one best-selling hybrid SUV comes out on prime

The Toyota RAV4 was in all probability the bestselling automobile final 12 months, and the Honda CR-V not far behind. Each are compact crossover/SUVs, the preferred automobile form, and each supply hybrid choices which can be method higher than the ICE variations in each metric bar value.

These vehicles promote so effectively as a result of they provide the whole bundle to fulfill most drivers more often than not, and at first look, they’re very comparable. So which one do you have to select? I appeared a bit nearer and located a number of areas the place one was higher than the opposite. You realize your individual driving preferences, like huge cargo area or infotainment, so take a look on the belongings you need in a automobile, and which mannequin offers you the very 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 suggests 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 automobile 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 possibly can examine the options you’re going to get within the numerous trim ranges here.

The Honda CR-V hybrid begins at the next 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 effectively. 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 possibly can 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 suggests extra space inside and the next driving place than a sedan. Each vehicles come customary with material 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 in terms 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 motive force and passengers customary expertise in step with the compact crossovers as a category. The RAV4 has an 8-inch contact display screen, 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 important cause why crossovers are so fashionable is due to their giant and versatile cargo area. Whether or not it is for the week’s procuring, a weekend away, a crowded faculty run, or to cart residence furnishings purchased on-line, a crossover beats a sedan or perhaps a hatch daily. Whereas each vehicles supply a hands-free energy liftgate, the CR-V presents 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 an even 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 palms down in terms of MPG. Each vehicles get excessive marks for reliability, in addition to prime marks for security.

Reliability

JD Energy is the gold customary in terms of score vehicles. It rated the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as fashions, however didn’t price the hybrids as particular variants.

The Honda CR-V acquired an general score of 83, reliability of 84, driving expertise of 83, and resale worth of 85. The Toyota RAV4 obtained 80, 80, 78, and 85 in these classes. Each vehicles are within the prime 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 elements
• 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 elements
• Eight-year/100,000-mile battery

Gas Effectivity

I used the usual drivetrain with the very 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 important financial savings in gas prices over 5 years.

Hybrids have a special MPG profile to ICE vehicles due to their regenerative braking. This makes them extra environment friendly in metropolis driving than on the freeway, not like ICE vehicles. That is price 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 business security company.

Conclusion

A troublesome 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 technology of RAV4 will launch later this 12 months. This shall be accessible as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid solely. Though the present technology 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 phase.