Small SUV Shootout: Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

After the full-size pickup truck, the compact SUV is the most popular vehicle segment in the U.S. It’s not hard to see why Americans have fallen in love with these practical little runabouts. 

Small SUVs make drivers feel safer and offer serious value and handy cargo room—-and they do it all in a package that fits any garage or parking spot without breaking the bank. 

But which small SUV is right for you? We’ll compare the two market leaders, the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, to help you decide. 

#1 Best-Selling Small SUV: Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has been a hit since its 1994 debut. Now in its fifth generation, it has grown quite a bit. It’s bigger than the original and offers more popular features and luxuries than ever. 

Advantages of Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V

The Toyota RAV4 has enjoyed steady dominance in this segment for years, but the CR-V is never far behind in its sales numbers. Depending on your priorities, some key differences may give the Toyota RAV4 the edge over the Honda CR-V. 

Features and Comfort:

• RAV4 offers more trim levels and variations.
• RAV4 has a softer, more comfortable ride.
• RAV4 is a little quieter on the highway.  

Cargo and Utility:

• RAV4 is shorter (easier to fit in small garages and parking spaces)
• RAV4 has more ground clearance and may do a bit better off-pavement. 
• RAV4 has a bigger fuel tank that gets you about 50 more miles per tank. 

Performance and Economy:

• RAV4 gets slightly better MPG than CR-V (comparing non-hybrids)
• Both RAV4 Hybrid and Hybrid Prime get better MPG than CR-V Hybrid
• RAV4 Hybrid Prims is FAST (0-60 in 5.6 sec) and still gets 36-40 MPG

The best RAV4 Feature Overall is choice. The RAV4 is available in many trim levels, from basic to luxed-out, making it easier to find one just right for your needs and budget. 

Toyota RAV4 in Summary

The Toyota RAV4 may be the best choice if you’re the practical and pragmatic type. It has better fuel economy, a softer, quieter highway ride, and more luxurious available features, like air-conditioned/ventilated seats in the newest models. The RAV4 also does not have the turbocharger or CVT transmission of the CR-V, both of which may be long-term reliability concerns for some people. 

 

#2 Best-Selling Small SUV: Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V dropped in 1997, just a year after its #1 rival, and it’s been gunning for the RAV4 ever since. Its most notable features are its nimble suspension and clever folding seat design. 

Advantages of Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 

The Honda CR-V may not offer quite as many trim levels or options as the RAV4, but its sales figures have been right on the RAV4’s heels for years. The CR-V also gets heaps of praise for its driving experience and handling.

Features and Comfort:

• Most reviewers prefer CR-V’s tech features to RAV4
• Firmer, more supportive front seats.
• More rear legroom and shoulder room. 

Cargo and Utility:

• CR-V offers a little more cargo room.
• CR-V has a more clever folding rear seat arrangement.
• CR-V has more cubbies, nooks, and crannies to put stuff in. 

Performance and Economy:

• CR-V accelerates a bit faster than the RAV4 (comparing non-hybrid models)
• CR-V handles better and is more rewarding to drive.
• CR-V has better braking than the RAV4

The best CR-V feature overall is fun. The CR-V is just more fun to drive. If that’s important to you, you should at least test drive the CR-V. 

Honda CR-V in Summary

The Honda CR-V could be your best bet if you drive a little more aggressively since it handles better and accelerates faster thanks to its turbocharger. In fact, the CR-V made it on Car and Driver’s 10 Best List, which is no small thing — it’s their favorite small SUV. The CR-V also offers a bit more cargo room and a clever Magic Seat system, which is the slickest solution of its kind we’ve seen. 

 

Which Other Small SUVs Should You Consider?

The RAV4 and CR-V may have the highest sales numbers, but that doesn’t mean they are the best choice for everyone. As we said in the introduction—compact crossovers are America’s second most competitive segment. That means you have LOTS of options.

One of the biggest advantages of shopping for your next SUV at Major World is that we always have a healthy supply of low-mileage used SUVs in stock. At Major World, you can test drive three, four, or more competing small SUVs and compare them so you can make the best choice for you. 

Some Other Small SUVs to Check Out

• Mazda CX-5: A very handsome and fun-to-drive small SUV worth a look. 
• Honda HR-V: Like the CR-V, just a little smaller (and cheaper)
• Nissan Rogue/Rogue Sport: A sporty alternative to the usual suspects. 
• Chevy Equinox: Sleek, handsome, and made in the USA.  
• Chevy Trax: Like the Equinox, just smaller and cheaper to buy. 
• BMW X3: Take the sexy 3-series and add hiking boots. 
• BMW X1: Like the BMW X3, just smaller and less expensive to buy. 

Looking for a used SUV under $15K?  Check out this article! 

 

Major World Has the Small SUV You’re Looking For

There’s no better place to shop for a low-mileage used small SUV than Major World. We’ve been helping New Yorkers find their perfect vehicle at the right price for more than 40 years. Come down and discover why we’re Queens’ favorite used car dealership. 

Find your perfect pickup in our online search portal before you visit. Our no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can even pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t harm your credit. 

Don’t settle for less than the very best inventory of pre-owned small SUVs in Queens. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Give us a call now at (866) 614-2884.