2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. This reminded drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car rather than true luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in over a decade, yet its design aged well, maintaining a rugged, utilitarian look. Most versions of the 4Runner sported a bold, aggressive front, except for the chrome-adorned Limited model. The two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it balanced proportions and timeless styling. The 4Runner was likened to a reliable tool, with its design emphasizing durability and functionality over frequent updates. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design continued to appeal to those seeking a robust and practical SUV.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode, and the CR-V's car-like handling was complemented by its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model. The CR-V excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models reaching 29 mpg, placing it at the top of its class.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac and optional upgrades such as a locking rear differential, it felt slow and cumbersome on paved roads. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but they came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was undeniable, but its on-road performance left much to be desired.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was praised for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin with excellent head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its cargo space was impressive, with a total of 75.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep center console and a two-position load floor, added to the CR-V's practicality, making it easy to accommodate various items.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could pose a challenge for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The optional sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, added versatility to the cargo area, which offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's interior was designed for adventure, with features like a big roof rack and a back bumper that doubled as a convenient seating area.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat, along with a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation and voice recognition. The system's physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on. While the 4Runner's technology wasn't cutting-edge, it was functional and user-friendly.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had marginal headlight ratings.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS, but its small overlap frontal-impact protection was rated as Marginal.