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The Toyota RAV4 is the world’s best-selling SUV. The Honda CR-V, another popular compact crossover SUV, aims to take the RAV4’s thone with a complete redesign for the 2023 model year. See how the two crossover SUVs stack up in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V comparison. With its many advantages, the RAV4 beats the CR-V. 

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V

Front view of black 2023 Toyota RAV4, highlighting its release date and price
Midnight Black Metallic 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Performance and gas mileage

Front angle view of gray 2023 Honda CR-V crossover SUV, highlighting its release date and price
Modern Steel Metallic 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

With a higher base engine horsepower and maximum horsepower output, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage for performance. It offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, the 2023 Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 hp) and a hybrid (204 hp).

For efficiency, the gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

The estimated gas mileage for the 2023 CR-V is not yet available. However, for the previous model year, the gas-powered CR-V has a fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the CR-V Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 38 combined mpg. With its all-new hybrid engine, the CR-V Hybrid might have a boost in efficiency, but it likely won’t come close to matching the high fuel economy of the RAV4 Prime.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Towing

Which crossover SUV can tow more? The RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Off-road capabilities

If you want a crossover SUV that can head off-road, then the RAV4 is the best choice for you. While both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, only the RAV4 has off-road-focused models. This includes the Woodland Edition, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Safety

On the safety front, the RAV4 and CR-V are evenly matched. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Also, the RAV4 and CR-V offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. Examples include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 CR-V is slightly bigger than the 2023 RAV4, resulting in more interior space. Both crossover SUVs can seat up to five people, but the CR-V provides more passenger space. It has 41.3/41.0 inches of front/rear legroom, compared to 41.0/37.8 inches for the RAV4.

The CR-V also provides more space for storage. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cu-ft, compared to 69.8 cu-ft for the RAV4.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and CR-V have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both crossover SUVs offer a free maintenance plan, with a 2-year/25,000-mile coverage period for the RAV4, and a 2-year/24,000-mile plan for the CR-V.

RAV4 vs. CR-V: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 CR-V? The price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year, but both crossover SUVs will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 versions. 

For the 2022 RAV4, the starting price ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 CR-V ranges from $26,800 MSRP for the LX trim up to $37,800 MSRP for the CR-V Hybrid Touring trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda CR-V crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 RAV4 has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, and off-road capabilities. Conversely, the 2023 CR-V has advantages for passenger and cargo space.

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