If you're in the market for a midsize SUV, you have your work cut out for you. Dozens of auto manufacturers offer wide arrays of SUV lineups. To help you decide on a vehicle, we've created a comparison of two popular SUVs: the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Honda CR-V. Here's a head-to-head look at their features so you can determine which one fits your needs best.
Available Trims
From a simple standpoint of the number of trims available on each SUV, Toyota offers 11 RAV4 trims, such as the Premium, while Honda offers the CR-V in only seven. Of the RAV4's 11 trims, five come with hybrid powertrains. Honda only offers three models with hybrid powertrains. You'll have more buying options with the RAV4's extensive trims, packages, and features than with the CR-V.
Edge: Toyota RAV4
Exterior Style
Despite having many trim levels, both Toyota and Honda stick with the same body style throughout their SUV lineups. The Toyota RAV4 looks the part of an SUV. Its flared fenders add a muscular style that contrasts nicely with its contoured body. The CR-V's soft lines and gentle curves give it the appearance of comfort over capability.
Every RAV4 comes standard with LED headlights and daytime running lights, while the CR-V only offers LED lighting on the Touring and hybrid models — the rest of the lineup features halogen headlights.
Every RAV4 comes with adventure-ready roof rails, while only the CR-V Touring model has roof rails as a standard feature. Each SUV has a variety of wheel options, but the RAV4 has three models with standard 19-inch wheels compared to the CR-V's one.
Edge: Toyota RAV4
Capability
Both vehicles use a front-wheel-drive platform. However, the RAV4 has four models that come with All-Wheel Drive Integrated Management (AIM) with a multi-information display monitor and Dynamic Torque Vectoring. You can upgrade to this system on another three RAV4 trims.
The CR-V only offers its Real Time All-Wheel Drive standard on the hybrid trims, which you can upgrade to on three of the gas-powered trims. Both the Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Real Time systems work the same way, anticipating when power is needed and automatically sending torque to the rear wheels.
Both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a selectable drive mode feature. These modes allow you to tailor your vehicle's performance to the conditions. The RAV4 offers seven selectable modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, Snow, Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and EV. The CR-V offers only four: Normal, ECO, Sport, and EV. EV only applies to hybrid trims, allowing them to run in all-electric mode.
Toyota has two trims, Adventure and TRD Off-Road, that feature sport-tuned suspensions and other off-road elements. Honda doesn't offer off-road-ready trims on the CR-V.
Edge: Toyota RAV4
Interior Comfort and Convenience
Inside the two SUVs, you'll find comfortable seating for up to five people. The front and rear headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room are about the same between the RAV4 and the CR-V. A panoramic glass moonroof on the RAV4 opens up the cabin more than the CR-V's standard moonroof.
Interior technology starts with the 7-inch touch screen standard in both vehicles, although the RAV4 has an 8-inch option. Both also feature Apply CarPlay and Android Auto capability for seamless smartphone integration. The CR-V has a generic audio system with nine speakers while the RAV4 offers an 11-speaker premium JBL audio system.
The RAV4 uses premium SofTex material for seating, a durable leather-like material that is beautiful and easy to clean. The CR-V's EX-L and Touring trims come with leather-trimmed seats. Both SUVs offer heated seats, but the RAV4 includes ventilation, plus a heated option for the rear seats. The RAV4 comes with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a leather-wrapped shift knob for a refined look and feel. The CR-V offers a heated steering wheel only.
Each vehicle has a 60/40 split/fold rear seat for multiple cargo configurations. The cargo area on the RAV4 features an adjustable system for multiple storage configurations. A hands-free liftgate comes standard on both vehicles, but the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims add a 120-volt/100-watt power outlet in the rear. Both vehicles have standard ambient interior lighting.
Edge: Toyota RAV4
Driver-Assist Technology
Toyota's RAV4 and Honda's CR-V both feature some of the latest driver-assist systems available. Toyota's suite, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, is standard on every RAV4. The CR-V features the Honda Sensing suite. Individual systems go by similar names but have slightly different functionalities.
Toyota's pre-collision system with pedestrian detection is a forward detecting system. Honda has a forward collision warning system and collision mitigation braking system, but not a pedestrian detection element.
Toyota's full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control is similar to Honda's adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. Toyota's lane departure alert with steering assist is similar to Honda's lane keeping assist, with each system using cameras and steering input to help keep you centered in your lane.
Road sign assist is also part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The system identifies stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and more. Honda's CR-V does not have this technology. Both vehicles have a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Edge: Toyota RAV4
Test-Drive a Winner in Cincinnati!
In this head-to-head comparison, the Toyota RAV4 consistently wins over the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 has more trims to choose from, giving you more options to match your lifestyle. Each RAV4 model possesses athletic styling and a performance-designed exterior. The RAV4 has proven more capable than the CR-V, as well.
Inside, the SUVs might be most evenly matched, with a slight edge going to the RAV4 for its additional comfort and convenience features. Driver-assist features are clearly in the RAV4's favor, with available systems that the CR-V simply doesn't offer.
At Kings Toyota, we have a vast selection of new RAV4s loaded with all the best features. Contact us today, and one of our friendly, professional staff members will answer your questions and help you schedule a test drive.
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