Sorry Honda, I Changed My Mind | RAV4 Hybrid vs CR-V Hybrid 

I test drove both of these hybrids having previously owned a RAV4. Performance is not a huge issue for me but comfort and refinement for my 6ft 3inches is. I found the RAV4 a lot less comfortable to drive than the CRV.Fuel economy is pretty important to me and I have been finding that the Stated economy figures for the CRV can be easily bettered with careful use of the throttle. All in all and perhaps taking in my age (over 70) I opted for the CRV Hybrid. With 47-55mpg on E10 Unleaded I am more than content with fuel economy. The only downside I have found with the CRV is the engine noise on a steep hill climb. The CRV is comfortable on off-road rough tracks too which is a bonus. So for comfort and refinement and space and visibility the CRV wins for me. The 5 year warranty and free 5 year service and breakdown cover and service collection and return service totally sealed it for me.

Oh Man! nobody does car reviews like you. You're such a car geek. I got info overload watching you - and i like it! By the way, the info graphics side by side with the video are great--professionally done. Thanks!

This is the most thorough and unbiased review between the two vehicles that I’ve been comparing before I buy! In addition to the technical stuff, you also cover the everyday relatable stuff. Your review has helped me be more confident with my decision!

Alex, we just recently bought a 2020 Rav4 XLE hybrid. A couple things that pushed us to the Rav4, was, your videos, the spare tire availability, Toyota's quality and long investment in Hybrid vehicles, mainly the Prius. Our Rav4 is averaging 44.5 mpg here in Colorado.

I've watched a bunch of videos comparing these cars and this is by far the best one I've seen! So many extra bits of very relevant and useful information that others don't mention. Thanks!

And this ladies and gentlemen is how a comparison review is done. Bravo !

This is how a professional comparison review is done. It's so rare to find pros like you on the tube. Thanks & Good Job !

I love all the technical details in these videos!

Alex, your videos are outstanding. I go to you every time I'm looking at cars and need honest answers!

Thanks. Nice simultaneous double view of the driving test.

Thank you for the review. Ultimately, both of these cars offer tremendous value for money, coupled with a promise of excellent reliability (coming from a thoroughly disappointed Discovery Sport owner). The hours you have put in to in order to differentiate them just goes to show how close they are. I’ve personally chosen the CR V as it’ll take 2 x 29” EMTB’s upright in the back (front wheels off) and will likely have better traction in the snow and torrential rain here in Scotland. A few mpg is a reasonable price to pay for me and I’m used to fixing punctures in tubeless tyres!

Your editing and attention to detail is absolutely superb and unparalleled. Fantastic video- extremely helpful thank you!

Just bought the 2020 RAV4 in the same color! I’m so excited your reviews really helped me make my decision!

As a tall big guy - the RAV-4 was just too small - headroom, leg room, hip room. This is an issue across all of Toyota models. The CR-V was spacious in comparison with better line of sight views out the windows. Tests I have seen put the CR-V AWD as better and we need this for a steep driveway in snowy weather. I have never changed a tire on a car in 30 years, I have AAA or insurance coverage for these things. However either of these SUV's will provide long term reliable, safe, and good driving experience. I think its just which one you like during a test drive. P.S. - If Subaru was into making hybrid cars and offered a Forester Hybrid we probably would have strongly considered that - but they are sadly ignoring the hybrid market.

One of the best review for cars on RU-vid

As always, great comparative reviews...thanks!

Just bought a Hybrid crv. we choose it over the Rav4 primarily because of the larger interior and superior AWD system. we did a 2300 mile road trip and got an average 38.6 with a high of 41. So far we really like it.

Great video Great simultaneous views .One of the best review videos I have seen

Really impressed by the depth of your review and your ability to make the information relatable to the non-gear heads among us. Can I ask about the issues with the 12V battery in the rav 4 hybrid dying prematurely when left undriven for a short amount of time, i.e. a few days?

