Being Better Doesn’t Help the Honda CR-V Catch the Toyota RAV4
Even though the Honda CR-V has significant upgrades to enjoy, it can’t catch the Toyota RAV4. Being a bit older and slower isn’t slowing the 2023 Toyota RAV4 down one bit as the 2023 Honda CR-V tries to take it down.
Why is the 2023 Toyota RAV4 outselling the 2023 Honda CR-V?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 is currently the more popular option. As of October 5, it secured roughly 302,831 sales for the year. It’s the fourth most popular vehicle sold this year and only falls behind the top three American trucks. (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V isn’t far behind, with about 262,351 sales during the same time period. It still has a couple of months to catch the RAV4, but we don’t see it going the distance.
Even though the CR-V deserves respect and has a 47% year-over-year sales increase, it still lags behind the RAV4 by about 40,480 models.
Multiple outlets like Car and Driver and Edmunds actually rank the Honda CR-V above the Toyota RAV4. However, the RAV4 may continue to attract buyers with its distinctive style, broad range of configurations, and overall value.
But the CR-V was completely redesigned for 2023 with a new style, more space, and advanced tech. It’s much better than it used to be! The RAV4 was last redesigned back in 2019 and might start to show its age.
Does the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 have a better performance?
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It takes about 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph 9.1 seconds which is slow for the class. Also, the steering is vague, but it has above-average off-roading capabilities.
With the 2023 Honda CR-V, you get a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in roughly 8.0 seconds, which is average for the class.
The CR-V has responsive handling and confident brakes but lacks an off-roading trim. However, AWD is available. While the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 lbs, the CR-V maxes out at 1,500 lbs.
Also, the RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway. The CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway. Both models have hybrid variants, but we are sticking to the gas-powered options for the sake of this particular comparison.
The CR-V may be the more comfortable option thanks to more seat adjustments, a smoother ride, and a quieter interior.
Does the CR-V or RAV4 offer more value?
The 2023 Honda CR-V has a reliability rating of 82 out of 100 from J.D.Power, and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 earned a score of 81. This puts both SUVs in the above-average category. Scores between 81 and 90 are above average, while anything btween 91 and 100 is best.
An average RAV4 model is expected to make it between 250,000 to 300,000 miles. The Honda CR-V has the same longevity. It costs about $407 to maintain the CR-V annually and about $429 for yearly RAV4 maintenance.
The RAV4 has a resale value of about $27,757 after five years of ownership with a 21% depreciation rate. The CR-V has a resale value of about $32,907 with an 18% depreciation rate.
You can get started with the 2023 RAV4 for about $28,275, and the 2023 CR-V starts at $28,410. The RAV4 has more standard safety features. But the CR-V offers more space.
The CR-V and RAV4 are close in value, but the CR-V currently has a better resale value. Also, while the RAV4 is a bit more rugged and capable, the CR-V is more comfortable and spacious. Do you think the CR-V can catch the RAV4?
