2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Honda HR-V

Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model.

Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE.

We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division.

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The 2021 Honda HR-V is the automaker’s smallest crossover SUV, sitting below the Honda CR-V in size and price. While Honda hasn’t updated the HR-V in some time, it remains worthy of consideration thanks to agile handling and impressive practicality for its size.

Because while it’s billed as an SUV, the HR-V shares a platform with the discontinued Honda Fit hatchback. The HR-V is a bit bigger than that pint-sized wonder however, and adds features SUVs buyers want, such as a taller driving position and available all-wheel drive (AWD).

Honda launched the HR-V for the 2016 model year, and added more tech features for 2019. While Honda has been pushing these updates, the subcompact crossover category has exploded, adding new entrants from the likes of Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota.

The HR-V doesn’t receive any major updates for the 2021 model year, so we’re using our experience with past model years for this overview. The HR-V LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L trim levels carry over for 2021, but the HR-V Touring is no more. The only other changes are new wheel designs for the Sport, EX, and EX-L models, and added privacy glass for the HR-V Sport.