited | LX, EX, EX-L |
| Fuel requirement | Regular | Regular |
| Fuel economy | 25-28 MPG city/32-35 MPG highway | 27-28 MPG city/32-34 MPG highway |
| Engines | 2.5L , 4-cylinder | 1.5L turbo, 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 | 190 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 179 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed AT | CVT |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Length | 180.9 inches | 184.8 inches |
| Width | 73 inches | 73.5 inches |
| Height | 67 inches | 66.5 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches | 7.8 inches |
| Headroom (front/rear) | 37.7 in./39.5 in. | 40.0 in./38.2 in. |
| Legroom (front/rear) | 41.0 in./37.8 in. | 41.3 in/41 in. |
| Shoulder Room (front/rear) | 57.8 in./56.4 in. | 57.9 in./55.9 in. |
| Hip room (front/rear) | 54.3 in./47.7 in. | 55.6 in./52.6 in. |
| Cargo room (behind 1st/behind 2nd) | 69.8 cu. ft./37.5 cu. ft. | 76.5 cu. ft./39.3 cu. ft. |
| Passenger volume | 98.9 cu. ft. | 106 cu. ft. |
| Curb weight | 3,370 – 3,640 lbs. | 3,472 – 3,926 lbs. |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs. | 1,500 lbs |
The bottom line
At the end of the day, both the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are solid vehicles. But no vehicle research would be complete without a quick visit to Consumer Reports. While both small SUVs make CR’s “recommended” list, the CR-V ranks higher in terms of its overall score and predicted owner satisfaction. The two SUVs are evenly matched in terms of predicted reliability.
So, as a buyer, you need to spec out your features, and I strongly recommend talking your dealer into a 24-hour test drive before buying so you get a real feel of how it drives and fits in your life. I find the RAV4 more comfortable, but I know front passengers can have a more difficult time with egress and ingress of that vehicle, therefore you need to bring family members and potential passengers into the test as well.