Great, detailed comparisons that have been wonderfully helpful for selecting our next car. As Mr McDonald stated, being tall you want some comfort in the space in a car. Your details help point those differences out and now we are on to actually visiting dealerships.

You are a split-screen master!

Crossovers that supposedly can go a bit offroad that don't have a FULL SIZE spare are useless. On dirt roads, blow-outs happen, and if you don't have a spare you'll literally be stuck there, likely with no one around and no cell phone service. That alone is enough to cross the Honda off my shopping list.

Just bought a 2021 CRV Hybrid, and am very impressed with it. Came from a 19 Forester, and there are a few things I will definitely miss... but going from averaging 26, to averaging 35+ is a definite win. Drove a Rav-4 as a rental and didn't care for the positioning and angle of the gas pedal, also felt a little tight on front shoulder room to me. Thought about the Escape Hybrid, but I don't care for the interior build quality or fit and finish in my moms 2020 Escape. Being in the snowbelt, a mechanical awd system was also a must to me. I've also been behind the current gen Rav a few times and hate how small the brake lights are. If they're using the areas above the reverse lights as night time lighting, there's now reason they couldn't use the entire corner module as a brake light, not just a tiny corner of the corner module.

Alex, my GOD, I’ve never seen such a wonderful vehicle review. You have always been at the very top of car reviews, but this was so clearly the best. Dave in Phoenix Arizona USA

this is by far the best take I've seen on these two vehicles, and you can't wrong with either one.

All of the Honda hybrids have struggled on economy and engine noise in serious hill climbing. I suspect the Chevy Volt, which is based on a similar concept, probably would too once it's out of electric juice. The series hybrid approach seems to have real limits. Of course the CRV is quieter in general purpose driving and has better AWD so there is that.

This guy is the most thorough reviewer I have ever seen. Many of his observations run parallel with mine after driving both. I prefer the way the honda delivers power and overall “feel” of the interior and ride. The availability was also better compared to the RAV wait list situation where I live in the PNW.

We chose the 2021 CRV Hybird because of the superior ride, superior cabin room and the overall fit and finish. Keep in mind that I am a Toyota man, however, the RAV-4 is much smaller between the shoulders in the driver’s cabin than the CRV is. My wife is small and I am large. We had very little room between the shoulders in the RAV-4. I have no idea where they get the measurements from, but just sitting in the cabin of the CRV is much more comfortable. One other measurement that is never listed is the knee to knee measurement. Where I am a large man and have had a hip replacement, the center console in the RAV-4 is unbearable. The CRV is more open in the middle and allows my left and right hips to rest due to the deep knee contour in the passenger and driver doors and the center console being low profile. This is PRICELESS if you need more knee to knee room. Also, the driver’s panoramic view is better in the CRV. This can also be an opinion or preference. The mechanical AWD system will work much better for us living in the mountains and getting much more snow in the winter than other folks. The fuel efficiency of the RAV-4 would be more desirable, but not to sacrifice the mechanical AWD of the CRV or the superior comfort. I want to thank you for a wonderful and detailed review. In our case (And we tried both the CRV and RAV-4), The CRV fit our needs for comfort, design and fit and finish. I wish we could have the best of both of these wonderful CSUVs in one. Thanks again!!! Awesome Job!!!

A very detailed review. It sounds like either one would work, which does still make my decision hard. Keep the great reviews coming.

We went with 2021 RAV4 and just love it. We are getting 46 mpg around town and flat highways.

Please, please put these two vehicles on a dynamometer! I'd love to see how the differences in hybrid tech manifests. Do it with he Prime as well, if you can.

Thanks for a great video and comparison! I really like CRVs but I can’t imagine going off road without a spare tire. But the rear seats folding down flat is important to me. I’ll keep looking or waiting. Thanks for the information!

Honda’s hybrid is somehow less popular than Toyota in my area. I’ve seen lots of 10th gen Accord on the road, but very few have hybrid badge; interestingly, the 2.0T (distinctive dual HDMI exhaust) is more popular than expected. RAV4 is just a reversed scenario. It feels like that hybrid RAV4 is much much more popular than gas RAV4. Every time I see a RAV4, it has blue logo and hybrid badge.

