If you want the fastest of these rides,\u00a0 you\u2019ll head for the Toyota RAV4 that is 2019 or later.\u00a0 That\u2019s because it has a peppy 203-horsepower engine. Toyota supplies 184 pound-feet of torque which is controlled with an eight-speed automatic. The newer engine earns 26\/35 mpg city\/highway. The 2017 and 2018 RAV4s will have a 186-horsepower engine. Fuel economy is less efficient at 23\/30 mpg city\/highway.<\/p>\n

The Honda CR-V, dating back to 2017, will either have a 184-horsepower or 190-horsepower engine. If there\u2019s a choice, shoppers should definitely aim for the peppy Honda turbo if sticking with the CR-V. The fuel economy is 28\/34 mpg city\/highway.\u00a0\u00a0 In 2020, the company dropped the lower powered engine.<\/p>\n

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Which SUV is Bigger?<\/h2>\n

Honda and Toyota have built their SUVs with a commanding driver\u2019s position.\u00a0 The backseat is slightly bigger in the CR-V than in the RAV4.\u00a0 Generally the Honda is considered to have a more refined interior and better storage compartments.<\/p>\n

The CR-V has a 39.2-cu.ft. cargo hold, but that drops a few cubes if you spring for the top Touring trim. The RAV4 can claim 38.4 cu.ft.\u00a0\u00a0 That means you can fit slightly more behind the second row than you can with the RAV4. If the family travels often, this could make a difference.<\/p>\n

Dash Technology<\/h2>\n

When it comes to usability, drivers may find the RAV4 is a bit easier when it comes to dash technology.\u00a0 Honda doesn\u2019t have physical controls for some settings, and this makes it difficult to learn.<\/p>\n

Both have advanced features, but the RAV4 is more likely to have its most important dash tech on the entry-level model. Generally a shopper should look for the CR-V EX instead of settling for the LX.\u00a0\u00a0 If you get a 2017 CR-V EX model, you\u2019ll get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those weren\u2019t available on a Toyota until several years later. In 2020, the RAV4 LE has standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while the CR-V EX has these features.<\/p>\n

How Safe Are These SUVs?<\/p>\n

Both have above average safety ratings, but there are a few caveats.\u00a0 The RAV4 had one poor crash score which makes it appear slightly less safe than its rival in the 2017 and 2018 model years.\u00a0 Honda has a problem with its headlights, which never seem to get beyond acceptable. Otherwise, its safety record is slightly better. So, it is a wash between the two when it comes to the basics.<\/p>\n

From 2017 onward, the RAV4 has these safety systems (and sometimes more): forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.\u00a0 From 2019 onward, the CR-V has those as well as its special road departure system.\u00a0 Blind spot monitoring can be found, but you will inevitably have to step up to a higher trim on either brand, so be on the lookout for that.<\/p>\n

Reliability<\/h2>\n

Both of these models come from manufacturers with reputations for long-lasting models.\u00a0 Toyota tends to score better in reliability scores overall, but the RAV4 slips behind the CR-V in overall predicted reliability. According to J.D. Power, the Honda CR-V rates a 3.5 out of 5 which is above average. The Toyota RAV4 rates 3 out of 5, an average score.<\/p>\n