Matchup
Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
The 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium AWD against the 2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 1, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the RAV4 costs $5,050 less: $38,950 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
- The RAV4 is rated to tow 2,500 lb more: 3,500 lb against 1,000 lb. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 4 mpg better than the CR-V (37 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.4 in of knee room in the CR-V and +2.3 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Honda
Who each one suits
The RAV4 is the easier one to recommend on paper. In these trims it costs $5,050 less, is rated 41 mpg against 37, tows 3,500 lb against 1,000, and has 3.1 cu ft more space behind the second row.
The CR-V answers with rear-seat room: a 5-ft-11 passenger behind a 5-ft-11 driver gets 4.4 in of knee room against 2.3 in. It also has crash-test results today, while the new RAV4 has none yet; note the CR-V’s Poor grade in the IIHS moderate overlap test.
At a glance
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $38,950PublishedToyota | $44,000PublishedHonda |
| Powertrain | 2.5 L four-cylinder + three electric motors · Electronic on-demand AWD (rear motor) | 2.0 L Atkinson four + generator + 181-hp traction motor (two-motor hybrid) · Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System (on-demand rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedHonda |
| Crash ratings | No safety rating yet · new for 2026 | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G |
Acceleration
The RAV4 makes 32 hp more: 236 hp against 204 hp.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 236 hp (176 kW)PublishedToyota | 204 hp (152 kW)PublishedHonda |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft (221 Nm)PublishedToyota | 247 lb-ft (335 Nm)PublishedHonda |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.1 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.0 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 15.8 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CR-V on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 179 ft (54.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 182 ft (55.5 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 370 ft (112.8 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 373 ft (113.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 283 ft (86.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 285 ft (86.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 172 ft (52.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 173 ft (52.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CR-V; the RAV4 goes over at 11 mph.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | no data | 4★ · 15.5% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 4 mpg better than the CR-V (37 mpg).
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $1,638/yrDerivedEPA | $1,815/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.33Estimate | 0.36DerivedEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CR-V on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | no data | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.79 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulated, estimated inputs | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 36.9 ft (11.2 m)PublishedToyota Canada | 37.0 ft (11.3 m)PublishedHonda |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedToyota Canada | 8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedHonda |
| Tires | All-season touring · 235/60R18PublishedToyota Canada | Michelin Primacy A/S 235/55R19 all-season · 235/55R19TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The RAV4 is rated to tow 2,500 lb more: 3,500 lb against 1,000 lb.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedKBB | 5PublishedHonda |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 6Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 2Simulatedfrom Toyota Canada | 0Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Cargo behind the second row | 37.8 cu ft (1,070 L)PublishedToyota | 34.7 cu ft (983 L)PublishedHonda |
| Cargo, seats folded | 70.4 cu ft (1,994 L)PublishedToyota | 71.8 cu ft (2,033 L)PublishedHonda |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedToyota | 1,000 lb (454 kg)PublishedHonda |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | 0.0 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.3 in (14 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +5.3 in (13 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.3 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom KBB | +4.4 in (11 cm)Simulatedfrom Honda |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.1 in head · −2.0 in kneeSimulatedfrom KBB | −0.1 in head · +0.1 in kneeSimulatedfrom Honda |
| Front head room, published | 37.9 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda |
| Rear head room, published | 39.5 in (100 cm)PublishedKBB | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishedHonda |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.8 in (96 cm)PublishedKBB | 41.0 in (104 cm)PublishedHonda |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CR-V on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 69 dBAEstimateCar and Driver | 68 dBATestedCar and Driver |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the CR-V’s hides 20 ft.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 17 ft (5.1 m)Simulated, estimated inputs | 20 ft (6.1 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 50%Simulated, estimated inputs | 38%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CR-V on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 281 ft (85.7 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | no data | 62 mph (100 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | no data | 481 ft (146.6 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the RAV4 and the CR-V on what we can measure here.
| RAV4 | CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | no data | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | no data | PoorTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | no data | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,865 lb (1,753 kg)PublishedKBB | 3,890 lb (1,764 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Toyota RAV4
- In the trims shown, the RAV4 costs $5,050 less: $38,950 against $44,000 for the CR-V, destination included. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
- The RAV4 is rated to tow 2,500 lb more: 3,500 lb against 1,000 lb. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
- The RAV4 is rated 41 mpg combined by the EPA, 4 mpg better than the CR-V (37 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- From the driver’s seat the RAV4’s hood hides the first 17 ft of road; the CR-V’s hides 20 ft. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the RAV4 costs about $177 a year less to run: $1,638/yr against $1,815/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The RAV4 has 3.1 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 37.8 cu ft against 34.7 cu ft. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
- Drivers see 50% of the ground within 33 ft of the RAV4’s nose and 38% in the CR-V. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulated
- The RAV4 makes 32 hp more: 236 hp against 204 hp. PublishedToyotaPublishedHonda
Honda CR-V
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +4.4 in of knee room in the CR-V and +2.3 in in the RAV4. Simulatedfrom KBBSimulatedfrom Honda
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the CR-V; the RAV4 goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- CR-V EX-L AWD
- CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid · on this page
Keep comparing
- All the Toyota RAV4 figures
- All the Honda CR-V figures
- Toyota RAV4 vs Tesla Model Y
- Toyota RAV4 vs Hyundai Tucson
- Toyota RAV4 vs Mazda CX-5
- Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Camry
- Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5
- Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Tiguan
- Honda CR-V vs Toyota Corolla Cross
- Honda CR-V vs Tesla Model Y
- Honda CR-V vs Honda Accord
Sources
- Toyota: 2026 RAV4 trims and MSRP, $1,450 delivery, processing and handling (2026-09)
- American Honda: 2026 CR-V trims and starting MSRP (excludes $1,450 destination) (2026-10)
- Toyota USA Newsroom: The Next Adventure Begins: 2026 RAV4 Arrives this Winter (2025-11)
- Honda News (American Honda): 2026 Honda CR-V Specifications & Features (2025-08)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Toyota RAV4 ratings (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Honda CR-V AWD (1.5 L turbo, id 49487) and CR-V Hybrid AWD (id 49488) ratings (2026-10)
- Kelley Blue Book: 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium specs (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Limited AWD) (2025-10)
- Car and Driver: Comparison test: CR-V Hybrid, CX-50 Hybrid, Forester Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid (2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid AWD) (2025-10)
- Toyota Canada: 2026 RAV4 Hybrid product information (dimensions, brakes, tires) (2026-01)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid SUV HEV AWD (VehicleId 20888) (2026-10)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (CR-V coastdown target coefficients) (2026-01)
- IIHS: 2026 Honda CR-V ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–27 models) (2026-10)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.