Alex, great review as always. However, we need you to review the new GM full size SUVs (Yukon 2021 more preferably). A bunch of noob reviewers are putting out reviews of these new trucks and they are super annoying. We need your detailed analysis of these new trucks and I would like to hear what you think about how the new GM trucks compare to my new 2019 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4.

Toyota hybrids are so damn reliable it’s hard to not pick them. I have a Prius and it just works.

He got me at driving up and over mountains... thank you...

I picked the RAV4 over the CR-V after back to back test drives. I also liked that the RAV4 had better gas mileage overall. I was initially interested in the RAV4 Prime, but there is currently an almost year waiting list as of March of 2021.

Does the Honda gas engine suffer from oil dilution like their non hybrid version does (or did)?

Been comparing and studying crv and RAV4 hybrids. I end up buying crv because the interior is amazing and the comfort level is better. I know the power train performance of the RAV4 is better but not that much far from the crv.

Alex you’re the best!

We've recently bought a 2020 Rav4 hybrid, and are very happy with it. Our Toyota dealer is 300yds away, and the Honda dealer 15 miles. We've had three Honda' in the past. We are getting high 40's to mid 50's mpg with the Rav4. That's imperial gallons.

I have drirven both for 1600 km up and down in germany, the rav4 is technically the better car, tech wise. But The Honda is a palace on wheels to drive, the pure electric drive makes for an incredibly smooth, soft and comfy ride. At the speedy the Ic engine kicks to only mode, you will not even notice it. Its incredible. Also, you do get that EV feel, especially in city traffic but also on the Autobahn. Need to soow down? Use the paddels. Load your battery, continue on EV. I have noticed that on relatively flat terrain, the Pure EV mode lasts me about 1 kilometer, which is enough for my area to get out of earshot from the neighbors. Fully loaded, the battery will probably support up to 2 km, but i have yet to arrive somewhere with a full battery, not without regen shenanigans. So 1km is imho the realistic figure. Heating will switch on the IEC though. Thats why i bought the honda.

hi Alex. you are one of the complete auto reviewer on you tube and I love them. But when you are comparing two models, instead of using the catch phrase . A little bit shorted, a little bit longer. could you use words people will understand precisely . Like about 1/4' bigger, like about 1" smaller.

RAV4 is the winner for me just because of the spare tire . I dont like this inflation that liquid sealant does expire and i heard that it will ruin the air tire sensor of your car. Nice review its help me a lot which one should i buy.

long time owner of honda thinking of switching to the hybrid this year but instead I would go for a Prime. It makes more sense and good for another 10+yrs although, the back opening is a slower then i would like but I'll have to see for it myself.

Alex, It takes a real man to admit he was wrong. The RAV4 Hybrid continues to lead the way. You should have towed your 2,000 pound trailer behind the RAV4 in a lap of honor around the CR-V to illustrate another of its superior attributes.🤩🤩

I think the hybrid in the CRV was an after thought. The hybrid really wasn't built for that car, so hopefully the redesign will be better.

Nice review. Thanks. Looking for them to integrate front and side cameras or prep for installation.

CRV is great and has more interior space and feels more roomy, but RAV4 is the GOAT

I bought 2020 Rav4 hybrid XLE back in Jan when CR-V hybrid was not launched. Even if it did, I would have still gone with Rav4 because Towing capacity (1750 lbs vs no ratings on cr-v hybrid) besides spare tire only in Rav4 are the dealbreakers for me. Btw I have been consistently getting 43 mpg with not so careful driving (75% city, 25% highway). Also I agree with Alex on the point that Toyota is extremely efficient on higher speeds. I often drive at 75-80 mph while on highway and continue to get 43 mpg.

I think it is a personal choice. I did not like the cabin in the Rav4,. Traded in my 2012 Prius for the CRV Hybrid, liked the ride and the features. CRV Hybrid fitted my needs, I don't need to off road capability, but good winter AWD capability.

