one best-selling hybrid SUV comes out on...

The Toyota RAV4 was most likely the bestselling automotive final yr, and the Honda CR-V not far behind. Each are compact crossover/SUVs, the most well-liked automotive form, and each supply hybrid choices which are means higher than the ICE variations in each metric bar worth.

These automobiles promote so nicely as a result of they provide the whole bundle to fulfill most drivers more often than not, and at first look, they’re very related. So which one must you select? I regarded a bit nearer and located a number of areas the place one was higher than the opposite. You recognize your individual driving preferences, like large cargo area or infotainment, so take a look on the belongings you need in a automotive, and which mannequin offers you the very best of that.

RAV4 and CR-V hybrids overview

A spread of worth and have choices

The RAV4 hybrid vary has seven trim ranges to select from, starting from $32,600 to $40,905. All RAV4 choices come commonplace with on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD), which suggests it makes use of a extra environment friendly front-wheel-drive (FWD) more often than not, however there’s an electrical motor on the rear wheels that kicks in when the automotive wants extra grip, like on icy or muddy roads.

The entire hybrid vary makes use of the identical 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and two electrical motors, giving a mixed 219 hp. You may evaluate the options you’re going to get within the varied trim ranges here.

The Honda CR-V hybrid begins at the next worth, and you’ll have 4 trim ranges to select from. The vary is $35,630 to $42,250, all coming commonplace with FWD, with the choice of AWD as nicely. The CR-V vary makes use of a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and two motors that make a mixed 203 hp, 14 hp greater than the usual ICE model. You may evaluate the completely different trim ranges here.

Cabin consolation

The place you spend your time

The RAV4 and CR-V are both five-seat crossovers, which suggests extra space inside and the next driving place than a sedan. Each automobiles come commonplace with fabric or artificial leather-based upholstery.

The RAV4 has marginally much less area within the rear seats, and heated and adjustable entrance seats and a heated steering wheel can be found, as is the Softex leatherette upholstery on decrease trims. In the meantime, the CR-V has a bit extra to supply with regards to seating, with heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as commonplace. There is a bit extra room within the again, with reclining again seats including to consolation on longer journeys.

Inside tech

Each automobiles give the motive force and passengers commonplace know-how per the compact crossovers as a category. The RAV4 has an 8-inch contact display screen, whereas the CR-V’s is seven inches. Each use 7-inch instrument cluster screens. The usual know-how and choices are fairly related.

Cargo area

A major motive why crossovers are so widespread is due to their giant and versatile cargo area. Whether or not it is for the week’s procuring, a weekend away, a crowded college run, or to cart dwelling furnishings purchased on-line, a crossover beats a sedan or perhaps a hatch every single day. Whereas each automobiles supply a hands-free energy liftgate, the CR-V affords greater than the RAV4, with 39.3 cu-ft vs 37.5 cu-ft behind the rear seats, and 76.5 cu-ft vs 69.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

Efficiency the place it issues

Reliability, gasoline effectivity, and security

The RAV4 has an even bigger engine and extra horsepower than the CR-V, going to 60 mph in 7.3 vs 7.9 seconds, however we do not purchase compact crossovers for drag racing. As hybrids, each automobiles beat their very own ICE fashions fingers down with regards to MPG. Each automobiles get excessive marks for reliability, in addition to high marks for security.

Reliability

JD Energy is the gold commonplace with regards to score automobiles. It rated the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as fashions, however didn’t charge the hybrids as particular variants.

The Honda CR-V obtained an total score of 83, reliability of 84, driving expertise of 83, and resale worth of 85. The Toyota RAV4 bought 80, 80, 78, and 85 in these classes. Each automobiles are within the high tier, with the Honda barely beating the Toyota.

RAV4 Hybrid warranties:

• Three-year/36,000-mile primary
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid elements
• Ten-year/150,000-mile battery

CR-V hybrid warranties:

• Three-year/36,000-mile primary
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid elements
• Eight-year/100,000-mile battery

Gasoline Effectivity

I used the usual drivetrain with the very best gasoline effectivity figures for each fashions, so the AWD for the RAV4 and FWD for the CR-V. Each automobiles have the identical vary on a tank of gasoline, each price simply over $2 to drive 25 miles, and each supply important financial savings in gasoline prices over 5 years.

Hybrids have a unique MPG profile to ICE automobiles due to their regenerative braking. This makes them extra environment friendly in metropolis driving than on the freeway, in contrast to ICE automobiles. That is value contemplating with your individual driving profile, so the place you drive most.

Security

Each the Honda and Toyota include complete security and driver-assist know-how, in addition to obtained 5 stars within the NHTSA crash exams. The Honda additionally obtained the High Security Choose from the IIHS, the insurance coverage business security company.

Conclusion

A tough alternative

The baseline Toyota is much more inexpensive than that of the Honda, and the RAV4 additionally has extra choices, together with the Woodland trim with a extra off-road vibe. The Honda edges forward on inside and cargo area. I didn’t cowl towing, however the RAV4 can tow a heavier load.

One thing to think about, although, is {that a} new technology of RAV4 will launch later this yr. This will probably be accessible as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid solely. Though the present technology of the CR-V is 2 years youthful than the present RAV4, I count on Honda to answer with a big replace to remain aggressive within the extremely contested compact crossover section.