Honda CR-V Vs. Toyota RAV4 Reliability

Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 Reliability

The Honda CR-V and Toyota's Rav4 are among the two top-selling small SUVs in the market.

These two models are known for their reliability, which is the reason why consumers choose these cars over their competitors.

Both the Rav4 and the Honda CR-V are built on trustworthy brands, and both feature versatile and comfortable features.

Both of these cars come with front- or all-wheel drive, which makes them ideal for those looking for all-weather traction.

The article covers everything you need to know about CR-V vs. Rav4 reliability.

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Detailed Comparison

FeaturesHonda CR-VToyota Rav4
Price
Cheaper than the Rav4
Slightly costlier than the CR-V
Reliability
More reliable
Reliable
Seat comfort
Better
Good
Cargo space
Bigger
Big
Interior quality
Better
Good
Interior features
Good
Better
Ride and handling
Good
Better
Safety
Good 
Better
Gas mileage
27 mpg city/32 mpg highway
27 mpg city/35 mpg highway
Repair and maintenance
$407 annually
$429 annually
Engine
1.5l 4-cylinder 190hp
2.5l 4-cylinder 203hp

Which Is Better: CR-V Vs. Rav4?

The CR-V and the Rav4 are very similar in their dimensions and specs. In terms of acceleration, fuel economy, and stopping distances, they're right on top of one another. However, in the real world, they diverge significantly.

The CR-V's continuously variable transmission can amplify the engine noise. On the other hand, Toyota's six-speed automatic transmission makes the driving experience more natural.

The Rav4, on the other hand, comes with a hybrid system that can reduce its fuel consumption by up to 125 gallons over 12,000 miles.

The updated versions of the two models received a midcycle refresh. While the CR-V's suspension became more rigid, the Rav4's ride became more comfortable.

Road noise also gets into the cabin of the Honda CR-V, making it louder than the Rav4.

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Price

The prices of the Honda CR-V are lower than Toyota's Rav4. However, the margins are so fine that it's believed that the manufacturer deliberately chose to lower the prices of its two models to beat its competitor.

The starting price of the Honda CR-V is around $25,400 lower than the Toyota Rav4's $26,525. Its top-end model costs $36,200, while the Rav4 costs $36,465.

The various features included in different trim levels of the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 can affect the buyers' decision.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Reliability

Like the price factor, the Honda CR-V outperformed the Toyota Rav4. According to J. D. Power, the CR-V scored 84 out of a possible 100, while the Rav4 earned 81.

The reliability score of the Honda CR-V is predicted to be 91 out of a possible 100. On the other hand, the Toyota Rav4 is expected to score around 80.

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 have three-year basic and five-year powertrain warranties. These are standard features for small SUVs.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V vs. Rav4 Reliability: Seat Comfort

Although the Rav4 and the CR-V are spacious and comfortable for adults, the latter features one of the most spacious cabins in its class. The back seats of the Honda CR-V are also very comfortable.

The Toyota Rav4 also has a good amount of rear-seat legroom. Its passengers will also feel supported throughout the ride, and drivers will have good visibility.

However, upgrading to a more comfortable trim level with power-adjustable seats is recommended.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Cargo Space

The Honda CR-V is also spacious when it comes to cargo space. With the rear seats folded down, it has a total cargo area of 75.8 cubic feet. This is more than enough for a compact SUV.

Almost as spacious as the cargo areas of the CR-V are the cargo areas of the Rav4. Its total cargo area is nearly as big at 69.8 cubic feet.

The Toyota Rav4's low-load floor helps make loading and unloading easier.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Interior Quality

Although the interior quality is subjective, Honda CR-V's widely regarded as one of the best in its class. Its high-end materials and luxury-like design are some of the factors that make it stand out from the crowd.

Toyota's Rav4 interior features high-quality materials and feels solid. Its finish and fit are also excellent, though the base model's interior is on the basic end of the spectrum. Even the top-end models are less luxurious.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Interior Features

The base model of the Toyota Rav4 is better equipped with an adequate in-car entertainment system.

Its 7-inch touchscreen display comes with Apple and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi. The only USB port is available, and drivers can upgrade to additional ports and wireless charging.

