2024 Honda CR-V vs. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Comparison

The compact SUV segment has plenty of options, but two models consistently outsell the rest: the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Known for their reliability and fuel economy for years, they’ve gotten appealing exterior updates in recent years, making them even more popular among buyers. They’re even available as hybrids.

Let’s take a look at the 2024 Honda CR-V and the 2024 Toyota RAV4.

2024 Honda CR-V

One of the drawbacks of past iterations of the CR-V was its quirky exterior design. However, Honda has given the 2024 Honda CR-V a more conventional look, similar to the other SUVs in its lineup.

It’s not just better on the outside; the CR-V received a few adjustments to its suspension to improve the driving experience. That experience starts with a 190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine tied to a responsive continuous variable transmission that helps achieve an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. That drops to just 29 mpg combined if you add all-wheel drive (AWD).

The CR-V offers plenty of room inside for five passengers, especially regarding rear-seat legroom. Not only is there space for people, but there’s ample cargo space behind the second row of seats. Pricing for the CR-V begins at $30,850, including destination fee.

Honda CR-V Highlights

AWD: Rough weather and even the odd trip down a dirt or gravel road make all-wheel drive worth the extra money, which is optional in each of the three CR-V trims.

Downhill control: Usually found on off-roaders with all-wheel drive, hill descent control also comes as standard in the CR-V’s front-drive versions. The driver sets the speed between 2 and 12 mph to navigate a downward slope. The driver steers while the SUV handles the throttle, transmission, and brakes.

Front seats: For the driver and front-seat passenger, Honda features Body Stabilizing Seats designed to promote ideal posture and reduce fatigue.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.

2024 Toyota RAV4

The exterior of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 features a more angular look than the Honda CR-V. It’s been tweaked a bit during the past several years, but it’s very recognizable and attractive — one of the reasons why the RAV4 is a big seller.

It’s powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 203 hp, which could be described as “acceptable.” Owners of this vehicle aren’t looking for big towing capacity but big fuel economy, which they get — it’s rated at 30 mpg combined.

The interior of the RAV4, even more so than the exterior, is familiar. It’s a simple setup, and if you’re tired of doing everything through a touchscreen that may not be intuitive, the RAV4 will be a welcome change, offering the right mix of touchscreen and knobs and buttons. Available in six trim levels, the RAV4 offers something for every reasonable price point in the category. Pricing begins at $30,025, including destination fees.

Toyota RAV4 Highlights

JBL audio: Offering loud and clear sound, the 11-speaker, 800-watt JBL system comes standard in the Limited trim and optional in the Adventure, XLE Premium, and TRD Off-Road models.

All-wheel drive: AWD is a deservedly popular extra and offered at a reasonable $1,400. Or it’s standard in the TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims.

Rough and ready: If you’re looking at Toyota, chances are there’s a TRD Off-Road edition, and that’s true for the RAV4. It gives you plenty of hardware to handle moving off the tarmac, including torque vectoring AWD and a specially tuned suspension — that’s capability you can’t get in the Honda CR-V.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 models for sale near you.

Similarities

The top dogs in the segment are great on gas, seat five people, and even get the same combined fuel economy: 30 mpg. And there’s just an $825 difference in the starting price for each one.

Conclusion

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 do have a few differences. Their exteriors are a bit different, and there is an off-road option for the RAV4, which you cannot get on the CR-V. But other than that, it’s a matter of getting behind the wheel and seeing which one you like better.