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Honda CR-VVS TOYOTA RAV4

A reliable SUV, like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, is an all-around great option for everyone from families and commuters to drivers who like going down trails. So, which one of these stylish SUVs has what you’re looking for? We’ll help you decide by having them face off against each other in this Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison.

Passenger SpaceThe Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 both feature two rows of seats that can comfortably seat up to five people. The Honda gives you more room to stretch out though with 105.9 cubic feet of passenger space. The Toyota is a tighter squeeze with just 98.9 cubic feet of space throughout the interior.

Your passengers will especially notice the difference when you’ve got three people riding in the back seats. The Honda has enough room for everyone to pile in and relax with 49.5 inches of hip room and 40.4 inches of rear legroom. The back of the Toyota RAV4 feels cramped with 47.7 inches of rear hip room and just 37.8 inches of legroom.

You’ll also be able to feel the difference when you’re behind the wheel. The driver and front passenger can each enjoy 40.1 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom inside the Honda CR-V. On the other hand, taller drivers and copilots might have a hard time in the Toyota RAV4. The ceiling is significantly lower and only offers 37.7 inches of front headroom. As a result, there’s also a little less legroom up front with 41.0 inches.

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Cargo Room Behind the second row, each SUV also offers lots of cargo room. Much like the seating area though, the Honda CR-V provides you with more space. It features a convenient 39.2 cubic feet of cargo room. The trunk space in the Toyota RAV4 is a little smaller with 37.6 cubic feet of space.

Both vehicles have an interior that’s as versatile at their drivetrains. That’s why the Honda has a standard Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat. It gives you several options for loading up. With the entire back row folded down you’ll have up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo room.

The Toyota RAV4 also has standard 60/40 split folding rear seats. However, it has a much smaller cargo capacity with 69.8 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded down.

While each interior makes it easy to nearly double your storage space, they also offer convenient features that make it easier to pack and unpack, even when you’ve got your hands full. Both come with cargo area lights and offer a Power Tailgate with Programmable Height and Hands-Free Access.

The Honda CR-V allows you to secure you cargo though. It has standard tie-down anchors in the trunk that can help prevent items from sliding or rolling around. This useful feature is not available in the Toyota RAV4.

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Interior Amenities

Getting on the road in either the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 is easy thanks to a keyless entry feature and a push button start. During your drive, both SUVs give you the freedom to let some light in and give your passengers a view with a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature. You can also enjoy an easier drive at night with an automatic-dimming rearview mirror with an available HomeLink® Remote System.

The interior of the Honda CR-V sets itself apart though. Aside from being comfortable and offering plenty of space, it’s also loaded with features that can make your drive easier and more enjoyable. Both cloth and leather seats are available, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The driver and front passenger can warm up in the winter with heated front seats and relax on a Multi-Function Center Console that features both a storage compartment and a sliding armrest. You can also find the perfect setting for your drive with a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support.

Active Noise Cancellation™ also comes standard, too. This filters outside noise, so you can hear your music, calls, or passengers clearly without any interference from the wind or the sound of your engine.

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The Toyota RAV4 also offers lots of amenities, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but leather seats aren’t available on any trim level. The only options for your upholstery are fabric trim seats and SofTex®. While it’s designed to look like leather, it’s not as classy or refined.

You also won’t be able to get as comfortable behind the wheel. While heated seats and a 4-way adjustable front passenger’s seat are available, the driver’s seat only offers eight settings. Plus, there’s no sliding armrest on the center console and no feature to keep the cabin quiet.

Infotainment SystemAt the front of this stylish interior, the Honda CR-V has a sleek 7-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard. This high-resolution display blends in seamlessly with your controls and keeps you connected during your drive.

The infotainment system has standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® to help you stream music and podcasts from your smartphone, as well as make phone calls without taking your hands off the wheel. There’s also an SMS Text Message Function that lets you hear messages you’ve received and respond to them. You can also access some of your favorite smartphone apps and features through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Plus, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition will help you find the best route to your destination. Wherever you go, you can enjoy lots of variety and terrific sound quality with features like Pandora®, SiriusXM® Radio, and HD Radio™.

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The Toyota RAV4 also offers a Bluetooth® compatible infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay™. However, it’s only convenient if you have an iPhone. Android Auto™ is not available on any trim level.

The system’s design is also inconvenient. Its touchscreen display is located on top of the dashboard. This makes it looks out of place and partially obscures your view when you’re behind the wheel.

Mobile AppThe Honda CR-V also offers technology that lets you stay connected to your SUV when you’re not behind the wheel. The HondaLink® app allows you to check your diagnostics right from your smartphone. Before you even hit the road, you can see how much gas you have left, check your oil levels, and even schedule service. It’s even capable of sending a destination to your SUV’s navigation system before you get back to your car.

While the Toyota RAV4 offers smartphone compatibility once you’re on the road, it doesn’t offer any smartphone apps that are linked to your SUV.

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Safety & Driver Assistance Features

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were both built to give you peace of mind and keep you safe. Each one features a structurally sound design that can absorb the impact of a collision then redirect the force away from the seating area.

Inside both SUVs there’s an advanced airbag system that’s made up of front, front side, and Side Curtain Airbags that cover both rows of seats. The front seats each come with an automatic tensioning system, while the back seats feature Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Each vehicle also uses driver assistance features to give you more awareness and prevent accidents. For example, the Honda Sensing® looks out of nearly every angle of your SUV with technology like:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™• Road Departure Mitigation System• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow• Lane Keeping Assist System

Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 includes similar features. Both vehicles also let you know when it’s safe to change lanes with an available Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Monitor and can help you when you’re backing up with a standard multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.

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PowertrainsSo, what do these safe, stylish, comfortable SUVs have under the hood? The Honda CR-V offers a choice between a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) and a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.

The Toyota RAV4 only offers one engine. While the two Honda powertrains are sporty and efficient, the Toyota runs on a heavy 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that’s both loud and delivers a cumbersome drive.

CapabilityThe Honda CR-V is designed to help you travel safely through harsh conditions and over tough terrain. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Real Time All-Wheel Drive with an Intelligent Control System™ is also available. Both options help you grip the road or trail that you’re driving on with standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ with Traction Control.

On top of delivering a stable drive, the Honda CR-V can get you up and over whatever lies in your path. Front-wheel drive models have an approach angle of 19.3 degrees and a departure angle of 23.5 degrees. With all-wheel drive, your SUV rides a little higher and can take on even steeper inclines with a 20.8-degree approach angle and 24.8-degree departure angle.

The Toyota RAV4 is also available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and has a traction control system with either drivetrain. While it has a capable ground clearance, it can’t manage the same hills as the Honda. With either drivetrain its top approach angle is 19.0 degrees, and its maximum departure angle is just 21.0 degrees.

Test Drive a Versatile SUV

To learn more about this Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison, visit your local Honda dealer and take a test drive. With a roomy interior, lots of cargo room, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a capable drivetrain, the Honda CR-V is an excellent choice for all kinds of drivers.