The difference between how the cars accelerate is due to how their hybrid systems are designed. Toyota's system switches back and forth between the electric motor and the engine to provide power, whereas the Honda's engine mostly functions as a charger for the batteries to keep them running the electric motor... especially in city driving. When needed, the Honda engine will kick in for acceleration, but overall, it is more secondary to the electric motor. The Toyota has a different thing going, and utilizes the engine more often for power. Two different approaches, with almost the same performance result. While the RAV4 has a slight edge for MPGs and acceleration, the Honda will feel smoother and more refined with fewer abrupt motor changes, especially with the CVT.
My thought the same. I tell people to start off with RAV4 as their base then get it fully loaded if they like. If they are still not happy then get CRV for luxury hahaha
Just picked up an XLE Premium RAV4 hybrid. I get that Honda appeals to some but it really feels like these two boil down to preferences. Having said that it's fun to see some of these comparison videos show up locally instead of across the country :D
I came to the same conclusion and got the CRV Sport Touring. I wanted to like the RAV 4 Limited due to the Ventilated Seats, Panoramic Glass Roof, 360 view and better gas mileage, just sold Camry Hybrid. However, it came down to the drive. The CRV simply drove better and the interior was more pleasing. Hopefully Honda will add the other features.
For some reason the ones I drove didn't drive as nice. They actually drove rougher than my 2013 Camry Hybrid which had 79K miles. I am not super fond of the Toyota service department in my new area either and been thinking of getting away from Toyota due to over priced service in this area. I took a chance and will just sell the CRV if it doesn't stack up. Hopefully it will. So far I am pleased with it.
@@mj8495 yes, I know that. I purchased based on what I like. I didn't like the drive of the RAV 4 at all so eliminated that option quickly. The only plus was the functional panoramic roof as opposed to stationary in Venza. Venza drove better but the price point in my area was more than willing to pay in cash. Camry was just what I was used to since had one.
I like the CR-V better but I would have to go with the RAV-4 only because of their port and direct injection setup. The intake valves in the direct injection engines get a lot of carbon buildup, not good if you plan on owning the car long term.
very similar cars overall, but the biggest factor is... if you want one NOW you essentially have to get the Honda. Otherwise you overpaying for used and/or have to wait for new model etc... in a perfect world you could be picky and go down the list but today anyway you cannot.... anyone who buys one new and sells at 3/5 years won't have to worry much about reliability/expensive items... but different story for the lifers who run their vehicles into the ground. In either case i'd much rather have one of these cars over a Kia/Hyundai/Ford/GM product..... i dont like the look of CX5 at all and they are much smaller.... otherwise that'd be a good third option.
For me, the Toyota Rav4 wait is ... wait for it ... 12 months. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is an 8 month wait. The local Honda dealer has two 2024 CR-V Hybrids in stock. Guess which one I'm going to buy.
Bought the crv, very happy with it. If I lived in the mountains I probably wouldn't do the hybrid. Only downside, No spare tire, will purchase one to carry on longer trips.
CRV hybrid system uses the electric motors to drive the wheels, coupled with the differences in their chassis make the ride different. Also, the CRV hybrid system is fairly new, whereas in the RAV4 it is tried and true. I'm beginning to see issues with the CRV hybrid system with cylinder injection leaks which may be a result of the engine being turned off and on. However, the experience in the CRV is definitely better, but time will tell if it is indeed a better vehicle.
No spare tire in the CRV we noticed. You have got to be kidding! This is unacceptable. The Rav has a full size spare. Same as our Highlander. Higher trims on the Rav have more soft interior surfaces. Better mileage in the Rav. The seats and interior is nice in the Honda for sure. 4 gen in Honda and 5th gen hybrid system in Toyota. We went with the RAV4 XSE and the LXE is very nice too. The No spare was the final No Way for Honda.
