Compact SUVs are among the top-selling vehicles in the industry, with drivers praising their agility, efficiency, and engaging performance. Because of this, comparing rivals like the 2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Honda CR-V requires a keen eye and a closer look at the details. The RAV4 and CR-V are best sellers for their respective brands, but they also showcase two distinct approaches to delivering tangible value via design, features, and performance.
There’s no denying that Toyota and Honda have outstanding reputations. Both brands are renowned for building long-lasting, versatile, and capable vehicles. The value factor is evident in this sense, with the RAV4 and CR-V capable of logging many miles with routine service and upkeep. So, what differentiates the models beyond their brands?
Toyota goes above and beyond to give drivers more value for their money in the 2024 RAV4. The CR-V initially steals the spotlight by relying on its history of helping establish the segment of compact road warriors. However, the RAV4 can’t be ignored; it’s made key contributions by shaping the segment and proving drivers never have to compromise or settle for less in a compact SUV. The 2024 RAV4 proves you can have it all without spending a fortune, as we see from its more affordable price tag of $28,475 compared to the 2024 CR-V at $29,500.[a]
But how else does Toyota raise the benchmark with the 2024 RAV4? Why are we certain your search for the 2024 Honda CR-V will end with you behind the wheel of the best-selling RAV4? Answering those questions is easy as we dive into the key differences between the RAV4 and CR-V in 2024.
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 | VS | 2024 Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| $28,675 [a] | MSRP | $29,500 |
| 302 | Horsepower (hp) | 204 |
| 10.5 | Screen Size (in) | 9 |
| 3,500 | Towing (lbs) | 1,500 |
Drivers appreciate having plenty of options, especially when it comes to diverse trim lineups. For 2024, Honda takes a streamlined approach with the CR-V and offers the compact SUV in the LX, EX, and EX-L trim. Opting for the hybrid powertrain gives you three unique trim choices–the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. But what are the differences in the trims, and what do you get for a starting price of $29,500?
The CR-V LX starts the SUV lineup as a base model with minimal features despite its higher price tag of $29,500. The base model features a smaller, 7-inch color touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, automatic climate control, and three drive modes that work with the LX’s standard 190-horsepower turbocharged engine. Climbing to the EX adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control, with the top-tier EX-L featuring leather seating, a power tailgate, wireless smartphone integration, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.
The progression of features is similar to the CR-V hybrid trims. For example, the Sport Hybrid has a sportier aesthetic with roof rails and gloss-black alloy wheels. The Sport-L Hybrid adds leather seating, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and wireless phone charging. Finally, the Sport Touring Hybrid offers an upgraded sound system, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free tailgate, all of which will set you back over $40,000.
Toyota takes a more impressive and expansive approach with the 2024 RAV4 by offering more value and unique trims without skyrocketing the price tag. The RAV4 LE base model, which starts at $28,675, is well-equipped with Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, LED headlights, and an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.[a] From there, the XLE and XLE Premium add luxuries and advanced technologies, like a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a power moonroof. Drivers also have the opportunity to capitalize on Toyota’s off-road reputation with trims like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road, which offer all-season and all-terrain confidence. Most notably, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is ready for adventure, courtesy of its TRD-tuned independent suspension.
Climbing the RAV4 lineup offers even more, from the luxurious Limited to the hybrid variants. The RAV4 with a hybrid powertrain is available in the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited. Most notably, Toyota expands the lineup with the SE, XSE, and Woodland hybrids. The Woodland features exclusive details, like Falken WILDPEAK all-terrain tires, and the SE differentiates itself with its vibrant blue-stitched seating. The XSE is instantly recognizable by its two-toned exterior, giving the RAV4 a unique, head-turning aesthetic.
Performance is another defining feature of the 2024 RAV4 and 2024 CR-V. Toyota and Honda cater to various performance needs by offering the compact SUVs with gas or hybrid powertrains. However, Toyota sets a new benchmark by adding a third powertrain to the RAV4’s lineup that answers the need for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. So, how do the powertrains compare?
