The 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2025 Honda CR-V stand as titans in the competitive compact SUV market. For families and individuals seeking a blend of fuel efficiency, ample space, and versatile functionality without the need for a third row, these vehicles represent an ideal choice. Their enduring popularity stems from a compelling combination of value, features, and practicality, even amidst evolving market dynamics. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to determine which SUV better suits your needs.
Crossover SUVs like the CR-V and RAV4 have effectively replaced sedans as the go-to family vehicles. They offer a car-like driving experience with enhanced handling, a touch of off-road capability, and increased ground clearance. Their adaptable interiors and slightly elevated seating make them exceptionally user-friendly, simplifying access for passengers, child seats, and cargo. In an era where the average new car price approaches $50,000, both the CR-V and RAV4 offer accessible entry points, starting around $30,000 for base models and reaching approximately $40,000 for fully equipped versions, including fuel-efficient hybrid options.
A notable exception is the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, a performance and innovation leader within the RAV4 lineup. It boasts a potent 302-horsepower hybrid system and an 18.1-kWh battery, delivering an impressive 42 miles of all-electric range on a full charge. This plug-in hybrid variant distinguishes the RAV4 from the Honda CR-V, which lacks a comparable plug-in option.
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V front quarter view, showcasing its modern and sleek design.
Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Price, Trim Levels, and Key Features
- Entry-level models for both SUVs start around $30,000, offering competitive base pricing.
- Toyota RAV4 presents a Plug-in Hybrid variant, a unique offering not available in the Honda CR-V lineup.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, while the RAV4 Hybrid is exclusively all-wheel drive.
- Top recommended trims include CR-V LX or Sport Hybrid and RAV4 XLE or XLE Hybrid for optimal value.
Honda CR-V Pricing and Trim Options
The Honda CR-V begins at approximately $31,000 for the base LX FWD model. Standard features include convenient keyless start, adaptive cruise control for enhanced safety, energy-efficient LED headlights, stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, and a user-friendly 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with seamless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Across the entire CR-V range, including hybrid models, all-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,500.
Moving up the trim ladder, the mid-range EX and EX-L variants enhance comfort and convenience. The EX trim adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats for colder climates, a sunroof for a brighter cabin, blind-spot monitors for increased safety, and larger 18-inch wheels. The EX-L model marks the entry point to the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen within the non-hybrid CR-V lineup, also incorporating an upgraded eight-speaker audio system and convenient wireless smartphone charging.
The CR-V Hybrid versions are available in Sport and Sport-L trims, distinguished by a sporty blacked-out exterior trim and black 18-inch wheels, and feature the 7.0-inch touchscreen. The Sport-L trim further elevates the experience with a power tailgate for easier cargo access, luxurious leather upholstery, and wireless device charging. At the top of the CR-V hierarchy is the Sport Touring Hybrid, priced around $42,000, boasting premium features like a Bose audio system, larger 19-inch wheels, and an integrated navigation system. Factory options across the CR-V lineup are limited, primarily consisting of special paint colors, a tow hitch for light towing needs, and various cargo accessories.
Alt text: 2024 Toyota RAV4 side profile in a parking lot, showcasing its robust and adventurous styling.
Toyota RAV4 Pricing and Trim Options
Excluding the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 offers a broad spectrum of choices, including front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive gasoline models, as well as exclusively all-wheel drive Hybrid variants. The RAV4 LE, the base trim, starts at approximately $30,000 and the lineup ascends to around $41,000 for the Hybrid Limited AWD trim. For non-hybrid RAV4 models, upgrading to all-wheel drive incurs a $1,400 premium across the trims.
The base RAV4 LE includes practical 17-inch steel wheels, adaptive cruise control, a suite of essential active safety features, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The RAV4 XLE, starting at $31,680, enhances comfort and convenience with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, blind-spot monitors, and alloy wheels, offering optional heated seats and a sunroof. The XLE Premium, priced at $34,425, adds synthetic leather upholstery and automatic climate control for increased refinement.
Hybrid models begin with the Hybrid LE at approximately $33,000 – a modest $1,650 price increase over a non-hybrid LE AWD at the time of writing. The XLE Hybrid, nearing $35,000, with optional heated seats, presents a compelling value proposition for many buyers. The non-Plug-in Hybrid RAV4 range culminates with the $41,600 Hybrid Limited, potentially reaching $44,000 with options such as a panoramic roof, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Advanced Technology Package that includes wireless device charging, hands-free tailgate operation, and a surround-view camera system.