We made the decision this past spring to replace our '15 Forester, with a new Sport Touring CRV hybrid, a new RAV4 Limited hybrid, or another Forester Touring model. We also have a '21 Honda Passport Elite sitting in our garage. This is our 4th Honda. My first choice at the time was the new CRV, since we absolutely love our Passport. We also test drove a Rogue and briefly looked @ an Outlander. We soon got it down to the Honda & the Toyota. As much as I wanted to love the CRV, after test driving two different ones, I just couldn't do it. I didn't care for the overall exterior appearance, and although I did like the interior a bit more, I was pretty much unimpressed overall. We couldn't find any new RAV4s to drive, but did find a used '22 Limited model with 19,000 miles on it & immediately knew that's what our new vehicle was going to be. The power, the handling, the smooth, and precise handling, Toyota's stellar hybrid reputation, and the fact that I love the overall appearance of the RAV4 over the CRV made it a simple choice. We ordered a Limited hybrid in May & brought it home in late July. It's our first Toyota, and now with a bit over 5,000 miles on it, I believe it may be one of the finest vehicles we've purchased over the past 55 years. I guess time will tell if this proves to be true. It's hard for me to believe this, but it has actually replaced our Passport as our "road" vehicle.
It seems the CRV has more shoulder room up front. My husband is 6’7” and literally couldn’t fit in the RAV4 front passenger seat. We went with CRV. My only concern after a few weeks of driving is the front seats don’t seem very comfortable. (I’m coming from driving a Pilot). And agree it’s a concern not having a spare tire.
Was the CRV the Touring? On anything less than the Touring, FWD is available, and adding AWD is about $ 1500 more. Hefty prices on both, and makes me think about doing some calculations on how long the extra mpg will take to pay for itself versus their non-hybridized twins. Granted, Honda has added some additional tweaks to make the hybrids quieter overall, so there is more than just the mpg. I'm really put off by lack of a spare, and the drop of towing capacity in the Honda hybrids though. (1,000 vs 1500 for the 1.5 turbo)) Yeah, one can argue that it is rare to use your spare, but it is also rare to use my airbags, yet I insist on having those. Tire patch kits are useless beyond small leaks, and given these are "SUV's" your handy AAA might not be close, assuming you have cell reception. Shame on Honda. I've been building some RAV4 on line, and they have expensive option packages that jack up the prices. As is typical, may of the packages offer some things you'd really like to have, with some things you have no interest in having, but will pay for anyway. Over in the Subaru Forester arena, if you want the hands free hatch, you have to buy a package for $ 1850 that comes with navigation (ugh) and the upgraded HK stereo. (This in the Wilderness). Adding sales tax to that means 2K more to get one thing I'd like to have. Anyone out there have any recent experiences with availability of these vehicles on the lot (or to order) and any dealer mark-up? One local Toyota dealer has taken the liberty of installing "brake light pulse plus" along with a rearview mirror contained dash cam, and asking $ 998 for it. Consumer Reports used to call these "packs". The fact that they are already installed will decrease odds that I'll buy from them. After tax, $ 1100 for stuff I'd never pay for.
Toyota needs to improve appearance of Rav 4.Toyota design has never been their strong point, there’s not many attractive Toyotas.The Rav looks very utilitarian, the Honda looks more luxurious.
I had it down to either of these SUV, after extensive research and test driving both, the CRV was much quieter inside the cabin, had a smoother and more comfortable ride, the seats were far more nurturing and for long trips that was a big plus, the interior on the CRV was more upscale. The RAV4 had a bit more power when punched, and it is rated a few more MPG, the lack of spare tire was a factor with the Honda, but I ultimately had to buy the Honda, it was by far the better of the two. I made the dealer buy me a full-size tire kit with jack and cover through Amazon that costs $600 to cement the deal. It sits in the cargo area but the 18" spare is not as wide as a normal tire so it does not take up much room. I have owned several Hondas and Toyotas in my life, both great vehicles but this was not close. Honda was the correct choice. Only regret is with the Rav4 XSE or Touring you can order a panoramic sunroof which was on my list but not a deal breaker.
