- Both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 were instrumental in starting the compact, car-based crossover trend in the late 1990s.
- However, the CR-V has gained ground recently, defeating the RAV4 in comparative tests, our rankings for compact crossovers.
- The competition thickened as Honda debuted the new sixth-generation CR-V.
The 2023 Honda CR-V and 2023 Toyota RAV4 provide what you’re looking for if you want to see a tough fight in the automotive industry. Since the late 1990s and up until the present, these two small crossover SUVs have been at odds. In most comparison testing over the past few years, the CR-V has prevailed, but will that hold for the 2023 model year?
Table of Contents
The upgraded CR-V crossover SUV from Honda marks the beginning of the new SUV’s sixth generation. For the Toyota RAV4, which is currently in the middle of its fifth iteration, 2023 is nothing new. Will the new CR-V be able to compete with the RAV4?
Compact crossover SUVs are rare, but the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V were two models that were the pioneers. Decades later, both cars still compete to be the top-selling model in the segment. However, there’s one major reason the 2023 Honda CR-V is better than the 2023 Toyota RAV4.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Has a Better Design Compared to the 2023 RAV4
Unlike the 2023 RAV4, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a redesign. Because car models have to stay competitive, they get redesigned from time to time. On average, this redesign happens between 5-10 years. And the 2023 Honda CR-V has greatly impressed users with its all-new design.
The RAV4 has not been redesigned for several years. The current model is the 5th generation that started production in 2018. As a result, the CR-V, now in its 6th generation, looks more modern than the RAV4.
The CR-V features an exterior that nicely blends sophistication with ruggedness. A standout feature is the large upright grille. Also, the long hood and sleek roofline add an element of sportiness. Additionally, a strong horizontal beltline extends from the LED headlights to the rear of the crossover SUV to meet up with the stylish signature vertical LED taillights.
Also, the CR-V has door-mounted mirrors and repositioned A-pillars, and both of these upgrades help improve visibility. It also offers a new wheel design, with 19-inch versions for the top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid trim and 18-inch ones for the EX, EX-L, and Sport Hybrid trims.
The CR-V offers more interior space than the 2023 RAV4. Although both vehicles can seat up to 5 people, the CR-V has a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft, compared to the 98.9 cu-ft of the RAV4. The CR-V also provides more legroom than the RAV4, especially for the rear seats. It offers 41.3/41.0 inches of front/rear legroom, while the RAV4 has 41.0/37.8 inches.
The inside of the 2023 CR-V is also more luxurious than the RAV4. It has an upscale look and feels you’d expect to see for a marque luxury crossover SUV, but not a mainstream model like the CR-V. The cabin also has a modern styling, while the RAV4 could use some changes.
The CR-V offers comfort features you won’t get with the RAV4, like the front stabilizing seats for a more comfortable ride and an entry and exit system, which slides the driver’s seat back. Also, the CR-V has automatic rear folding seats for ease in cargo and seating configuration.
2023 Honda CR-V Vs. 2023 Toyota RAV4: Which Compact Crossover SUV Has the Better Powertrain?
The Honda CR-V makes its way into a new generation in 2023, although it retains the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the outgoing model. This engine produces 179 lb-ft of torque and 190 horsepower. Customers have the option of a FWD configuration with this engine attached to a CVT. The AWD version’s fuel economy is 27 city and 32 highway mpg.
A 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque powers the 2023 Toyota RAV4. This engine offers either FWD or AWD and pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy for the RAV4 is 25/36 mpg.
The Honda CR-V is the best option if you want better city fuel economy, but the Toyota RAV4 is the better option if you want more power and a conventional transmission.
2023 Honda CR-V Vs 2023 Toyota RAV4: Which is more Reliable?
Normally, you could believe that the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is more dependable than the Honda CR-V. Toyota has a long history of being trusted for its dependability. According to reliability ratings, the CR-V outperforms the RAV4 in the compact SUV category.
2023 Honda CR-V Vs. 2023 RAV4: Which is Bigger?
When looking for a crossover SUV that gives you the right size for your family, interior cabin space is where it counts.
The 2018 Honda CR-V provides 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, 41.3 inches of front legroom, and 41 inches of rear legroom. 76.5 cubic feet of additional space for cargo is available when the back seats are folded.
When we look at the Toyota RAV4, the front passengers have 41 inches of legroom, while the back passengers get 37.8 inches. When the back seats are folded flat, the 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind them increases to 69.8 cubic feet. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is smaller than the 2023 Honda CR-V. Only when the back seats are upright does the Toyota SUV have a little advantage over the Honda crossover.
Conclusion
In general, these changes the Honda CR-V 2023 has something that the RAV4 doesn’t are essential things to consider before buying a crossover SUV.
