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Don’t call it a comeback. The 2021 Honda CR-V was never gone. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has been giving the Honda CR-V a run for its money this award season, but the CR-V just secured a significant victory to rub in the RAV4’s face. 

The 2021 Honda CR-V finally beat the Toyota RAV4

According to Torque News, owners are more satisfied with the Honda CR-V than the Toyota RAV4. This information comes from the Consumer Report’s list of vehicles with the highest owner satisfaction rates. 

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid driving in the city
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Mark Urbano – Car and Driver

While the list is dominated by the Subaru Outback with a 100 point score and the Subaru Forester, which scored a 99, today we’re focusing on the battle between the CR-V and Toyota RAV4. 

The Honda CR-V scored 93 points while the Toyota RAV4 scored 87 points. This could indicate that you might be happier in the 2021 Honda CR-V instead of the 2021 Toyota RAV4. But let’s see how these SUVs satisfy drivers. 

Why is the Honda CR-V more satisfying? 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Honda CR-V provides an excellent driving experience. The acceleration and handling scored a 72 out of 100. The CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. 

Edmunds noted that the Honda CR-V could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which is average for the class and adequate for daily commutes. Also, the CR-V is surprisingly sporty with precise steering and limited body roll. 

The CR-V also scored well in terms of comfort. The interior is pretty quiet, but there are wind and road noise at higher speeds. Plus, it has a smooth ride with spacious and supportive seats. The automatic climate control system provides excellent airflow for passengers in the rear too. 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 scored 69 out of 100 for its driving experience. It has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. But it isn’t as sporty. 

Edmunds shared that the RAV4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is behind the class average. The steering also feels vague. The seats are comfortable but lack padding for longer drives, and the passenger seat lacks adjustment controls to find a comfy position. 

The RAV4 absorbs impacts well to provide a smooth ride and has a relatively quiet cabin. Engine and wind noise are noticeable at higher speeds. Also, the climate system is excellent for keeping everyone comfortable. 

The Honda CR-V vs. the Toyota RAV4 

The 2021 Honda CR-V begins at about $25,350, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 starts at about $26,250, making these SUVs competitively priced. The RAV4 beats the CR-V by one mpg in terms of fuel economy. 

A silver 2021 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid compact crossover SUV parked on the dirt in front of shrubs and trees
2021 Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid in Silver Sky Metallic | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

If you need more storage, go with the Honda CR-V. It has the most storage space in the class and has plenty of bins to organize your personal items. However, it can only tow up to 1,500 lbs, while the RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 lbs. 

Both SUVs could benefit from tech upgrades. The infotainment systems are a little clunky, but they come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plenty of USB ports. They both come with plenty of standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking too. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.