Test drove both after researching both for countless hours and got the CRV. The Rav is way better on paper for specs, and in practice, so why CRV? The CRV's ambience, comfort, handling, sportiness, stock sound system (without the JBL on the Rav) and more made me gravitate to it. The sport mode in CRV is more engaging and the overall interior feels better. The CRVs sound is also quite nice though it is loud, the Rav had a unpleasing engine sound when driving. Also the whole design of a Rav feels robotic, like a transformer of some sort. The CRV seems to be a bit more rounded. Both are fantastic cars.

Alex you are always killing it 👍👍👍👍great awesome couldn’t make it clearer wow

Great review Alex...best yet for these 2 vehicles.

Great review but you didn't cover in much detail the interior of the two models. As other posters have mentioned the CRV is just a better looking interior considering all of the plastic in the RAV4. Just looked cheaper to us. We found the Escape likewise cheap looking but the Escape's seats were much smaller and harder thus less comfortable. I wouldn't put the Escape in the same class as the Honda or Toyota but you can buy the Escape for several thousand less so that has to be considered. Anyway thanks for the information.

Excellently detailed comparision! Thank you, very useful!!

Dudeeeee!!! You're very good explaining!!!

Great comparative review! As much as I like the CR-V's appearance over the Rav 4, not having a spare tire is a deal breaker for me! Thanks for this video!

I just bought the CR V hybrid, will make the RAV4 our second hybrid. Thanks for the comparison!

Interesting comparisons, like your hybrid breakdown. You talk faster than I do, can you slow it down a tad so I can catch everything you explain. Im going to look for your other reviews.

Props to your camera person!

Excellent informative review! Great info on both.

Phenomenal video. the best I've seen on comparing the two models

Touch choice, but I have to say I think I would go with the RAV 4 for now on this one. But it will be interesting to see how this stacks up when Honda does a redesign of the CR-V.

Great reviews , Alex. I have a concern about your statement on electric AWD vs. mechanical. I'm scratching my head, trying figure out why I would ever want to use 150+ HP to the rear wheels when I'm in a traction-compromised situation. Seems to me 50 HP of rear drive would be more than adequate when my primary (maybe only?) concern is to NOT GET STUCK, rather than to blast off at max power. On this point, I would prefer the RAV4 e-AWD system because it's more efficient than the mechanical AWD, but still has enough power to keep me going under all conditions.

Here in Calif, a 2014 battery is still under warranty (10 years).

I like Rav4 Hybrid, you can put a full size spare tire in.

As always Alex, loved your thorough review of the two vehicles. My only complaint is that during the driving portion, I nearly got car sick with the split screen. I had to stay focused on you. Maybe that is how you planned it...you dog!

Thank you for this comparison. It helped me to choose. Was very disappointed that the CRV does not have a spare. That was a deciding factor too.

Honda has pulled back the Civic hybrid, the Accord hybrid, and the Insight hybrid from the market a few times because they got it wrong. I imagine they will follow suit with the CRV hybrid. It seems like Honda is still experimenting with their hybrid systems.

6:31 Alex, did you say that 212hp total goes into the 180hp electric motor? 😂 that sounds like a temporal boost of the motor lol. 22:28 you indeed pointed out the weakness of Honda’s hybrid system. After all, it’s backed up by a 2.0L NA engine, and the power you requested for fast uphill climbing is far beyond the engine’s efficient working conditions. The 2.5NA in RAV4 benefited from larger displacement, therefore it operated at a more efficient condition under high load. So is that BMW 228i’s 2.0T, which equals ~3.0NA and gained a benefit.

I’m usually a Honda guy but the the rav crushes it in this segment, outside of their fuel tank issue of course.

Toyota rules! Honda is an absolutely worthy competitor but can not beat the Rav... yet!

Amazing work, Alex.

Differences in fuel economy are increasingly insignificant. If the difference were 20mpg vs 15mpg, that would result in a lot of savings (a third more fuel at whatever price you pay in your area). But the difference between 40mpg and 35mpg only costs a seventh more fuel. Now factor in the purchase price of comparable trim levels of each car, and we’re talking about 5-10 years to break even.

Hey Alex!! Which one has a better AWD system? 🙏 Got IT.... The CR-V. Thanks for talking about it in video!

When showing side by side, would help to have name somewhere on the screen. @16:20

Got a 2021 RAV4 AWD XSE and I love it!

Toyota has perfected the hybrid technology and no one not even Honda can even come closer.

Yes,RAV 4,got mine 3 weeks ago and I love it❤️

Alex, it is time you did an examination of the Toyota On-Demand Electric AWD system that is used in vehicles such as the RAV-4 Hybrid and the Venza. Nobody else has done a comprehensive video examination of this feature, and the few I have found don’t really give the kinds of details and data that you generally provide.

Very helpful review.

As usual, Alex offers the most usefully comprehensive auto review available. Well done, Alex!

Rav4 Hybrid! Crunching the numbers I wouldn't save enough with the Prime (Rav4 PHEV) to make up for the nearly $10 000 higher price tag. If I was a city slicker and typically only drove 40 miles or less per day, then yeah, I'd go with Prime.

I agree Alex...BSM should be standard on the Toyota Hybrid XLE. My understanding is that the XLE Premium will not be available on the 2022s. That being said, hopefully the XLE will remain the same price as the 2021 model

Alex - as always, a great video. Any comment on the reported RAV4 gas tank issue (not being able to fill it completely?)

I feel the CRV checks more boxes I care about than the Rav, but barely. It's truly a toss up, you would have to really make a hard decision. Most concerning re: the CRV is the lower mpg, and the infotainment system NEEDS improved for sure. Quiet ride , style (that's subjective), and significant braking difference (9 feet is a lot. imo) are important pros for the CRV.... Man, it's a close call.

Thanks for the side by side. I have a 2020 Gas CRV EX that I'm trading in for a 2021 RAV4-XLE Hybrid due to the better fuel economy and the crazy trade in values right now. I love my CRV except for the mileage and infotainment system. The reason for the switch to the RAV4 Hybrid rather then the CRV Hybrid is due to towing. The RAV4 can tow up to 1,750lbs where as the CRV Hybrid is not rated for towing. The RAV4 Prime's in my area are all significantly more expensive because the dealers require you to add all the bells and whistles and Toyota doesn't allow you to direct order like Ford is doing for the MachE and Lightning.

yeah. out of all ALEX IS BEST!!!!!! most informative

Alex, have you heard Paul's rant on the CRV Hybrid on the Everyday Driver podcast (#523)? He said similar words (though more ranty) about the engine noise.

Great review thanks much.

Yeah, I will also wait for Rav4 prime .... for another 3 or may be 4 ... ? years ?!? :D

Very nice. Thank you

I'm actually getting 44.6 with Rav4 hybrid. My 2008 prius is getting 45.1 lol

How long is the cargo space with 2nd row down and how many watts in the 110v outlet? These are the two most important questions for those who might want to boondock in their vehicle, but I NEVER hear these two questions answered. If you would choose to highlight these practical features and, perhaps, spend less time opining about the shape of the brake lights, I would be impressed.

If I had to choose, I'd choose Rav4 Prime. It isn't perfect, but it's as close as I can find in 2020. I'd miss the towing ability of my old Rav4 with the 3.5L V6.

For Ubering I'd get the CRV hybrid. The spacious rear seats and softer suspension for potholes/bad roads make all the difference in Chicago. The redesigned model hybrid will be my next car. (If I were driving just for myself I'd get the RAV4).

you should do a front seat vs rear seat noise score... Honda CRV is quiet at the front seat but ridiculously noisy in the back seat.

Truthfully, I would be delighted with either the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

If the battery is drained in the rav 4 would you lose the awd capability since the rear axles are run by an electric motor vs a mechanical linkage in the Crv?