There's a reason there are so many compact SUVs out there: It's a popular vehicle size and style that works for many individuals and families. That makes the segment investment-worthy for manufacturers, which in turn makes it a crowded section of the market. The 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 are both popular options for the 2021 model year. Both have proved big sellers for their respective automakers, but which is right for you? We compare their design, practicality, and convenience to help you make an informed decision.
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V: Family SUV Comparison
Look and Feel
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 won out in terms of styling when reviewed by CarGurus experts. It earned 8 points, handily beating the 2021 Honda CR-V's 6.
The 2021 Honda CR-V may not win any beauty contests, but it does follow the trend of compact crossovers with a design that prioritizes practicality over aesthetics. The exterior of the CR-V is uninspired, showing similarities to other vehicles in its class. While there are a few distinguishing details, like the grille and some chrome accents, it doesn't stand out significantly in terms of looks.
Honda offers the CR-V in a range of colors, but the more vibrant options are usually reserved for higher trim levels. The interior provides a modern feel with angular designs on the seats and headrests, especially in the higher trims. However, when it comes to styling, rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offer more distinctive options in the mid-tier trims.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, takes a different approach to design. It features a rugged exterior reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with bold fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a distinctive front end. This design sets it apart from the crowd of compact crossovers and gives it a unique character.
Underneath its rugged exterior, the RAV4 shares its mechanical foundation with Toyota's other models, which is not a drawback but rather a testament to its reliability. Toyota offers various styling options, including the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which enhance its off-road appeal.
Performance
The 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 scored evenly for performance, though neither impressed: They earned 6 points each.
The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritizes smooth and steady acceleration rather than high-performance driving. It is equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing reasonable acceleration that takes about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. While it won't win any drag races, it's adequate for daily driving.
All 2021 CR-V trims come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which may not provide the most engaging driving experience. Some other crossovers offer conventional automatic transmissions with sport modes for a more entertaining drive.
The gasoline-powered 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasts a "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine's efficiency and power output are impressive for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and it loves to rev.
However, the RAV4's on-road performance may not match its engine's enthusiasm. The eight-speed automatic transmission can sometimes be hesitant to shift, affecting the overall driving experience. While the steering responds well to input, it lacks the tactile feedback driving enthusiasts would desire.
Form and Function
The 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 tied on form and function as well, and both performed better here, earning 8 points out of 10.
The form of the 2021 Honda CR-V is a reflection of its function–to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their cargo. Its 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume surpass the Toyota RAV4's. Additionally, it offers slightly more cargo space behind the second row than the RAV4 does.
Access to the CR-V's cargo area varies by trim, with power tailgates available on higher trims, including a hands-free version on the Touring model. Roof rails, however, are only standard on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting rooftop cargo options.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provides ample headroom thanks to its tall, upright roof design. However, it lags behind competitors in terms of rear legroom, which may affect rear passenger comfort on long trips.
Cargo space in the RAV4 is commendable, offering 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, although Toyota doesn't specify the figure with the seats folded. The cargo area features a wide opening, but the lip is higher than that of the Honda CR-V.
Inside the cabin, the RAV4 offers user-friendly controls, large knobs, and a spacious center-console storage bin.
Technology
CarGurus experts gave the 2021 Honda CR-V an impressive 9 points out of 10 for technology. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned 7.
The base 2021 CR-V LX may have a modest 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, but the higher trims truly shine. From the Special Edition and EX trims upwards, you'll enjoy a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with SMS text messaging functions. The audio system also gets better as you move up the trim levels, culminating in a 300-watt system with a subwoofer in the CR-V Touring. Furthermore, the Touring trim is the only one to offer a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. There's no shortage of charging ports, including USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and even wireless phone charging in the Touring trim.
All 2021 RAV4 models come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trim levels feature a 7-inch touchscreen, but the Limited models stand out with an 8-inch screen. If you opt for the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, you'll enjoy an even larger 9-inch screen. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with intuitive graphics and shortcut buttons for essential functions. However, it's not the flashiest in its class, and the gasoline RAV4 lacks the head-up display (HUD) found in the RAV4 Prime.
Safety
The 2021 Honda CR-V scored a rare perfect 10 out of 10 points on safety. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 performed well, too, earning 8 points.
Safety is where the CR-V truly excels. It boasts a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overall crash test rating and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. Lower scores in the headlight evaluation and the side crash test prevented it achieving the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, but it still scored a "Good" in the original side crash test. The 2021 CR-V stands out by making its advanced safety features part of the Honda Sensing system, offering them as standard on all trim levels. This includes features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps.
The RAV4 also received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gives it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane-Tracing Assist. Higher trim levels add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.
Cost-Effectiveness
The 2021 Honda CR-V narrowly outscored the 2021 Toyota RAV4 on cost-effectiveness. CarGurus experts gave the CR-V 8 points and the RAV4 7.
The 2021 Honda CR-V offers decent EPA fuel economy ratings, with FWD models achieving 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while AWD models come in at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Pricing is competitive, starting at $25,750 for the base FWD CR-V LX and going up to $35,500 for the top Touring trim. The CR-V's standout feature here is its impressive array of standard safety equipment, making it a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Most gasoline-powered 2021 Toyota RAV4 models have EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 mpg combined with AWD. Pricing for the RAV4 starts at $27,225 for the base FWD LE model and climbs to $37,155 for the top AWD Limited. While it may not excel in any particular category, the RAV4 offers solid all-around performance, backed by Toyota's reputation for reliability.
Verdict
All things considered, the 2021 Honda CR-V edges out the 2021 Toyota RAV4 for overall score. The CR-V averaged 7.8 points out of 10, while the RAV4 averaged a close second of 7.3.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You want a solid all-around performer with a legendary reputation for reliability.
- You prefer a user-friendly infotainment system with straightforward controls.
- You're willing to explore higher trim levels for added tech and safety features.
Search for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose the 2021 Honda CR-V if:
- Safety is a top priority.
- You value a comprehensive infotainment system with smartphone integration.
- Cost-effectiveness and fuel-efficiency are important to you.
Search for a 2021 Honda CR-V on CarGurus
Both vehicles have their merits. If you value a rugged design and off-road capability, the Toyota RAV4 may be better for you. However, if you prioritize practicality, a comfortable interior, and a smooth ride, you may find the Honda CR-V more appealing.
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