Yahoo Autos Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: 2024 comparison
The 2024 Honda CR-V and 2024 Toyota RAV4 are two of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, so it’s no surprise that lots of car shoppers end up comparing them side-by-side. They are certainly similar in many ways, especially in terms of size and price, but there’s an abundance of differences that could easily tilt one in your direction more than the other. The Honda is a bit sportier in appearance and to drive, while the RAV4 is more utilitarian in general and available with a variety of different looks and capabilities such as the Prime plug-in hybrid and three off-road-oriented trims. Which is better for you? Take a look at the answers for each of the questions below.
Read our full review of the 2024 Honda CR-V
Read our full review of the 2024 Toyota RAV4
Which has a nicer interior?
Winner: CR-V
This is an easy one. After its redesign last year, the Honda CR-V not only has a nicer interior than the RAV4, it has one of the best if possibly THE best interiors in the segment. Materials and build quality are top notch with lovely buttons and switches that pleasingly click, and the unique honeycomb metal trim across the dash that makes the CR-V interior just plain cool. The RAV4 isn’t completely bereft of style, though. We like the different color schemes tied to the RAV4’s various unique models (orange for the Adventure, blue for the XSE), and it’s certainly not an unattractive space. Materials and build quality are also above average. It’s just that the RAV4 doesn’t have quite the same premium vibe and the CR-V is quite simply stronger.
Which has better infotainment technology?
Winner: CR-V
Again, Honda for the win. Toyota gave the RAV4 its latest infotainment system for 2023, and although it looks better and reacts quicker than before, we don’t like that there are no longer physical menu buttons and there’s too much locked away behind various touchscreen controls (some of which, like sound system levels get locked out while driving). Going between Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Toyota's menu is a royal pain. The CR-V's infotainment system is hardly class-leading, but it’s user friendly and feature-packed enough.
Which has a bigger back seat?
Winner: CR-V
On paper at least, the CR-V has a bigger back seat: 41 inches versus 37.8 inches. Ultimately, though, we’re talking about degrees of “really big and practical” here. Full-sized adults and rear-facing child seats will have no problem fitting in either, and if you’re seeking family-friendly transportation, it’s hard to imagine being disappointed by the RAV4’s passenger space. It’s just that you'll probably a bit more in the CR-V.
CR-V left, RAV4 right
Which has more cargo capacity and functionality?
Winner: RAV4
On paper, the RAV4 has more cargo space with 37.5 cubic-feet to the CR-V’s 36.3. We backed this up in real-world testing, too, as the Toyota can in fact hold just a bit more behind its raised back seat. It has greater advantages than that, though. Its cargo cover can be stored under the floor, which itself can lower by about 2 inches for increased space/versatility. The RAV4 Hybrid also has a spare tire, while the CR-V Hybrid does not. Finally, certain RAV4 models like the Adventure, Woodland and TRD Off-Road have more functional roof rails than the CR-V’s.
Read our comprehensive Honda CR-V cargo area review
Read our comprehensive Toyota RAV4 cargo area review
Which is safer?
Winner: CR-V
The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its best-possible performance in all categories, except for one new category: it got two out of three points for front crash prevention at night. The RAV4 hasn’t even been subjected to that test yet, and it received “Average” scores in two of the IIHS updated tests where the CR-V aced. We wouldn’t put too much weight in that, though, as the RAV4 is still a Top Safety Pick … it just doesn’t get the +.
