2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Honda CR-V

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$28,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$28,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the recommended choice, offering superior fuel efficiency, a rugged design, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$28,350

MSRP

$25,350

Average price

$28,265

Average price

$26,349

Listings

502

Listings

2016
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Powerful engine
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Noisy
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Reviews Summary

The RAV4 Hybrid offers a nearly perfect package of compact crossover attributes: Standard all-wheel drive, a roomy passenger compartment, and excellent fuel economy. It’s a pretty good value, too, with pricing starting at $29,470, which includes plenty of standard multimedia and safety features. It’s no wonder sales of the hybrid version of Toyota’s bestseller almost doubled in 2019.

2021 Honda CR-V Reviews Summary

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out.

So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid

Engine

1.5L 190 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

190 hp @ 5600 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

1.6 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

41

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

34
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$28,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$28,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the recommended choice, offering superior fuel efficiency, a rugged design, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$28,350
$25,350
Average price
$28,265
$26,349
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Powerful engine
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Noisy
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Summary
The RAV4 Hybrid offers a nearly perfect package of compact crossover attributes: Standard all-wheel drive, a roomy passenger compartment, and excellent fuel economy. It’s a pretty good value, too, with pricing starting at $29,470, which includes plenty of standard multimedia and safety features. It’s no wonder sales of the hybrid version of Toyota’s bestseller almost doubled in 2019.

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out.

So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 219 hp I4 Hybrid
1.5L 190 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
1.6 kWh
MPG City
41
28
MPG Highway
38
34
Look and feel
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
8/10
2021 Honda CR-V
6/10

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a bold departure from its predecessors with a rugged and angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was 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 aggressive stance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While it lacked luxury features like leather upholstery, the interior materials were of good quality, though not as refined as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, maintained a more conventional crossover appearance, blending in with many of its competitors. Its styling was not particularly distinctive, with a few details like the grille opening and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. While the CR-V's design was not groundbreaking, it provided a comfortable and functional interior, with some trims offering wood panels and chrome accents for a more upscale feel.

Performance
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
10/10
2021 Honda CR-V
6/10

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon, thanks to its 219-horsepower powertrain. This setup included a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, delivering power to all four wheels. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, improving by eight mpg over the previous generation. It was only surpassed by the Ford Escape Hybrid in EPA testing, but only in its front-drive model. The RAV4 Hybrid's clever powertrain design eliminated the need for a heavy driveshaft, making it only about 200 pounds heavier than the non-hybrid model. This contributed to its excellent handling and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system provided smooth acceleration, regenerative braking, and the ability to tow up to 1,750 pounds, making it a versatile choice for drivers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossover SUVs. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, ensured decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

Form and function
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
9/10
2021 Honda CR-V
8/10

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8-inch screen, positioned prominently on the dashboard. The interior featured simple and well-thought-out climate controls, a center console with ample storage, and a spacious rear seat with impressive legroom. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior and cargo space remained uncompromised by its hybrid components, providing 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, surpassing the RAV4. It also provided slightly more cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 75.8 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible through various tailgate options, including a hands-free version on the Touring trim. While roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, the CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their gear, making it a versatile and functional choice for families.

Technology
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
8/10
2021 Honda CR-V
9/10

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, providing excellent infotainment options for smartphone users. All trims included SiriusXM Radio with a 3-month trial, and the RAV4 Hybrid offered WiFi Connect with a 3-month, 2GB trial. The infotainment system featured a USB-A port on the dash, with additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. The RAV4 Hybrid also included standard Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, along with a "Predictive Efficient Drive" system to optimize hybrid efficiency. Drivers could choose between "Eco," "Sport," and "Trail" modes to tailor their driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on all trims except the base LX, which had a 5-inch screen. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front console and second row, and a wireless phone charger on the Touring trim. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system with voice recognition, enhancing the CR-V's technology offerings.

Safety
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
9/10
2021 Honda CR-V
10/10

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. It also offered a 1-year trial of Safety Connect. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in the frontal crash test, five in the side crash test, and four in the rollover test. However, it had two safety recalls related to engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. All safety features were standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available from the EX trim onward. The CR-V's commitment to safety made it a standout choice in its class.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
8/10
2021 Honda CR-V
8/10
N/A
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