Are there two rivals that are as nose to nose across the industry as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4? For more than 20 years, these two vehicles have been competing for the title of best compact SUV on the market.
So it's only natural to ask the question; which one is better? Let's take a look at it together. What is clear is that neither is bad. But let's look at what puts the CR-V in a class of its own.
Industry recognition
When a vehicle wins an industry-wide award, it's a great sign. When a trade magazine recognizes it as the best in its class for five years in a row, and the publication in question is called Motor Trend, it adds credibility.
Specifically, since its redesign for 2017, the CR-V has emerged as the best of its horde in every comparative match the editors have made. The RAV4 has always done well, but it has never been able to beat its Honda rival. That says a lot about the CR-V's value.
Life on board
The CR-V is getting older, that's true, but its interior is still as good as ever. The dashboard layout is as nice as ever and the environment is as driver-friendly as ever. Ergonomics are flawless and there's plenty of storage space, especially in the center console.
Better yet, the cargo volume is greater in Honda than in Toyota. This is true behind both rows of seats (1110 liters versus 1059 for the RAV4), but especially behind the first row. Honda's volume is 2146 liters while Toyota's is 1977.
A more reassuring drive
When you drive an SUV, you want a reassuring experience. That's what you get when you get behind the wheel of the CR-V. Everything from the precision and calibration of the steering to the braking and handling is flawless. In fact, the combination of smoothness and firmness of the suspension elements is what makes this vehicle so strong; the balance is perfect.
On board the RAV4, there is a certain softness in the steering and suspension. The result is a floating feeling on the road. The first impression you get is good, because comfort is king. However, when you have to push the machine a bit, you discover a less stable SUV.
This is another important element to consider, so in the end, we understand why the CR-V is still recognized as the best of its kind.
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