The infotainment system of the Honda CR-V can be frustrating to use. The infotainment system of the Honda CR-V is standard, and it only has a 5-inch display.

Drivers who want to upgrade to a 7-inch display must go to the other trim levels.

Winner: Toyota RAV4

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Acceleration

The continuously variable transmission used by the Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CR-V is more effective.

The latter is equipped with a turbo-four engine that produces 190 horsepower. Its CVT simulates gear changes while driving.

The Rav4 is capable of handling itself well, especially when driving. However, on the highway, its four-cylinder engine becomes noisy. The CVT is designed to maintain high revolutions to improve fuel economy.

Winner: Honda CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Fuel Economy

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 can get better gas mileage than other compact SUVs. The CR-V is expected to reach 27 City/32 highway with front-wheel drive and 32 city/34 highway with all-wheel drive.

Toyota's front-wheel-drive model of the Rav4 is close to those numbers, with an estimated 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

On the other hand, the Rav4's all-wheel drive models range from 25 to 34 miles per gallon.

Winner: Both

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Ride and Handling

Although the CR-V and the Rav4 perform well on the road, the Toyota Rav4 can handle itself off-road. Its TRD Off-Road trim adds a bit of off-road excitement to the vehicle.

The Toyota also feels smooth on the pavement, and its suspension can handle bumps without feeling too floaty.

The Honda CR-V is a more comfortable vehicle than an athletic one. Its cabin is quiet, and its engine doesn't produce excessive road noise.

It's also very easy to drive, especially in tight parking spaces and narrow streets.

Winner: Toyota RAV4

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Safety

The two compact SUVs scored 9.4 out of 10 in the NHTSA's safety ratings. They also received five stars for their overall rating.

We considered the standard features of the two models to pick a winner.

The Toyota Rav4 is the best choice for 2022, with various standard features. Some of these include automatic parking assist and pedestrian detection.

Although the Honda CR-V has various standard safety features, it only offers blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Winner: Toyota RAV4

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Gas Mileage

The Honda CR-V does 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway, while the Rav4 does 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Winner: Rav4

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Repair and Maintenance

The average cost for repair and maintenance for the CR-V costs $407 yearly, while the Rav4 costs $429 yearly.

Winner: CR-V

CR-V Vs. Rav4 Reliability: Engine

The Honda CR-V has a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower, while the Toyota Rav4 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower.

Winner: Rav4

Final Verdict

Despite the close competition, the Honda CR-V won multiple categories over the Toyota Rav4. It's also one of our top picks for the Best Compact SUV for the Money.

Its smooth handling, safety features, and luxury interior make it an ideal choice for those looking for a great deal on a compact SUV.

Toyota's Rav4 is not a slouch, as it has plenty of standard features and is also equipped with various high-tech functions.

However, the Honda CR-V is a bit better in several aspects and is a hundred dollars cheaper than the Rav4. Both are great small crossovers, and you can't go wrong with either one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Gets Better Gas Mileage, Cr-v or RAV4?

Despite outshining the CR-V in terms of power, the Toyota RAV4 still gets better gas mileage than the latter. According to the EPA, the four-door can achieve 30 miles per gallon combined and 35 miles per gallon on highways.

How Long Will a Honda Cr-v Last?

The reliable and long-lasting Honda CR-V typically lasts up to 250,000 to 300,000 miles. With regular maintenance and repairs, it can last up to 300,000 miles.

How Long Will a RAV4 Last?

Experts agree that a Toyota RAV4 can last up to 250,000 miles if properly maintained.

Is Honda Cr-v Expensive to Maintain?

The low-cost maintenance costs of the Honda CR-V make it an ideal choice for people looking for a compact SUV. It costs around $407 to maintain the vehicle annually, which is cheaper than the average of $521 for compact SUVs.

Why Do Toyota's Last So Long?

Toyota vehicles are known for their long-lasting and reliable engines due to the company's continuous efforts in developing and manufacturing vehicles.

Are Toyota RAV4s Expensive to Maintain?

The low-cost maintenance costs of Toyota's vehicles are also known to make it an ideal choice for people looking for a compact SUV.