Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CRV Hybrid
The market for hybrid small SUVs is expanding, and the hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two of the leading options. Already regarded as superb SUVs, they get much better thanks to the hybrid’s increased fuel efficiency. There is a big competition between Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CRV Hybrid.
They are, consequently, two of the most frequently searched for vehicles on CR.org and are historically among the best-performing small SUVs.
In terms of cost, utility, size, and equipment, they are very similar. However, their personalities and body types are different.
It’s hard to choose because both cars have great mileage, safety features, comfort, and looks. It might come down to cost.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda HMC, +2.27% CR-V Hybrid, which starts at a price of $32,010, is powered by a gas-electric hybrid powertrain that generates 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
Because of this, it has more power than the basic CR-V that isn’t a hybrid and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. It also gets better gas mileage.
Furthermore, this SUV receives an EPA rating of 40 city/35 highway/38 combined mpg. The CR-V Hybrid from Honda hasn’t been around for as long.
As a part of the standard CR-V generation, which has been available since 2017, it made its debut for the 2020 model year. Additionally, it has room for five people.
Features of Honda CR-V Hybrid
Wide back seat
These SUVs are both rather roomy, but the CR-V offers more than two inches more rear seat legroom than the RAV4.
This contributes to the CR-V Hybrid’s popularity as a family-friendly SUV. Both children and adults will be able to sit comfortably in the back of the CR-V.
There is also a huge amount of cargo space.
Honda Sensing
The Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies is built into every CR-V Hybrid as standard equipment.
This system combines a lane-keeping assistance system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a road departure mitigation system, and a collision mitigation braking system.
The CR-V Hybrid also includes blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. Especially on highways, these safety features make driving safer and simpler.
Rich interior
The RAV4’s interior is less attractive to us than the CR-V’s. Higher-end models have leather seats and ambient lighting. The materials and design make the car look cozier and more expensive.
Engine
A similar strategy is used by Honda with the CR-V Hybrid. For a total of 212 horsepower, this vehicle combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid system.
All-wheel drive is a standard feature on every CR-V hybrid. The EPA estimates that the 2021 CR-V Hybrid will get 38 mpg combined, which is a little less than the RAV4 Hybrid.
According to the EPA this is a huge improvement over the base 2021 CR-V, which gets up to 30 mpg in combined driving.
Technology Features
There is no available upgrade for the 7-inch touchscreen; it comes standard with the CR-V Hybrid. However, it does come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard.
That’s good news because the native Honda infotainment system has small on-screen buttons and a poor response time, just like Toyota. When available, using CarPlay or Android Auto is the superior option.
Storage Capacity
In this regard, the CR-V Hybrid falls a bit short. It has 33.2 cubic feet less space behind the back seats than the RAV4 Hybrid. Comparing these two SUVs side by side will allow you to clearly see the differences.
Also, it has less space for cargo than the regular CR-V, which has up to 39.2 cubic feet of space. The CR-V Hybrid’s floor is lower for simpler access, and the aperture is wider overall thanks to a wider design.
Additionally, the RAV4 Hybrid lacks tie-downs in the cargo area and handles for folding the back seats while you’re in it.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota TM, +1.73% RAV4 Hybrid have a similar drivetrain. It is a 2.5-liter hybrid inline-4 with 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque that powers the vehicle.
With a combined fuel economy rating of 41 city/38 highway/40, this option uses less fuel. This SUV starts at $29,575, and AWD is included as standard.
Even though the current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been around since the 2016 model year, it is part of the fifth generation RAV4, which came out in 2019.
Like the regular RAV4, the hybrid version of the RAV4 can fit up to five people.
Features of Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Better fuel efficiency
These SUVs both have good fuel efficiency, but the RAV4 Hybrid is the more frugal of the two.
With a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg, the EPA says that the RAV4 Hybrid has very low fuel costs of only $1,550 per year. Like the CR-V Hybrid, it also features AWD as standard, which is excellent for drivers in cold conditions.
Lower starting price
The starting price of the RAV4 Hybrid is over $2,400, which is less than the CR-V Hybrid’s. Value is also abundantly present.
Even the LE’s base level comes with AWD, Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Amazon Alexa, and a number of safety tech features. Pricing for these two SUVs’ loaded top versions is pretty comparable.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
Over the Honda Sensing system, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes with a few extra functions as standard.
Some of the safety technology features include automatic high beams, lane-departure alert with steering assistance, lane-tracing assistance, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and road sign assistance.
Another is automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
Engine
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the RAV4 Hybrid, but that’s not all. There is also a hybrid system that uses electric motors and a hybrid battery pack to add to the power of the engine and make it fuel efficient.
The gasoline engine and electric motor in the RAV4 Hybrid add up to 219 horsepower. Additionally, all-wheel drive is standard.
The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid offers an EPA-rated projected combined city and highway fuel efficiency of 40 mpg in all trim levels.
This is a 10% improvement over the top-rated 2020 RAV4 model, which gets 30 mpg combined according to the EPA.
Technology Features
The RAV4 Hybrid’s standard 7-inch touchscreen serves as its focal point. The XSE and hybrid trims come with an 8-inch screen if you prefer something bigger.
Both displays include smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM. That’s good news because Entune®, Toyota’s native operating system, can be difficult to operate.
Look for the Limited grade if you want a factory-installed navigation system. Some Limited’s also come with an optional surround-view camera or wireless charging pad.
Storage Capacity
You’ll appreciate the storage in the RAV4 Hybrid if you like the storage in the conventional RAV4. That is the case since they are identical.
The trunks of both cars measure 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seats. There is more than enough space for large quantities of sporting goods, camping gear, or even modest furniture pieces.
One drawback is that the floor of the trunk is higher than in other compact crossovers, so keep that in mind while carrying big items.
But the area is nice and has a power outlet and lots of places to tie things down. Overall, the usage of space is good.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid succeed in their fundamental goals: boosting fuel economy estimates while offering comparable levels of comfort and usability.
Each, though, has distinct priorities. For example, the RAV4 Hybrid is significantly faster. The CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, has an excellent ride and is incredibly comfortable.
A tough competition must be made between Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CRV Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid receives a little higher grade in the Edmunds method.
But if you ask me, mostly buyers would benefit more from the RAV4 Hybrid. Because of its superior real-world fuel efficiency, the Toyota may have won the award on its own.
Additionally, the RAV4 Hybrid wins in the battle for the cargo area. These benefits, in my opinion, make it exceptional.
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