The compact SUV segment has long been dominated by two top contenders: the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. As pioneers in their class, with the RAV4 debuting in America in 1994 and the CR-V in 1997, they’ve set the standard for compact SUVs. While both vehicles are excellent options for modern drivers, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues its two-decade reign as America’s most popular SUV, thanks to its impressive performance, reliability, and design.
However, with the 2024 Honda CR-V getting a full redesign, it’s worth comparing the two to see if Honda has taken over the throne. We’ll explore the key aspects of both vehicles to see which one reigns supreme.
Price and Value
First, let’s compare Honda’s CR-V and Toyota’s RAV4 on their price point. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has a more appealing starting MSRP of $28,675 when compared to the Honda CR-V’s $29,500 base price. Toyota, with six distinct trims, also offers more variety, including specialized variants such as the TRD Off-Road trim. The Honda CR-V has just three trims and no off-road-specific option, which may be a deal-breaker for some buyers. Furthermore, Toyota’s reputation for reliability and long-term value makes the RAV4 a better investment in the long run.
Performance and Driving Experience
Boasting a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and producing 203 horsepower, the RAV4 outperforms the CR-V’s 1.5-liter, 190-horsepower turbocharged engine. This power difference becomes noticeable during highway passing maneuvers and when climbing steep hills. The RAV4’s powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smoother and more efficient driving experience than the CR-V’s continuously variable transmission.
Toyota maintains its advantage when we compare the hybrid versions. With its sophisticated dual-motor system generating 219 horsepower, it tops the CR-V hybrid’s 204 horsepower. The RAV4’s versatility extends to its impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity, while the CR-V can only tow up to 1,500 pounds.
When it comes to handling, the RAV4 offers better off-road versatility than the CR-V. Its multi-terrain select system and available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive provide enhanced traction in challenging conditions. Meanwhile, the TRD Off-Road trim boasts superior off-roading capability that the CR-V just can’t match.
Fuel Economy
Both SUVs demonstrate impressive efficiency, though the RAV4 maintains a slight advantage across all configurations. In front-wheel-drive variants, the 2024 RAV4 achieves 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. While the CR-V matches the city rating, it falls just short on the highway at 34 mpg. This pattern continues in all-wheel-drive configurations, where the RAV4 and the CR-V both deliver 27 mpg in the city, but the RAV4 has the edge on the highway at 34 mpg, compared to 27 mpg for the CR-V. This makes the Toyota marginally more economical for long-distance driving.
Interior and Cargo Space
In cargo capacity, the Honda CR-V takes a slight lead with 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the RAV4’s 37.6 cubic feet, and a generous 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the RAV4 offers 59 cubic feet. Passenger comfort varies slightly, with the CR-V providing a bit more legroom. Front passengers get 41.3 inches compared to 41 inches in the RAV4, while rear passengers see a bigger difference with 41 inches in the CR-V vs. 37.8 inches in the RAV4. Both vehicles use quality materials and have well-designed interiors focused on comfort and functionality.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The technology comparison favors the RAV4, with its standard 8-inch touch screen and six-speaker sound system beating the CR-V’s 7-inch screen and four-speaker setup. The advantage extends to higher trims, with the RAV4 providing an 11-speaker premium audio system and a larger 10.5-inch touch screen. Although the CR-V does offer a premium sound system with 12 speakers, which is only available on the Sport Touring Hybrid trim, its maximum screen size is only 9 inches.
Connectivity options also lean in Toyota’s favor. Both vehicles offer wireless smartphone charging and multiple 12-volt outlets on higher trims, but the RAV4 adds up to five USB ports. The CR-V’s more limited options include a standard USB interface and a single USB-C charging port. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both, but the RAV4 provides wireless integration for added convenience.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety has become a crucial aspect for modern buyers, and both vehicles deliver on this front. The Toyota RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The RAV4’s standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package includes many features, from pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection to adaptive cruise control with steering assist. Premium features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera system.
The Honda CR-V also boasts top safety ratings, with the 2023 CR-V earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. While CR-V’s standard Honda Sensing suite includes features similar to those of the RAV4, such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 is the more comprehensive and intuitive suite.
Design and Customization
On the outside, Toyota provides an impressive array of color options, including distinctive choices such as Ruby Flare and Cavalry Blue. It also offers sophisticated dual-tone combinations featuring contrasting roof colors, such as Ice Edge rooftop paired with Magnetic Gray. Chrome accents on the headlights, exhaust tips, and door handles add a touch of luxury to the RAV4’s exterior.
The CR-V takes a more conservative approach with single-tone exterior colors, including Canyon River Blue and Radiant Red. While it offers 18-inch wheels in Berlina Black or Sparkle Silver, it falls short in terms of customization options compared to the RAV4’s bold 19-inch-wheel choices in Light Gray or Dark Metallic designs.
Test-Drive the 2024 Toyota RAV4 at Longo Toyota of Prosper
The 2024 Honda CR-V offers some impressive features and improvements in its newer version, but the 2024 Toyota RAV4 continues to dominate in key areas such as performance, value, and customization options. At Longo Toyota of Prosper, we have an extensive selection of new and used RAV4 models for you to explore. Schedule a test-drive today to experience why the RAV4 remains America’s favorite SUV. Contact us for more information about our current offers and financing options.
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