The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V might well be on the shortlist of anybody shopping for a family SUV. Both offer family buyers a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency and technology. While they share similarities in concept, there are also key differences that could sway buyers one way or the other.
This comparison looks at how the RAV4 and CR-V stack up across key areas like interior space, driving experience, standard equipment and overall running costs. We'll examine the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the better fit for your needs and budget.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
Practicality
The Toyota RAV4 is a practical family SUV, offering a spacious 580-litre boot with the rear seats up. This expands to an impressive 1,690 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down. However, it's worth noting that the plug-in hybrid variant loses 90 litres of boot space.
While the RAV4 provides ample room for five adults, it doesn't offer the option of a third row of seating like some rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008. So if you need to regularly carry more than five, you may want to look elsewhere.
The Honda CR-V takes practicality up a notch further. Its slightly larger dimensions translate to excellent rear legroom, even for taller passengers. The rear seats can slide fore and aft by up to 19cm to prioritise legroom or boot space as needed.
Boot space is generous at 587 litres for the standard hybrid model, expanding to a cavernous 617 litres in the plug-in hybrid thanks to an adjustable boot floor. The CR-V's party trick is its flat-folding rear seats that create a vast loadbay.
While both offer solid family-friendly practicality, the CR-V just about has the edge overall thanks to its sliding rear seats and larger boot capacity across the range.
Driving Impressions
Both the RAV4 and CR-V use hybrid powertrains pairing a 2.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engine respectively with electric motors. The Toyota offers a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Honda CR-V plug-in hybrid is front-wheel drive only.
On the road, the RAV4 delivers a comfortable driving experience with safe, secure handling. Performance from the 215bhp front-drive model is respectable with 0-62mph taking 8.4 seconds, though the CVT gearbox can result in an elastic band-like feeling when accelerating hard.
The CR-V hybrid system has more of an electric car-like feel, capable of running on electric power alone at lower speeds. It's smooth and refined once up to temperature, though the engine can sound gruff when first started. The plug-in model's extra weight does compromise ride quality somewhat compared to the standard hybrid.
While neither is a sporty drive, the Toyota RAV4 just about shades it for driver appeal and a slightly more linear power delivery. But the CR-V counters with hushed electric running.
Technology and Equipment
Even the entry-level Icon trim of the Toyota RAV4 is generously equipped with LED lights, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen and a comprehensive array of driver aids. Higher trims add luxuries like synthetic leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
The Honda CR-V takes an even more upmarket approach with no 'basic' trim level. The Elegance specification includes heated leather seats, a panoramic roof and wireless phone charging as standard. Top-spec Advance Tech models add niceties such as a premium Bose sound system.
Both cars feature broadly similar infotainment setups with generous touchscreens and smartphone mirroring, though the CR-V's system can be a bit laggy at times. The RAV4's dash layout feels more straightforward ands user-friendly.
While the CR-V's higher asking prices reflect its more premium positioning and generous kit levels, the RAV4 counters by offering strong value for money. It's a close-run thing, but the Toyota just about shades it here with its more competitive pricing.
Running Costs
As you'd expect from mainstream hybrid SUVs, the RAV4 and CR-V both promise low running costs thanks to their electrified powertrains. The Toyota claims up to 50.4mpg for the front-drive model on the latest WLTP tests, with many owners reporting real-world figures in the mid-to-high 40s.
The Honda CR-V standard hybrid is officially rated at 42.2mpg, though high-speed motorway stints can see that dip into the 30s. The plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, has an official 353mpg rating thanks to its pure electric range.
For business users, the CR-V PHEV's 18g/km CO2 emissions make it much more affordable for company car tax than the standard hybrid's 151g/km. Private buyers able to regularly charge the battery will also see fuel costs tumble.
Service costs should be affordable for both, with fixed-price Toyota servicing starting from £190 and Honda offering a similar service plan. The RAV4's initial 3-year warranty can be topped up to 10 years and 100,000 miles if you get the car serviced each year at an official dealership, which gives it an advantage over the CR-V's standard 3-year/90,000 mile cover.
Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are both highly competent hybrid family SUVs that will serve buyers well. The RAV4 impresses with its keen pricing, generous kit levels and Toyota's reputation for bulletproof reliability. Its easy-going road manners and versatile interior also make it a doddle to live with day-to-day.
However, the CR-V fights back strongly by offering superior interior space and practicality, with its sliding rear seats and vast boot capacity giving it the edge for larger families. The plug-in hybrid model's low running costs will also appeal to company car drivers and those able to regularly charge the battery themselves.
For many buyers, the decision could come down to priorities around interior space versus upfront purchase costs. But whichever you choose, you'll be getting a well-rounded, efficient and family-friendly SUV.