That could be because in the USA, from Jan. through Nov. Toyota sold 389,000 RAV4s and Honda sold 325,000 CRVs in those same 11 months. That doesn't account for the tens of thousands of RAV4s that people ordered & couldn't get because of production issues...
I just did that yesterday. CRV is much more refined but I’d rather wait for the Rav4. We own a few Toyotas thats over a decade old now hehe. It all leads to personal taste. And that’s coming from someone who use to own an Acura EL and a TSX.
@@syedtilal7103, that what I drive, and you are 100% correct! I can’t describe how much I love that car. I’ve had Toyotas, BMWs, Nissans . Nothing comes close. ❤
Nice review. I am also in Utah. Both great options - you can always rely on Toyota and Honda. You should check out the XSE trim version of the Rav hybrid. I think it's an elevated experience both interior and exterior over the XLE, just harder to find and seem to still have wait times for the white or blue colors. Can't wait to get the one we have reserved for March delivery!
I purchased the '24 Rav4 Design mainly for the Prius hybride system the battery under the back seat, no clutches etc. Not best pleased to learn it's top of the list for thieves. I should have checked out the Honda CRV hybride.
Doing a review Ben, not a speed reading contest 😂 Had to double check my settings, thought it was sped up…Great info by slow down, hard to make out what you’re saying at times 😃 Cheers
how does it work when you trade in your car? I have a 2023 as well. will mine have to be paid off by the time I want to trade one in? how do they appraise the value of my car
@@scott.j1depends on how much you owe on your auto loan. If the offer is below your current loan balance, you have to pay the remaining balance. If they offer more than current loan balance, you can credit towards your next vehicle purchase.
@@scott.j1 In the appraisal they ask if there are any liens on the vehicle which must be paid off. Then they appraise as normal for your vehicle. Dealers sometimes will give you a touch more if you are either financing with them or going for one of their higher-end models (or both).
@@scott.j1. What country are you in. I got an appraisal 3 weeks ago on my 2022 RAV4 Hybrid. I am getting in the 2024 this year which I ordered last year and I’ll get the new generation in 2025. Cheers.
I love your content but, mate... you're talking way too fast. I can't decipher what you're saying and I'm using your info to make purchasing decisions.
I bought crv hybrid over rav4 but the interior was very standard on rav4, I feel better when I drive crv. Interior great on crv, good resale value on both, slight edge on rav4 on the mileage but 2k difference will take care of it. Crv we never go wrong
Our RAV4 Limited hybrid was about $1,100 less than the Sport Touring. Our Honda dealer insisted on addons and wouldn't budge, even though it would have been our 5th Honda from them. Without the addons I believe the RAV4 was around $300 cheaper, equipped nearly identical.
I would have been interested to see a comparison of the different drive modes. I wonder if the Honda is more reactive to the pedal and changing on the fly versus the Toyota might really be trying to squeeze out the fuel economy by utilizing a different active profile unless you explicitly set it?
I have a 2023 rav4 hybrid and the transitions between drive modes is seamless and flawless. It's all in the computer, there are zero mechanical linkages. I drive in eco mode which is soft on acceleration as should be expected in eco mode , using premium gas in the summer my commute to work which is mostly steady 45 mph I am averaging 45 mpg. Faster speeds would be lower MPG. In the winter this same commute yields 38 mpg because the engine runs more to generate the cabin heat. If you use the normal drive mode you have more pep and power and in sport mode you will have all the acceleration that you will ever need. I only use sport mode when I have to jump into a spot really fast. What I don't like about the RAV4 is it is the most cramped driver's area with that center console being 3 inches to wide on both sides and the deepest bucket seat of all time which puts uncomfortable pressure to the undersides of my legs which I hate, the roof is two inches too low as I have a tall torso, at highway speeds the RAV4 has the loudest road, wind and engine noise of any car I have ever owned and long drives get old really fast which is bad because this is what I bought it for. Because of my tall torso the rear view mirror is directly in front of my face when I look 30 degrees to the right so I have to duck my head down every time I want to see 30 degrees to the right also the visibility in general is the worst of any car I have ever owned. My review is that it is a fantastic mechanical vehicle but a lousy driving experience and after 4 months I'm now sorry I ever bought it in the first place. For a person with a regular torso you may be comfortable but taller people need to really be sure before they buy. There is a lot of rough truck in a Toyota RAV4.