The 2024 CR-V is moderately engaging to drive, with its base powerplant a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The engine sets the benchmark for the CR-V’s performance, delivering 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque with an average fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. This output is impressive until you look at the RAV4’s base engine in 2024. Toyota outfits the SUV with a 2.5L inline-four and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for a more engaging and exciting experience in the driver’s seat.
Honda complements the CR-V’s gas powertrain with its 2.0L inline-four hybrid electric powertrain. The hybrid gives the CR-V a much-needed boost in power, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of near-instant torque. This increase makes the CR-V more responsive, but is it enough to outshine the 2024 RAV4 and its hybrid heartbeat?
Toyota leaves no question that the RAV4 hybrid is one of the most capable and engaging in the segment. The automaker builds on the potency of its 2.5L inline-four and adds an electric motor to bring the RAV4’s output to 219 hp, a significant increase over the CR-V. Yet, there’s even more power in the RAV4’s wheelhouse, at least when you opt for the RAV4 as a plug-in electric hybrid. The PHEV is outfitted with the same 2.5L inline-four and an 18.1-kWh battery pack that produces a combined output of 302 hp for exceptional responsiveness and handling at any speed. You won’t find this level of performance from the CR-V, nor can you match the RAV4’s towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. The CR-V falls behind again, with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.
Technology is another defining component when comparing the 2024 RAV4 to the 2024 CR-V. While Toyota and Honda outfit the SUVs with plenty of features to heighten your experience in the driver’s seat, Toyota offers more with the RAV4’s value-oriented packaging. Because of this, the RAV4’s lower starting price means you get more for your hard-earned money, which is impossible to ignore.
This value is immediately apparent when you climb into the driver’s seat. Although both SUVs offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth capability, there are distinct differences in the infotainment systems and digital displays. The 2024 CR-V has a standard 7-inch display, with the RAV4 offering a larger 8-inch display. The same is true as you climb the lineups, with the CR-V’s digital display reaching nine inches and the RAV4 boasting an impressive 10.5-inch color touchscreen on top-tier trims. The larger screen gives you a bigger landscape to see your apps, improve your visibility via the rearview camera, and navigate the most efficient route.
Widespread reliance on smartphones makes connectivity features and intuitive infotainment systems incredibly valuable in SUVs. However, safety and driver-assist technologies are just as essential and work in front of and behind the scenes to enhance our experience, mitigate the potential for collisions, and improve our situational awareness. Many of these tools are required, with Toyota and Honda equipping the RAV4 and CR-V with their respective safety suites. However, Toyota goes a step further by offering drivers more advanced technologies that you won’t find in the CR-V lineup.
The CR-V rolls off Honda’s factory floor with the Honda Sensing suite, which outfits the SUV with a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, a multi-angle rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and a Lane-Keeping Assist System. Enjoying the full suite of technologies requires shopping beyond the entry-level LX trim for an EX or above. This adds Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitoring to the SUV, requiring you to spend more on an essential tool that should be standard, at least if you ask Toyota.
The 2024 RAV4 features the extensive Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite and additional tools that work behind the scenes to provide alerts via the RAV4’s 12.3-inch multi-information display. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 outfits the RAV4 with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. It also includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, an exceptional tool when navigating highway traffic since it can automatically adjust the RAV4’s cruising speed based on the flow of traffic. Additional features like the Panoramic View Monitor and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking add another layer of value and safety you won’t experience in rivals like the CR-V.
Finding the perfect compact SUV that checks every box on your must-have list is no easy feat. The industry is inundated with options like the 2024 Honda CR-V, which is appealing because of Honda’s reputation and the CR-V’s long-running tenure in the lineup. However, looking closer at the CR-V and comparing it to rivals like the 2024 Toyota RAV4 tells another story and showcases Toyota’s success at offering more value without asking you to compromise or settle for less.
We take a similar approach at Faith’s Toyota, encouraging our customers to set their standards higher and expect something extraordinary from our team. We want you to genuinely enjoy your dealership experience and every aspect of buying your next vehicle, especially a model like the best-selling RAV4. To do that means rolling out the red carpet and fulfilling our promise to operate with integrity, respect, and transparency. These values define everything we do, immediately putting you at ease and setting the stage for an unparalleled experience.