The Hybrid SE trim also stands out as a balanced mid-level option for value, priced around $36,000. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, positioned as the premium performance and efficiency choice, comes in at nearly $50,000.
Pricing Advantage: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 holds a slight edge in hybrid form because all-wheel drive is standard without an additional cost, potentially offering better value for those prioritizing both fuel efficiency and all-weather capability.
Alt text: Interior of the 2025 Honda CR-V, showcasing its spacious cabin and modern dashboard design.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V: Dimensions, Size, and Cargo Capacity
- Honda CR-V is marginally longer and lower in profile compared to the Toyota RAV4.
- CR-V offers superior cargo volume, both with the rear seats up and when folded down.
- Toyota RAV4 is slightly taller overall and, in certain configurations, provides marginally more ground clearance.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 exhibit very similar dimensions, aligning closely with rivals like the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. The Toyota RAV4 generally measures around 181 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 67 inches in height across most trims, with a wheelbase of approximately 106 inches. The CR-V is slightly larger, measuring about 185 inches long, 74 inches wide, and 67 inches tall, sharing an approximate 106-inch wheelbase.
These dimensions translate to a more spacious cabin in the CR-V, which is evident in both official measurements and perceived interior roominess. While the RAV4 cabin feels somewhat upright, the CR-V’s interior simply feels more expansive, particularly in both front and rear seating areas. In terms of passenger volume, the CR-V offers 103.5 cubic feet, while the RAV4 provides 98.9 cubic feet. For cargo space, the RAV4 offers 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and nearly 70 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the CR-V surpasses the RAV4 in cargo capacity as well, providing approximately 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. A practical observation in real-world use reveals that while the RAV4’s rear seats fold relatively flat, the CR-V’s folding seats do not quite create a completely flat cargo floor.
In terms of usability and comfort, the RAV4 falls slightly behind in front-seat comfort, where the CR-V’s seats offer enhanced support and overall comfort. Rear door openings are also wider in the Honda, facilitating easier ingress and egress. Furthermore, the CR-V’s rear seating position and roofline may better accommodate taller passengers, providing more headroom compared to the Toyota.
Size Advantage: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers a more spacious cabin and superior cargo capacity, making it a more practical choice for families and those prioritizing interior space.
Alt text: Rear cargo area of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 with seats folded down, showing the available cargo space.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Towing Capability
- Toyota RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road trims offer a higher towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid’s limited 1,000-pound towing capacity may be restrictive for buyers with towing needs.
- Even the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provides a respectable towing capacity, surpassing the CR-V Hybrid.
The RAV4 Hybrid is rated for towing up to 1,750 pounds, while most gasoline-powered RAV4 models are rated for up to 1,500 pounds.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid extends towing capability further to 2,500 pounds.
In contrast, the Honda CR-V’s towing capacities are generally lower. Non-hybrid CR-V models are rated for up to 1,500 pounds, and its continuously variable transmission (CVT) may not be as well-suited for towing as the RAV4’s traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. While the CR-V Hybrid’s instant torque delivery from its electric motors might seem advantageous for towing, Honda rates the CR-V Hybrid at a mere 1,000 pounds – suitable only for very light-duty towing tasks like small utility trailers.
Towing Advantage: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 offers superior towing capabilities across its range, particularly with dedicated trims and hybrid variants exceeding the Honda CR-V’s towing limits.
Alt text: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid parked on a paved road, highlighting its hybrid powertrain and fuel efficiency.
Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: Off-Road Prowess
- Toyota RAV4 no longer offers Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims in the current lineup.
- Both the CR-V and RAV4 offer approximately eight inches of ground clearance in most configurations, providing similar basic off-road capability.
- Hybrid versions of CR-V and RAV4 employ distinct all-wheel-drive systems with varying characteristics.
The Honda CR-V provides 7.8 inches of ground clearance in front-wheel-drive configuration and 8.2 inches with all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4 offers up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with slight variations depending on the trim level.
All-wheel-drive CR-Vs utilize a mechanical AWD system that directs power to the rear wheels when necessary, regardless of whether they are hybrid or gasoline-powered models. Non-hybrid all-wheel-drive RAV4s employ a similar mechanical system. However, RAV4 Hybrid models feature a unique all-wheel-drive system that incorporates a separate electric motor at the rear wheels. This electric motor is part of the hybrid system and is not mechanically linked to the engine or front transaxle. Both AWD systems have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Real-world experience suggests that the RAV4 Hybrid’s AWD system demonstrates impressive capability on snowy surfaces, a common scenario where AWD is beneficial.
