Are you debating whether to buy the 2023 Toyota RAV4 or the 2023 Honda CR-V but can’t figure out which compact crossover SUV to get? The RAV4 has multiple strengths in its favor. Here are four advantages of buying a 2023 RAV4 over a 2023 CR-V.

2023 Toyota RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the 2023 Honda CR-V

The first advantage of buying a 2023 Toyota RAV4 over a 2023 Honda CR-V is the RAV4 has better off-road capabilities than the CR-V. The reason for this is that, unlike the CR-V, the RAV4 has off-road focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Woodland Edition, and Adventure trims. With their off-road-enhancing features, these RAV4 models are ready to head far out into the wilderness.

Even if you never plan on driving off-road, an off-road capable model has benefits for on-road driving. This includes driving on poor-quality roads, such as ones with potholes and cracks. An off-road capable model is also beneficial for driving in adverse weather conditions, such as snowy and icy roads.

2023 RAV4 provides better performance than the 2023 CR-V

The second advantage of buying a 2023 Toyota RAV4 over a 2023 Honda CR-V is the RAV4 provides better performance than the CR-V. Buyers of the RAV4 have a choice of three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). 

In comparison, the 2023 Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower). As you can see, the RAV4 has a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum horsepower output.

Also, while the acceleration times of the 2023 CR-V are not yet available, the crossover SUV won’t be able to top the best 0-60 mph for the RAV4, which is for the RAV4 Prime model. The RAV4 Prime delivers sports car-like acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds.

Toyota RAV4 has a higher towing capacity than the Honda CR-V

The third advantage of buying a 2023 RAV4 over a 2023 CR-V is the RAV4 has a higher towing capacity than the CR-V. Depending on the model, the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the CR-V. With a 3,500-pound towing capacity, you can tow things like a small camping trailer, a utility trailer, snowmobiles, ATVs, jet skis, a small aluminum fishing boat, and a small horse trailer. 

Unlike the 2023 CR-V, the 2023 RAV4 offers an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid model 

The fourth advantage of buying a 2023 RAV4 over a 2023 CR-V is that, unlike the CR-V, the RAV4 offers an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid model with the RAV4 Prime. Extremely high gas prices these days place a strain on the finances of many drivers. And the very high efficiency of the RAV4 Prime is a good remedy to this burden.

The RAV4 Prime has a fuel economy of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. For driving with electric-only power, the RAV4 Prime has an estimated electric driving range of 42 miles. Even if opting for one of the other RAV4 models, you can still benefit from high efficiency. The gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated gas mileage of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg.

The EPA estimates for the gas mileage of the 2023 CR-V are not yet available. However, for the previous model year, the fully 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 could have a boost in efficiency. However, it won’t come close to matching the high gas mileage of the RAV4 Prime.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has advantages over the 2023 Honda CR-V for off-road capabilities, performance, towing, and a plug-in hybrid model with the RAV4 Prime. These are solid reasons for crossover SUV shoppers to buy a 2023 RAV4 over a 2023 CR-V.