Considering this is the top spec for CR-V I would have liked it if it was compared to the Rav4's top spec, this is about mid tier for the Rav4 and just makes it difficult to weigh up the differences between the two accurately
Just bought a new 2024 rAv4 Hybrid XSE, fully loaded with all the factory options. For a Hybrid car, Toyota is only brand I'll consider. CR-V is okay for the gas only version.
Re: the drivetrain difference between the two. I thought I read that essentially the motor on the CRV is running to power the electric motors. So the CRV is essentially running on the electric motors all the time, the actual CRV gas engine is just providing electricity to the actual electric motors. Could be the reason the CRV runs so much more smoothly. Your thoughts?
I noticed that when you test drive the rav 4, you were not as deliberate on the accelerator as you when you drive the Crv, therefore not really giving it a real comparison.
Sport-L trim goes for 40k right now at my area. I hate this market. Top tier cr-v feels better deal. RAV4 have way better features at low tier such as AWD being standard. This will be a difficult choice for many.
You almost covered it, but the CRV doesn’t have a spare tire , only a patch kit and inflator. The RAV 4 ( except Prime) has a the temporary spare tire. Deal maker for us- bought the RAV 4 limited hybrid. Plus, if put the pedal to the floor on the RAV Hybrid, ICE AND hybrid is engaged and you will be set back in your seat.
Been driving for 35 years and never had a flat. Drive from MA to FL. Bos to Las Vegas to Charlotte. Im never not buying a car because it is missing a spare.
Don’t worry all you Honda fans, I own two Odyssey’s- an old 2003 and our road trip vehicle, a 2017 White SE, which by the way was the vehicle that we had two flats- Beltway in DC and l- 84 in NY. Glad I had the spare on that Honda product!!
Toyota has been left behind as far as looks are concerned... Honda past 2 years have step up and I'm sure they're sales are showing it for itself. CRV & Civic all day vs Corolla & RAV 4....But the Camry is really a beauty and the Accord is really ugly Imo... Nice video!
I wanted to sell my old highlander to get the 2023 rav4 hybrid limited. The cabin had so much engine noise it felt like driving a 2stroke moped. The engine just screams as if it's underpowered moving a heavy load. Seats weren't comfortable either. I don't understand why this suv is best seller in USA. Do the owners use their earpods or noise canceling headphones to drive comfortably? I'm really disappointed. I never test drove the new hybrid crv because I'm toyota fan. Its better resale value and bullet-proof hybrid technology. I'll just have to wait to drive the new rav4 2025.
Still don’t get why they keep comparing a redesigned model(crv) to a 5yr old going 6yr old Rav4?..doesn’t make sense..of course the crv will have an advantage..but in fairness,the Rav4 is still holding it’s own..aging really well..speaks volumes how good it is..
Toyota has been making hybrids since 1997. Honda since 2014. I just purchased a 2024 RAV4 hybrid and couldn’t be happier. 42-45mpg for regular every day driving. I’m sure the Hondas are great, but they are a few years behind Toyota when it comes to hybrids.
@@ztekz True. But they didn’t stick with it. Toyota has been producing reliable hybrids since 97. Honda got back into the game in 2014. I really like both Hondas and Toyotas, but when it comes to hybrids, Toyota is much further ahead.
