2023 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Comparing the Small SUVs On Paper

The rivalry between the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 is as fierce as any other, with both having helped kick off the compact, car-based crossover trend back in the late 1990s. But in recent years the CR-V has held an advantage, besting the RAV4 in comparison tests, our compact crossover rankings—and winning our SUV of the Year trophy (twice!). For 2023, the plot twists as Honda reveals the new sixth-generation CR-V. But the current fifth-generation RAV4, which went on sale in 2019, isn't exactly stale. How do the features and specs of these super-popular small SUVs compare? Read on, and you'll see that the rivalry remains.

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CR-V vs. RAV4: Exterior Dimensions

Wonder which will fit in a parking space more easily? The 2023 CR-V and RAV4 are similar in size, with the CR-V being a few inches longer but standing shorter than the RAV4. These dimensions vary based on trim and equipment.

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CR-V vs. RAV4: Passenger and Cargo Space

In its new form the CR-V (rather predictably) grows larger inside. In addition to more second-row legroom, cargo space increases and is now identical between the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid; the Hybrid previously gave up some cargo space for its batteries. Its interior measurements are generally larger than those of the RAV4.

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CR-V vs. RAV4: Engines and Fuel Economy

In the 2023 CR-V, the standard engine remains a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Those stats match the outgoing model, but Honda says it's updated the engine for better responsiveness and less noise. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available. Expect a 0-60 mph time of about 8.0 seconds, and fuel economy of 27/32 mpg city/highway with AWD.

The 2023 RAV4's base engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 that makes 203 hp and 184 lb-ft, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Although larger and more powerful than the CR-V's engine, it sends the RAV4 to 60 mph in a similar 8.0 seconds and achieves 25/32 mpg with AWD.

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CR-V vs. RAV4: Hybrid Choices

Both the CR-V and RAV4 are available as hybrids. The 2023 CR-V Hybrid, like the previous version, utilizes a setup based around a 2.0-liter I-4 supplemented by two electric motors. The combined result is 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels or all four with available AWD. Expect a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, and fuel economy to rate at about 40/35 mpg (city/highway).

The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid likewise uses an I-4 engine and two electric motors, but in a different configuration. It has a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder, to which one electric motor is joined. The other motor turns the rear wheels, giving the RAV4 Hybrid AWD without a mechanical connection between the front and rear axles. Our test team recorded a 7.1-second 0-60 mph time from a RAV4 Hybrid. Its fuel economy is EPA-rated at 41/38 mpg (city/highway).

Furthermore, the RAV4 is available as a plug-in hybrid. That model, the RAV4 Prime, has a larger battery which pushes total power to 302 hp—dropping the 0-60 mph time to a zippy 5.5 seconds. More relevant is its 42 miles of all-electric range. In hybrid driving, it achieves 94 mpg-e combined. No CR-V plug-in hybrid exists—at least, not yet.

CR-V vs. RAV4: Safety Features

The CR-V's Honda Sensing and RAV4's Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety suites give each SUV a remarkable amount of driver-assist and active-safety tech. Each is equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. On the 2023 CR-V, sensors for these systems are said to be improved for more natural responses. Meanwhile, for 2023 the RAV4's automatic braking system was upgraded to avoid collisions when turning across an intersection. Every 2023 CR-V has hill descent control and a snow driving mode, which are found only on certain RAV4 trims.

Although the 2023 CR-V has not yet been crash tested, Honda likely won't let it lose the IIHS Top Safety Pick + and and NHTSA five-star scores the previous model achieved for many consecutive years, especially considering the SUV now comes with improved front and additional side airbags. In its most recent round of crash testing, the RAV4 achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and a NHTSA five-star overall score.

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CR-V vs. RAV4: In-Car Technology

For 2023 the RAV4 was updated to have an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, or a 10.5-inch unit on higher-end models, both running Toyota's latest software that debuted in the Tundra pickup. Meanwhile the 2023 CR-V's basic touchscreen measures 7.0 inches, and grows to 9.0 inches on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a common feature between them, but only the RAV4 has dual-device Bluetooth connectivity. Both have a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, but the RAV4 offers a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster.

The 2023 CR-V has two USB ports as standard while the RAV4 has three. Depending on trim, two more USB charge points are added in the second row, as well as a front-row wireless charger. Both SUVs are offered with a premium sound system: An 11-speaker JBL setup in the RAV4, and a 12-speaker Bose arrangement in the CR-V.

CR-V vs. RAV4: Prices and Trim Levels

Pricing for the 2023 CR-V has not been announced, but you can expect its base price to go up slightly (if it's anything like the new Civic launched last year, that bump might be minimal). That's partially due to the fact that the previous entry-level LX trim has been discontinued, leaving EX as the CR-V's starting trim. Expect the 2023 CR-V to start at a few bucks under $30,000, while the Hybrid model will likely go for approximately $3,000 more. The range-topping CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring could command about $38,000.

Thanks to the low-frills LE trim which costs about $28,000, the RAV4's starting price will likely be less than that of the CR-V. Similarly, the RAV4 Hybrid starts in LE trim, at just under $31,000. At the high end of the range, the RAV4 Prime XSE costs nearly $45,000.

So, New CR-V or RAV4?

On paper, the RAV4 has certain advantages over the CR-V: More power, larger screens, additional powertrain choices, and a diverse range of trims. However, in its prior iteration the CR-V earned our praise with its good driving manners, which the RAV4 hasn't always been able to muster. Will the new 2023 CR-V remain so enjoyable that it makes up for any potential shortcomings compared to the RAV4? We'll find out soon when we drive it, and as the CR-V lineup surely expands in the years ahead.