Are you shopping around for a compact SUV but are not sure which model to buy? Two of the best-selling compact SUV models in the United States are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Both of these Japanese SUVs are reliable, fun to drive, and full of useful features. However, in this comparison between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Honda CR-V, we found that the RAV4 crushes the CR-V in many ways. Take a closer look.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Honda CR-V

For our head-to-head comparison between the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Honda CR-V, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance/efficiency, safety, passenger/cargo space, technology, and price/value. For nearly every area, the RAV4 small SUV has the advantage.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Honda CR-V: Performance and efficiency

The CR-V offers gas-powered and hybrid models, while the RAV4 offers gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models (RAV4 Prime). The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the CR-V generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. For the CR-V Hybrid, the total system output is 212 horses. The estimated combined fuel economy of the CR-V is 30 mpg for the gas-powered model and 38 mpg for the hybrid model.

In comparison, the RAV4 has a higher power output and fuel economy. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the RAV4 produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a total system output of 219 horsepower.

Additionally, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid is even more powerful, with a total system output of 308 horses. For efficiency ratings, the RAV4 has an estimated combined fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon for the gas-powered model and 40 mpg for the hybrid model.

When using only electric power, the RAV4 Prime has an estimated efficiency rating of 94 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). In hybrid mode, it gets an estimated combined fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V: Safety

Both SUVs have many safety-enhancing driver assistance features. This includes blind-spot warning, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system. However, unlike the CR-V, the RAV4 offers a road sign recognition system and automatic high-beam headlights.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Passenger/cargo space

While both SUVs can seat five passengers, the Honda CR-V is a little more spacious than the Toyota RAV4. It has a total passenger volume of 105.9 cubic feet, compared to 98.9 cubic feet for the RAV4.

For the most part, the CR-V offers more cargo space. With the rear seats in the upright position, the CR-V has a cargo capacity of 39.2 cubic feet (33.2 cubic feet for the CR-V Hybrid), while the RAV4 has a cargo capacity of 37.6 cu-ft (same for the RAV4 hybrid, but 33.5 cu-ft for the RAV4 Prime).

With the rear seats folded down, the CR-V has a cargo capacity of 75.8 cubic feet (68.7 cubic feet for the CR-V Hybrid). In comparison, all RAV4 models have a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet.

Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V: Technology

The RAV4 and CR-V offer many of the same technology features. This includes an infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a wireless smartphone charger.

However, the RAV4 offers larger touchscreens, with a standard 7-inch and available 8-inch and 9-inch displays, compared to a standard 5-inch and available 7-inch display for the CR-V. Also, the RAV4 has more speakers than the CR-V for the sound system.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Price/value

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 or the 2022 CR-V? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 CR-V range from $26,400 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,400 MSRP for the Touring Hybrid trim.

The highest price for the RAV4 is for the RAV4 Prime model, but with up to a $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit, you’ll likely end up paying much less. Also, with better performance, efficiency, and more available features, the RAV4 offers greater value than the CR-V.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Honda CR-V: The RAV4 comes out on top

With advantages for performance, fuel economy, safety, technology, and value, the 2022 RAV4 comes out on top over the 2022 CR-V. Unless you want a compact SUV with slightly more interior space, then the RAV4 is a much better choice.