Off-Road Advantage: Toyota RAV4
While neither is a dedicated off-roader, the Toyota RAV4, especially in its hybrid form, offers a slightly more capable all-wheel-drive system for light off-road conditions and varied terrains.
Alt text: 2024 Toyota RAV4 driving on a dirt road, demonstrating its light off-road capabilities.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Safety Ratings and Features
- Both the RAV4 and CR-V generally achieve good safety ratings, but both have areas for improvement.
- Toyota RAV4 demonstrates slightly superior crash-test performance overall.
- Both SUVs earned the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, indicating high safety standards.
- Blind-spot monitors are standard equipment on all Honda CR-V trims but optional on the Toyota RAV4, highlighting a difference in standard safety features.
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V offer solid safety ratings and performance, yet there’s room for enhancement in both models. The RAV4 attained a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA NCAP program. However, it received the IIHS Top Safety Pick, rather than the высшая Top Safety Pick+ designation, due to an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side-impact test.
The Honda CR-V’s performance in IIHS testing is slightly less impressive, receiving a “Poor” rating in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, despite achieving a “Good” rating in the updated side-impact test. Similar to the RAV4, the CR-V family earns a five-star overall NHTSA rating, comprised of a mix of four- and five-star scores across different crash tests.
Both models come standard with essential safety technologies including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control, along with headlights that have performed well in evaluations. Blind-spot monitors are not standard on base trims of either vehicle, but the CR-V’s challenging rearward visibility and the absence of a standard surround-view camera system slightly position it behind the RAV4 in terms of overall safety convenience and features.
Safety Advantage: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 exhibits a slight edge in overall safety ratings and crash test performance, making it marginally safer according to testing standards.
Alt text: Side impact view of the 2025 Honda CR-V, emphasizing its safety structure and crashworthiness.
Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: Performance and Driving Dynamics
- Non-Hybrid Powertrains: CR-V features a 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine with a CVT, while the RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.**
- RAV4’s handling characteristics can vary significantly depending on the specific trim level and powertrain.
- Honda CR-V consistently delivers superior ride quality and handling across its model range.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer comparable power and performance, but their powertrains and power delivery methods differ significantly, from non-hybrid to hybrid variants.
The CR-V’s 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it provides smooth and adequate power for daily driving and highway merging, although it’s not particularly quick. Honda has refined this powertrain combination, incorporating simulated gear shifts into the CVT to enhance driving feel. For drivers who prioritize smoothness and quiet operation over outright acceleration, the CR-V’s powertrain is satisfyingly refined.
Base RAV4 models are equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission responds well, but the overall powertrain can feel less refined, exhibiting coarseness and noise, and ultimately not offering significantly quicker 0-60 mph acceleration times compared to the Honda (both around eight seconds at best).
Both the RAV4 and CR-V excel in their hybrid configurations. For a modest price increase, hybrid versions offer enhanced performance, greater refinement, and significantly improved fuel economy. Toyota’s hybrid system includes a separate motor for the rear wheels, delivering a combined 219 horsepower, making the RAV4 Hybrid noticeably quicker than its base gasoline engine might suggest. Honda’s hybrid system utilizes a dual-motor setup, with one motor primarily driving the wheels. It produces 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, providing an electric-vehicle-like driving experience, although the engine can become somewhat noisy during sustained uphill climbs.
In terms of handling and ride quality, the Honda CR-V surpasses the Toyota RAV4, offering superior handling dynamics, a more comfortable ride, and a quieter cabin environment.
Performance Advantage: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers a more refined driving experience with better handling, ride comfort, and cabin quietness compared to the Toyota RAV4.
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V in motion on a winding road, illustrating its agile handling and driving dynamics.
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Fuel Efficiency and MPG
- Non-Hybrid Fuel Economy: CR-V non-hybrid models achieve 29-30 mpg combined, while RAV4 non-hybrid models range from 28-30 mpg combined, showing similar efficiency.**
- Hybrid Fuel Economy: RAV4 Hybrid achieves 40 mpg combined for most trims, while CR-V Hybrid matches this with FWD but drops to 37 mpg with AWD, indicating a slight edge for RAV4 Hybrid.**
- Plug-in Hybrid Efficiency: RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid achieves 38 mpg combined after electric range is depleted and offers 42 miles of all-electric range, providing superior efficiency for those with charging access.**
The Honda CR-V, in non-hybrid form with its turbo-4 engine and CVT, achieves EPA ratings of 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive reduces the combined rating by only 1 mpg.
