one best-selling hybrid SUV comes out on prime

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 preferred automotive form, and each supply hybrid choices which are method higher than the ICE variations in each metric bar value.

These automobiles promote so effectively as a result of they provide the entire package deal to fulfill most drivers more often than not, and at first look, they’re very related. 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 personal driving preferences, like massive cargo area or infotainment, so take a look on the belongings you need in a automotive, and which mannequin offers you the most effective 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 may be 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 possibly can evaluate 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 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 evaluate the totally different trim ranges here.

Cabin consolation

The place you spend your time

The RAV4 and CR-V are both five-seat crossovers, which suggests more room inside and a better driving place than a sedan. Each automobiles 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 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 automobiles give the driving force and passengers customary know-how in keeping 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 know-how and choices are fairly related.

Cargo area

A principal motive why crossovers are so widespread is due to their massive and versatile cargo area. Whether or not it is for the week’s buying, a weekend away, a crowded faculty run, or to cart dwelling furnishings purchased on-line, a crossover beats a sedan or perhaps a hatch each day. Whereas each automobiles 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 automobiles beat their very own ICE fashions fingers down in terms of MPG. Each automobiles get excessive marks for reliability, in addition to prime marks for security.

Reliability

JD Energy is the gold customary in terms of ranking automobiles. 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 general ranking of 83, reliability of 84, driving expertise of 83, and resale worth of 85. The Toyota RAV4 bought 80, 80, 78, and 85 in these classes. Each automobiles 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 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

Gasoline Effectivity

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

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

Security

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

Conclusion

A troublesome alternative

The baseline Toyota is much more inexpensive 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 will likely 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 big replace to remain aggressive within the extremely contested compact crossover section.