One has to wonder how long the Rav4 will last till the power cable connector rusts needing a 6000 dollar repair. The price of these vehicles on the higher trims is disconcerting to say the least. Welcome to the wonderful world of electrification. I did test drive a Honda though and it was a very nice driving car and I’m waiting for a test drive on a Rav4 hopefully by November if not earlier. Not sure if I’m going to buy though I don’t imagine the prices are going to go down in the future. I know the Korean car manufacturers probably loving the prices of the Hondas.
Needs to be with a standard driver position. Doing it as far back as a seat goes is not a consistent comparison since it would penalize cars that go far back to accommodate tall drivers.
I'm looking at the 2025 CRV Sport Touring.....in terms of the heated front seats...does the heat come on quickly and does it supply sufficient heat (say on Level 3)? My wife has a bad back and this is important. How well does the A/C work? Thanks Reply
I want to get a CRV because of it’s nice interior and quieter drive but not having a spare tire makes me lean more towards RAV4 and the fact that there’s a lot of exposed components under the car unlike the rav4 also makes me lean towards RAV4. But the CRV is nicer 😢
I HAVE to have paddle shifters so I feel engaged. I never thought I couldn't afford a Honda, but Congratulations Honda I can now say I can't afford a Honda. 😂😂😂 My 2021 Honda HR-V EX FWD I bought 23.5k brand new. I guess wait for a used version. Also I would only save $300 annually switching from my HR-V ICE to the CR-V Hybrid. Nope.
Thanks for this great comparison! I was curious as to the differences in the Hybrid Powertrain aspects of the Toyota vs the Honda lines and found this great video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Fg3W-qzZJrg.html&ab_channel=TheCarCareNut I'm still trying to decide which I would rather go for. In the long run, considering my commute (about 45 minutes), I think the RAV4 will end up edging out over the CR-V. With today's market, I think the Toyota Hybrid system will have greater longevity; but I'd still like to test them out before making that decision.. Honestly Honda surprised me, I didn't even think they were a contender in the hybrid space before I started to look into it. I must say, I've started to do some double-takes. Thank you again for the great video. Looks like a beautiful place to live! Happy New Year.
My selling point or i guess buying point here is that I can buy the rav4 with a pano roof. I can’t do that with the CRV and there for I won’t even consider the CRV and he’s it matters THAT much. - the wife lol
in all ends to personal taste. In terms of refinement hands down CRV won. But when it comes to utility and fuel efficiency Toyota. I plan on taking it on trails so my pick is the Rav4.
0 - 60 Rav 4 but the smoothness of the crv makes it feel faster and possibly like 0 -30 it cld be bc of the more electric use. That is actually important as a lot of acceleration is pulling out in front of moving cars.
I am a little more towards the Honda simply because I like the Honda dealer where I have been going for several years. The Toyota dealer just down the road has gotten more negative reviews about their service dept.
I don’t know if the RAV4 Prime SE is any different size wise but I felt extremely cramped in it. The center console kept banging into my knee. Also didn’t like how the seats hugged my upper back. Brakes were also very grabby on the RAV4. Ultimately for the price feel like the CR-V not only didn’t give me the cramped center but also felt a lot more luxurious.
We have a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid. I am soon to be in the market for a car. The RAV belongs to my husband. We are not pleased with the level of tint on the front of the cabin windows. Did you find the CRV had better tint? Are the seats on the CRV more comfortable?
What I don't like about my 2019 Corolla hybrid is when you turn engine on but the battery is low so engine kicks on right away and when you start moving, there's this high rpm "vibration" until the battery charges. Does Honda have this problem too? But when rolling low speed engine and Trans feel unpleasant up until electric kicks in.
No. The CRV feels very smooth. It's always the electric motor driving the wheels at those low speeds. Also, when the engine is running, you barely notice it... unless you have it in sport mode, or you are pushing the car really hard.
