The competition between the Japanese powerhouses of Honda and Toyota has been going on for decades. Both automakers have been vying for the hearts of American families before sports utility vehicles were popular. Buyers were finding it difficult to pick between a Toyota Camry and a Honda Accord, and now, the decision between these two top SUVs is not much easier. Here's how their Hybrid variants stack up against each other in 2023. Some notable differences between the two will help determine your choice of SUV.
Exterior Design
It is clear that the decision-makers at Toyota have a belief that size does not matter. The fifth generation 2023 Toyota Rav-4 is four inches shorter than its competition 2023 Honda CR-V, now beginning its sixth generation, and though ideal for the smaller garages in The Bronx, some feel that the Japanese leader in sports utility vehicles have skimped in some areas where they should not have. Looking down at the wheels of both cars you will see that the CR-V also sports one-inch bigger rims and tires.
Looking directly at both grills, you can see the aggressiveness and feel the durability of them, and though the Rav-4 has not changed its design in the last few years, it felt comfortable enough to grab the look from their big brother, Toyota 4Runner, and stick with it. The rugged look of both grills extends into the LED headlights, which both come with, however, the Rav-4 opted to include LED fog lights as well. Both of these top sellers come with all-wheel drive, a sporty rear spoiler to add the look of speed, and exposed rear wipers.
INTERIOR
On the inside of these vehicles, you will find that they are not only comfortable for the drivers but also for the rear passengers. The CR-V and Rav-4 both come with smart entry systems and both key fobs are equipped with remote starters, however, for the CR-V, a separate subscription is needed to enjoy this feature. Entering both cabins you’ll notice the elegance in the materials and in the stitching with the Honda CR-V offering full leather seats as opposed to the Toyota’s leather wrapping.
Not much difference can be seen or felt here. The Rav-4 has seating ventilation where the CR-V does not, but both come equipped with seat heating, two-person memory, in case the driving duties are shared, rain-sensing wipers, and leather-wrapped, heated steering wheels. A built-in panoramic sunroof comes with the package in Toyota Rav-4 whereas the Honda does not.
When backing up, not to worry, both have the rear camera display on the screens with it being slightly larger in the Toyota. The 10.5-inch screen can also be had with a 360-degree camera option which the 9.0-inch Honda CR-V screen does not. As for cubbies, the Honda has a larger center console and front bin than the Toyota but the Rav-4 counters with a storage shelf that can be put more to use than the extra space for your coffee.
The backseat of the Honda gives about eight percent more legroom than its competition while the Toyota fights back with heated seats for their guests, giving them a warm bottom, even if it’s a little tighter back there. Though the CR-V exceeds trunk space and maximum cargo capacity, they do not have a spare tire as the Rav-4 does. Ruin the tire on the Honda, and you’re waiting on the side of the road until help comes with another one, but that’s alright, you can enjoy the louder and crisper sounds emanating from the premium Bose speakers the CR-V has as opposed to the high-quality JBL in the Toyota.
PERFORMANCE
Finally, let's get to the heart of the matter. When it comes down to it, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is faster. It accelerates quicker from a dead stop with a lot of force. Its 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine gives it 219 horsepower, beating the CR-V by 15, even though this Honda hybrid model is more powerful than generations in the past. The Toyota Rav-4 not only beats the CR-V in miles per gallon by three, but it also beats all sports utility vehicles in that department. So, if paying some more at the dealership and saving at the pump is something you can roll with, then you’ll have a feeling for this Toyota.
2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | |
Horsepower | 219 HP | 204 HP |
Torque | 163 LB-FT | 138 LB-FT |
Transmission | CVT | CVT |
Drive | AWD | AWD |
Mileage | City 41/Hwy 38/Comb 40MPG | City 40/Hwy 34/Comb 37 MPG |
Towing Capacity | lbs | lbs |
Once these machines are opened up on the road, the similarities might overcome the differences. Hybrid power trains, that both possess, deliver higher miles per gallon and more power than the generations in the past. Both handle extremely well and the transition between electric and engine power are smooth and never felt; although, sometimes you are able to hear it. Simple solution, put those Bose or JBL speakers to work.
When it comes to towing capabilities, it is clear that the Toyota Rav-4 is superior to the CR-V in that it can tow 750 more pounds reaching its limit at 1750. If the CR-V is traveling to any bike week, it is guaranteed that there will be only one motorcycle on that trailer.
Safety
The safety features that both models come with are very much the same and an indication that the machines being made by these two companies are getting smarter and more advanced every year. Cruise control, lane keeping assist, and emergency braking are in both as well as pedestrian detection. For days our eyes are not working properly and unable to see someone crossing the street directly in front of us.
To Sum It Up
Both hybrid models come with different packaging, but the difference some will see right off the bat is the price. There is about a $5000.00 + price difference with the Rav-4 needing customers with deeper pockets.