Compared: 2023 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Toyota RAV4
Honda's redesigned compact SUV takes on Toyota's multifaceted hauler.
May 23, 2024 | 3 min read
Honda | Toyota
The 2023 Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned to better compete with the also-popular 2023 Toyota RAV4. This pair of five-seat, compact crossover sport-utility vehicles regularly dukes it out for the top spot among families seeking practical, affordable, and reliable transportation.
Here's a look at how the gas-only versions of the RAV4 and the CR-V compare when examining their pricing, features, and fuel economy.
Honda
The Toyota RAV4 Clinches the Lower Base Price
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE trim represents the entry point for the compact SUV's lineup, retailing for less than $30,000. At the high end sits the specialized TRD Off-Road at $39,000, followed by the Limited, which costs about $38,000. The RAV4 LE and the Limited feature standard front-wheel drive; the TRD Off-Road includes all-wheel drive (AWD).
All gas-only RAV4s use the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine — good for 203 horsepower — and the same eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional AWD tacks on about $1,400 to the RAV4's price.
Toyota
The base CR-V LX at $30,000 costs a hair more than the RAV4 LE. From there, shoppers can step up to the EX trim for about $32,000 or the higher EX-L trim. Its $35,000 starting price makes it about $3,000 cheaper than the RAV4 Limited and roughly $4,000 less than the TRD Off-Road. Like the Toyota, the CR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive.
The CR-V's 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine uses a turbocharger to generate 190 horsepower, managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission. Adding AWD costs $1,500.
Honda
The Honda CR-V Boasts More Cargo Space
A key differentiator between the RAV4 and the CR-V is that the Toyota offers considerably more than just three trim levels. Two of the most interesting RAV4 trims are the Adventure — which includes torque-vectoring AWD, selectable drive modes to tackle more difficult terrain, and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity — and the TRD Off-Road with all-terrain tires, more aggressive styling, and revised suspension tuning.
While they might not provide hardcore trail capability, these RAV4s boast above-average ruggedness when leaving the pavement behind, and Honda has nothing to match either spec.
Where the CR-V does pull ahead is in terms of cargo space. The Honda's new platform gives the SUV up to 76.5 cubic-feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded down, which is around 10% more than the 69.8 cu-ft provided by the RAV4.
Toyota
The RAV4 Gets Better AWD Fuel Economy
The Honda CR-V returns an EPA-estimated 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined in front-drive spec. AWD knocks that down to 27/32/29 mpg.
The RAV4 LE gets 27/35/30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 27/34/30 mpg with AWD, but the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims score 25/33/28 mpg and 25/32/28 mpg, respectively.
It's worth noting that both Honda and Toyota make hybrid versions of their compact SUVs available for those seeking an even thriftier fuel bill. Toyota also offers the RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid with up to 42 miles of electric driving range.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
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