2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended seamlessly with the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with more upscale features like wood panels and chrome available on higher trims. Despite its modern look, the CR-V's design was not a major selling point compared to competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional but dated, with a dash layout from the late 2000s. The 4Runner was available in several trims, each offering unique features like the Trail Special Edition's Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket and the TRD Pro's enhanced shock absorbers. Despite its dated interior, the 4Runner's design appealed to those seeking a vehicle with a strong sense of adventure and off-road prowess.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided a consistent driving experience, though it 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, provided decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, offered reliable performance but felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and a rough ride over bumps. However, its off-road capabilities shone through, with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential on the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it more capable than most car-based crossovers in this regard.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear, boasting 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. However, only the top-of-the-line Touring trim came with standard roof rails, limiting its utility for carrying items on the roof.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model offered slightly less space, with 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner's power-open/close rear window was a standout feature, making it easy to stow items in the back. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim featured a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while higher trims offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim boasting a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports and a 12-volt outlet in the front console, and additional USB ports in the second row. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and Satellite Radio. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's infotainment system was functional but less advanced compared to more modern offerings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included standard safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with standard features like forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact testing, and three stars for rollover testing. It had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS.