one best-selling hybrid SUV comes out on high

The Toyota RAV4 was most likely the bestselling automotive final yr, and the Honda CR-V not far behind. Each are compact crossover/SUVs, the most well-liked automotive form, and each supply hybrid choices which might be method higher than the ICE variations in each metric bar value.

These vehicles promote so nicely as a result of they provide the entire bundle to fulfill most drivers more often than not, and at first look, they’re very comparable. So which one must you select? I appeared a bit nearer and located a number of areas the place one was higher than the opposite. You recognize your individual driving preferences, like large cargo area or infotainment, so take a look on the stuff you need in a automotive, and which mannequin offers you one of the best of that.

RAV4 and CR-V hybrids overview

A spread of value and have choices

The RAV4 hybrid vary has seven trim ranges to select from, starting from $32,600 to $40,905. All RAV4 choices come customary with on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD), which implies it makes use of a extra environment friendly front-wheel-drive (FWD) more often than not, however there’s an electrical motor on the rear wheels that kicks in when the automotive wants extra grip, like on icy or muddy roads.

The entire hybrid vary makes use of the identical 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and two electrical motors, giving a mixed 219 hp. You may examine the options you’re going to get within the numerous trim ranges here.

The Honda CR-V hybrid begins at a better value, and you should have 4 trim ranges to select from. The vary is $35,630 to $42,250, all coming customary with FWD, with the choice of AWD as nicely. The CR-V vary makes use of a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and two motors that make a mixed 203 hp, 14 hp greater than the usual ICE model. You may examine the completely different trim ranges here.

Cabin consolation

The place you spend your time

The RAV4 and CR-V are both five-seat crossovers, which implies more room inside and a better driving place than a sedan. Each vehicles come customary with fabric or artificial leather-based upholstery.

The RAV4 has marginally much less area within the rear seats, and heated and adjustable entrance seats and a heated steering wheel can be found, as is the Softex leatherette upholstery on decrease trims. In the meantime, the CR-V has a bit extra to supply on the subject of seating, with heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as customary. There is a bit extra room within the again, with reclining again seats including to consolation on longer journeys.

Inside tech

Each vehicles give the driving force and passengers customary expertise in line with the compact crossovers as a category. The RAV4 has an 8-inch contact display, whereas the CR-V’s is seven inches. Each use 7-inch instrument cluster screens. The usual expertise and choices are fairly comparable.

Cargo area

A primary cause why crossovers are so widespread is due to their massive and versatile cargo area. Whether or not it is for the week’s purchasing, a weekend away, a crowded college run, or to cart dwelling furnishings purchased on-line, a crossover beats a sedan or perhaps a hatch day by day. Whereas each vehicles supply a hands-free energy liftgate, the CR-V gives greater than the RAV4, with 39.3 cu-ft vs 37.5 cu-ft behind the rear seats, and 76.5 cu-ft vs 69.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down.

Efficiency the place it issues

Reliability, gas effectivity, and security

The RAV4 has a much bigger engine and extra horsepower than the CR-V, going to 60 mph in 7.3 vs 7.9 seconds, however we do not purchase compact crossovers for drag racing. As hybrids, each vehicles beat their very own ICE fashions arms down on the subject of MPG. Each vehicles get excessive marks for reliability, in addition to high marks for security.

Reliability

JD Energy is the gold customary on the subject of ranking vehicles. It rated the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as fashions, however didn’t fee the hybrids as particular variants.

The Honda CR-V acquired an total ranking of 83, reliability of 84, driving expertise of 83, and resale worth of 85. The Toyota RAV4 acquired 80, 80, 78, and 85 in these classes. Each vehicles are within the high tier, with the Honda barely beating the Toyota.

RAV4 Hybrid warranties:

• Three-year/36,000-mile fundamental
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid parts
• Ten-year/150,000-mile battery

CR-V hybrid warranties:

• Three-year/36,000-mile fundamental
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid parts
• Eight-year/100,000-mile battery

Gas Effectivity

I used the usual drivetrain with one of the best gas effectivity figures for each fashions, so the AWD for the RAV4 and FWD for the CR-V. Each vehicles have the identical vary on a tank of gas, each value simply over $2 to drive 25 miles, and each supply vital financial savings in gas prices over 5 years.

Hybrids have a distinct MPG profile to ICE vehicles due to their regenerative braking. This makes them extra environment friendly in metropolis driving than on the freeway, in contrast to ICE vehicles. That is value contemplating with your individual driving profile, so the place you drive most.

Security

Each the Honda and Toyota include complete security and driver-assist expertise, in addition to acquired 5 stars within the NHTSA crash checks. The Honda additionally acquired the High Security Decide from the IIHS, the insurance coverage trade security company.

Conclusion

A tough selection

The baseline Toyota is much more reasonably priced than that of the Honda, and the RAV4 additionally has extra choices, together with the Woodland trim with a extra off-road vibe. The Honda edges forward on inside and cargo area. I didn’t cowl towing, however the RAV4 can tow a heavier load.

One thing to contemplate, although, is {that a} new era of RAV4 will launch later this yr. This might be obtainable as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid solely. Though the present era of the CR-V is 2 years youthful than the present RAV4, I anticipate Honda to answer with a major replace to remain aggressive within the extremely contested compact crossover section.