The 2023 Honda CR-V Still Can’t Catch the Toyota RAV4
The numbers are in, and things look good for the Honda CR-V, but they look even better for the Toyota RAV4. Both SUVs are experiencing a blazing start to the year, but the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is pulling ahead of the 2023 Honda CR-V. This is odd because the RAV4 is aging compared to the brand-new CR-V.
2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V: Which SUV is better?
Both the 2023 Honda CR-V and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 are extremely popular SUV options. But the CR-V has been trying to catch the RAV4 for years. According to Car and Driver, it still has some work to do because the RAV4 kicked things off with a substantial lead.
So far, for 2023, the CR-V is the seventh best-selling vehicle. It made the list after moving about 67,241 units. It experienced a 15% sales increase compared to last year.
But the RAV4 is currently the fifth best-selling vehicle. It has already sold about 84,704 models this year, giving it a 17,463 lead. It only landed behind the Tesla Model Y and America’s full-size trucks. The F-150 is still number one, so no surprise there.
It will be interesting to see if the 2023 CR-V can catch up or if the RAV4 will leave it in the dust, especially after the CR-V was redesigned with a confident look, revamped interior, more space, and advanced tech.
Is the Honda CR-V bigger than the Toyota RAV4?
The 2023 Honda CR-V is about four inches longer than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. The extra space contributes to more passenger space in the CR-V. For example, the CR-V provides up to 105.9 cubic feet of passenger space, and the RAV4 has up to 98.9 cubes.
Taller people may enjoy driving and riding in the CR-V more because it has extra head, hip, and leg space. It may also provide a great range of seat adjustments. The passenger seat of the RAV4 lacks a few controls.
It might be easier to install child seats and the CR-V, but the RAV4 has a lower cargo floor. Both SUVs have plenty of storage trays and cubbies to take advantage of.
But the RAV4 does have an advantage when it comes to towing. It can pull up to 3,500 lbs, while the CR-V maxes out at 1,500 lbs.
Is the CR-V more comfortable than the RAV4?
Yes, the 2023 Honda CR-V is more comfortable than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. For example, the Honda CR-V is quieter than the Toyota RAV4. The CR-V is well-insulated to keep road and wind noise at bay.
The RAV4 is pretty quiet as well, but the gas engine is pretty coarse. The CR-V Hybrid is the louder powertrain option. The gas-powered CR-V is much quite.
The CR-V has smooth transmission shifts and absorbs impacts well. It feels composed around corners with responsive handling and confident brakes. Plus, the CR-V is slightly faster than the RAV4.
While the RAV4 seats are a bit flat, the CR-V offers more padding and comfort. The CR-V doesn’t offer ventilated seats, which are available on higher RAV4 trim levels.
Both models have rubber and plastic trim pieces in the interior, but they are disguised under attractive textured patterns and contrasting colors. Both have premium upgrades such as a wireless phone charging pad, heated steering wheel, and high-qaulity audio systems.
But the CR-V is a little plusher with premium leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, built-in navigation, and a hands-free power liftgate.
There are plenty of great things for the RAV4 to brag about, but the CR-V is a serious contender. It’s more comfortable, spacious, sporty, and luxurious. It could catch up!
