Let’s take a look at the 2017 Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 and see which used SUV comes out ahead and is the right one to drive.
You’ve been thinking about your next vehicle, and you’re pretty sure you want to buy a used compact SUV. But which one? There are many pre-owned options out there and Japanese manufacturers Toyota and Honda have been battling for supremacy for decades.
Giving It A Go For Not A Lot Of Green
Unless you opt for a hybrid RAV4, the CR-V comes out ahead on fuel economy with an EPA estimated 27 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. The RAV4’s larger 2.5L engine rolls in with an estimated 23 city/30 highway. You get a bit more pep from the CR-V’s 1.5L turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower compared to 176 horsepower in the RAV4. You’re probably not going to challenge anyone to a drag race in either SUV, but neither one will let you down merging into highway traffic. If you’re looking for a bit more vigor though, you might be happier with the CR-V.
It’s The Little (And Big) Things
Arguably the feature that draws drivers to the SUV the most is cargo space. The CR-V leads the class in a cargo room with 39.2 cubic feet. If you need more room or have longer items, fold the rear seats for 75.8 cubic feet of space. The RAV4 measures 38.4 cubic feet (73.4 with the rear seats folded). Honda seems to be more thoughtful with small storage in the cabin as well. The center console got a full revision in the 2017 model, with large cup holders and places to stash your phone and other small items. The RAV4’s storage options seem dated in comparison.
Who Has Standard Safety Tech?
The Insurance Institute Of Highway Safety gives both vehicles a 5-star safety rating. However, Toyota made its suite of safety technology features standard on the RAV4, while you’d need to upgrade to a higher trim level on the CR-V to get Honda Sensing safety technology. Granted, it’s more affordable to upgrade for the safety features when buying used, but the RAV4 edges the CR-V here.
Comfort AND Convenience
Getting in and out of the CR-V and the RAV4 is fairly easy and doesn’t really require taller passengers to origami their way inside. Both vehicles have plenty of room for four adults to travel comfortably over short and long distances. The CR-V gives rear-seat passengers an air vent for additional comfort. Driver controls in both the CR-V and RAV4 are well-placed and easy to use, but if you want smartphone capability in your SUV, your only option here is the Honda.
Checking The List
Both compact SUVs are highly popular in their class and get high marks in owner satisfaction. When it comes to the features that drivers look for in a compact SUV though, the Honda CR-V seems to check off more boxes than the Toyota RAV4.
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