Base RAV4 models with front-wheel drive are rated at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined by the EPA. All-wheel-drive versions reduce the combined rating to 29 mpg, or 28 mpg for the more off-road-oriented trims. Hybrid versions, with a relatively small price premium, excel in fuel efficiency, achieving 41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined for most configurations, with 37 mpg combined for the Hybrid Woodland Edition.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, offering 42 miles of electric driving range on a full charge, is rated at 38 mpg combined once the electric charge is depleted and provides a total driving range of 600 miles.
Fuel Economy Advantage: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid lineup, and especially the Plug-in Hybrid variant, offers superior fuel efficiency and electric driving range, making it the more economical choice in terms of fuel costs.
Alt text: Fuel economy rating sticker for the 2025 Honda CR-V, highlighting its MPG figures.
Alt text: Fuel economy rating sticker for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, emphasizing its high MPG and hybrid efficiency.
Alt text: Charging port of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, showcasing its plug-in capability for electric driving.
Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: Interior, Infotainment, and Technology
- Toyota RAV4 features a larger base touchscreen and an even larger 10.5-inch screen in select trims.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired in base Honda CR-V models but wireless with the 9.0-inch screen and standard in all RAV4 trims, providing greater connectivity in RAV4.
- Satellite radio availability is limited to higher trims in the CR-V but more broadly available across the RAV4 lineup, offering more entertainment options in RAV4.
Both the CR-V and RAV4 are equipped with modern infotainment systems, offering smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the base 7.0-inch touchscreen in the Honda CR-V requires a wired connection, while both the optional 9.0-inch system in higher CR-V trims and the standard 8.0-inch system in all RAV4s include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While both offer capable systems, the menu structure and overall user interface of Honda’s infotainment systems are generally preferred over Toyota’s latest system. Toyota’s system includes Google point-of-interest functionality but is considered less intuitive in screen utilization and has eliminated many physical buttons.
Select RAV4 trims, including TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Plug-in Hybrid XSE, and all Limited models, upgrade to a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen. Limited models also feature a 12.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display.
In terms of amenities, both models are comparably equipped. Mid-range trims in both lineups can be equipped with features like a power liftgate, wireless device charging, heated rear outboard seats, and large sunroofs. The RAV4 offers a head-up display in top-spec trims, a feature not available on the CR-V. A notable omission in the CR-V is satellite radio, which is only included in EX-L and Sport Touring trims.
Base RAV4 LE trims have a more budget-oriented feel, evident in materials and finishes. Stepping up to the XLE Premium trim in the RAV4 significantly improves cabin ambiance with faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rear-seat vents, along with available 11-speaker JBL sound.
While the RAV4 offers upgraded interiors in its higher trims, the Honda CR-V generally feels more upscale even in its base configurations, with better upholstery and a more refined look and feel throughout the cabin, extending to touch points, trim materials, and switchgear.
Interior and Technology Advantage: Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V provides a more upscale interior ambiance and user-friendly infotainment, while the Toyota RAV4 offers more advanced tech features in higher trims and standard wireless smartphone integration across the range.
Alt text: Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2025 Honda CR-V, highlighting its user-friendly interface and modern design.
CR-V vs. RAV4: Which Compact SUV is the Better Choice?
The Toyota RAV4 achieves a TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10, while the Honda CR-V earns a higher score of 7.0, primarily due to its superior performance and comfort. (For more details on our rating methodology, see how we rate cars.) The Toyota RAV4 offers a wider variety of specialized trims and powertrains, including the desirable Plug-in Hybrid, and its hybrid system integrates all-wheel drive more effectively as standard. However, the Honda CR-V’s overall refinement, enhanced comfort, and poised driving dynamics make it feel like a more premium vehicle for the money.
Overall Winner: Honda CR-V.
Ultimately, the Honda CR-V emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering a more well-rounded package with superior comfort, handling, and interior space, making it a compelling choice for most compact SUV buyers. However, the Toyota RAV4 remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing fuel efficiency with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, robust towing capability, and slightly better safety ratings. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
