Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are probably on your radar. Take a look at how the latest models of these popular options compare so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

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Trim Levels

The 2022 Honda CR-V is available in five trim levels, minus the hybrid models: LX, Special Edition EX, EX-L, and Touring. The base LX model gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a multi-angle rearview camera. As you go up in level, you see upgrades and additions, like heated seats for the Special Edition, 18-inch wheels and a 7-inch touch screen for the EX, and 19-inch wheels and a wireless phone charger for the Touring model.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has six trim levels. Also minus the hybrids, these are the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The RAV4 LE is comparable to the CR-V LX. The XLE Premium and the Limited have an upgrade to 19-inch wheels, while the TRD Off-Road’s wheels are standard at 18 inches. Various other features are standard for specific trims, such as a heated steering wheel for the XLE and an 11-speaker audio system for the Limited.

Size

Though the CR-V and RAV4 are both compact SUVs with five-person seating capacities, there’s enough of a size difference between the two to make a difference. The CR-V is the overall larger vehicle, with an exterior measuring 182.1 inches in length and 73 inches in width. Translated to the interior, this amounts to 102.9 to 105.9 cubic feet of passenger volume depending on your trim level.

The LX, EX, EX-L, and Special Edition trims provide the most cargo space out of the CR-V lineup, getting you 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up, 75.8 cubic feet with it down. The Touring edition, meanwhile, offers a default 37.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expandable to 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seat down.

In comparison, the RAV4’s exterior is 180.9 inches long and 73 inches wide. Inside, that results in an EPA-estimated passenger volume of 98.9 cubic feet. For cargo, you get 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which maximizes at 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Engine and Performance

All trim levels of the 2022 Honda CR-V come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, this provides a smooth, well-controlled ride as you commute in and around Cincinnati. Also, except for the Touring model, which is available only in all-wheel drive, you have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive at every trim level.

In the RAV4, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle is quick, though it can be noisy with certain acceleration attempts. Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain at most trim levels, with the option to change to all-wheel drive. The exceptions are the TRD Off-Road and the Adventure, which are available only in all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy of the CR-V varies depending on your drivetrain option, but both perform well. With front-wheel drive, you get an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is only slightly less, at 27 mpg and 32 mpg, respectively.

The fuel economy of the RAV4 can vary by both drivetrain option and trim level. For the front-wheel drives, the LE, XLE, and Limited all get an EPA-estimated 27 and 35 mpg on city and highway driving, respectively, making them fairly comparable to the CR-V, but the XLE Premium earns lower on the highway at 33 mpg. If you opt for all-wheel drive, the LE gets 27/34 mpg, the XLE and XLE Premium get 27/33 mpg, and the Limited gets 25/33 mpg.

The all-wheel-drive-only models of the RAV4 don’t do as well. With the Adventure, you get an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the TRD Off-Road gets you 25 and 32 mpg, respectively.

Features

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 offer some similar connectivity and infotainment features, including a center console screen and compatibility with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. There are some differences, however, particularly depending on the trim levels of the respective vehicles. The base model of the CR-V comes standard with a five-inch LCD color screen, while higher-level models have a high-resolution 7-inch touch screen with customizable features and a compass. Optional upgrades for infotainment include a 330-watt nine-speaker premium audio system and a navigation system. Beginning at the EX level, you get second-row charging ports, SiriusXM, and HD radio.

Starting at the EX level, the Honda CR-V has a few standard features that are optional on an equivalent RAV4 trim. These are heated front seats, a moonroof, a remote engine start system, and a walk-away auto lock.

The infotainment screens are slightly larger in the RAV4, measuring 7 inches for the standard version and upgradeable to 7 or 9 inches. The audio system features six to 11 speakers depending on your trim level. Some of the trims provide a navigation feature, while other models come with Scout GPS Link, through which you can display a map and directions on the infotainment screen via your phone.

Starting MSRP

The 2022 Honda CR-V edges out the Toyota RAV4 with regard to price points. The CR-V’s base LX model has a starting MSRP of $26,400. From there, the prices rise gradually to $27,600 for the Special Edition, $28,910 for the EX, $31,500 for the EX-L, and $36,200 for the Touring.

For the Toyota RAV4’s base model, the LE, the starting MSRP is $26,525. Then it’s $27,995 for the XLE, $30,885 for the XLE Premium, $32,780 for the Adventure, $36,465 for the TRD Off-Road, and $35,025 for the Limited.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, reach out to us through our contact form or call us at (513) 793-7777. Alternatively, you’re always welcome to visit our dealership right here in Cincinnati, at 9131 Fields Ertel Road. We’re open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. We look forward to helping you find the ideal Honda for you.

Images via honda.com