2023 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from the more expressive design of its predecessor. While the styling was more conservative, it was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L shared exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, but the EX-L distinguished itself with leather-wrapped interior elements. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, featured a metal mesh trim that integrated air vents, creating a clean division between the upper and lower sections. The interior was noted for its quality and simplicity, with both trims offering digital instrumentation displays. The EX-L further enhanced the experience with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, additional features, and conveniences like a power rear liftgate and parking sensors.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid adopted a conservative design reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4, which made sense given the RAV4's popularity. The result was a larger vehicle with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a touch of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces was noted. The climate system was praised for its simplicity, featuring large knobs for temperature adjustments, while the infotainment interface was criticized for its small volume knob and lack of a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, with its Storm Cloud paint, offered a sophisticated look without additional options, bringing the MSRP to $61,770.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a well-executed and dynamically satisfying driving experience. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth ride over various road conditions. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 29.1 mpg on a mountainous route.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, on the other hand, emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering 362 horsepower. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs, providing a more satisfying driving experience. While the Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, it came with a fuel economy trade-off, achieving 27 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The ride quality was praised for its softness and ability to absorb road imperfections, though handling was secure only up to a modest point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort, with heated front seats as standard. The second row provided ample space and comfort, resembling a midsize model. Storage options were plentiful, with a large center armrest bin and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo area offered 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating across all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding an upscale touch. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.6 cubic feet, expandable to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the unlined storage locations were noted for potentially contributing to cabin noise.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with a larger 9-inch display in the EX-L. The EX-L added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved over the previous generation, it was not groundbreaking, and some features required upgrading to the Sport Touring Hybrid trim.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various connected services. While the infotainment system was easy to use, it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included additional features like a head-up display and a premium audio system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New camera and radar units improved accuracy and refinement, though the lane-centering assist system had room for improvement. The CR-V was built to Honda's latest safety standards, but crash-test ratings were pending.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. While the safety tech operated with accuracy, the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.