2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, presented a more rugged and angular appearance compared to its predecessors. Its front fascia, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, featured stacked trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical look. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was not just a practical vehicle for everyday errands but also capable of off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited, enhancing its stance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While leather upholstery was not available, the Softex and fabric seats were comfortable, and the interior materials were of good quality, though not as refined as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. The hybrid model featured subtle differences, such as blue-outlined Honda emblems and "Hybrid" badges on the A-pillars and tailgate. A hidden exhaust in the rear lower bumper and LED fog lights on EX models and above were additional distinctions. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid retained the same dash and multi-function center console as the gasoline model, with a 7-inch infotainment screen and unchanged steering-wheel-mounted functions. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters adjusted brake regeneration rather than shifting gears. The CR-V Hybrid's driving modes—Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport—were reflected in the instrument panel, providing a familiar yet efficient driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon, thanks to its 219-horsepower powertrain. This system combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering power to all four wheels. The front electric motor provided up to 118 hp, while the rear motor offered 54 hp, drawing energy from a nickel-metal hydride battery. This setup eliminated the need for a heavy driveshaft, making the RAV4 Hybrid only about 200 pounds heavier than its non-hybrid counterpart. The hybrid system's seamless integration with the gasoline engine resulted in smooth regenerative braking and quick acceleration. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds and featured standard trailer sway control. Its light steering and soft suspension made it easy to drive, though less sporty than some competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric generator/starter motor, and a propulsion motor, delivering a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid's EPA ratings were 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, placing it third among its hybrid competitors. During testing, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg in city driving without special techniques. The hybrid system's EV mode allowed for short electric-only drives, while Sport mode offered more responsive torque and throttle. The CR-V Hybrid's ride comfort and handling were commendable, with AWD engaging as needed. Its hybrid drivetrain provided on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model, though the RAV4 and Escape hybrids offered better long-distance comfort.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, optional 8-inch screen, and intuitive climate controls. The center console provided space for a cell phone, cupholders, and a large storage bin. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive reduced engine noise. The rear seat was spacious, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, matching the non-hybrid model's 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining passenger comfort, sacrificed some cargo space to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with them folded, still more than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in front headroom and rear legroom compared to competitors. Its configurable center console bin provided versatile storage, though the armrest's adjustability was overly loose. Despite the cargo compromise, the CR-V Hybrid's low cargo floor facilitated easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with SiriusXM Radio standard across all trims. These features enhanced the infotainment experience, surpassing Toyota's Entune software. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered WiFi Connect and multiple USB-A ports for charging. Predictive Efficient Drive technology optimized battery usage, while drive modes like Eco, Sport, and Trail tailored the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Pandora compatibility, and a USB connector as standard. The EX trim added a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and additional USB ports. The Touring trim offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. However, the CR-V's infotainment system was less user-friendly, with complex procedures for simple tasks like disabling the beep sound. The instrument panel provided ample information but required navigating through menus, which could be distracting.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests and five in side crash tests. The RAV4 Hybrid had two safety recalls in 2020, one for engine coolant leaks and another for suspension issues.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, offering features like automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the EX trim.