2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could opt for higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an option. Our test vehicle was the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. The 2023 model saw minimal design changes, with a new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated features that some found overwhelming. Inside, the cabin was large and visually busy, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls. However, the interior quality was questionable, with some components feeling cheap and poorly assembled. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid offered a quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid started at a more affordable $33,700 for the Sport Hybrid trim, featuring sporty black wheels and trim. The Sport-L Hybrid offered a leather-lined interior for $36,700, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the range at $39,850. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, was priced at $41,175. The CR-V's styling was conservative, with a technical front resembling an angry robot, but it looked upscale from the rear quarter. Inside, the CR-V Sport Touring featured leather seats with orange stitching and high-quality materials, creating a sophisticated cabin. The CR-V's interior was well-designed, with thoughtful details like metal mesh air vent covers and knurled metallic trim, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its power, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed acceleration and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The SUV offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. However, its 8.0 inches of ground clearance and electric AWD were best suited for winter traction rather than off-road adventures. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized fuel economy, but our test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension, a groaning CVT, and disengaging steering. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in city and suburban driving, offering a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower. The system worked transparently, with the gasoline engine sometimes acting as a generator. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, with standard AWD, was expected to achieve 37 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 32.4 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with predictable handling and impressive grip. The brakes performed well during heavy use, and the steering, though heavy, was manageable. Overall, the CR-V Hybrid was easy to drive, with hints of fun, but it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The SUV offered three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs in our test vehicle. The front seats were large and supportive, though additional thigh support would have been appreciated. The second-row seats were comfortable, with sunshades for added privacy. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior storage was practical but lacked lining, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. All CR-V Hybrids featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in our test vehicle. The CR-V's back seat was spacious and comfortable, with adjustable backrest angles and generous legroom. The SUV provided ample storage, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected. The Sport Touring's hands-free power rear liftgate revealed a 34.7 cubic foot cargo area, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was among the largest in its class, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with Drive Connect providing additional features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which produced decent sound quality. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics could have been sharper.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium sound system were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound. The voice recognition system was basic, with limited conversational capabilities. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a walk-away automatic locking system, providing peace of mind.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, a comprehensive ADAS suite with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The CR-V Hybrid also included a rear-seat reminder, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. Honda Sensing performed well during testing, with only minor issues. The CR-V Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.