2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Toyota's RAV4, an acronym for Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive, made its American debut in 1996 as a petite alternative to oversized SUVs of the era. Attracting a younger demographic, it paved the way for a slew of competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson, dubbed "cute-utes." Over its five generations, the RAV4 evolved significantly, transcending its toy-like beginnings to emerge as a versatile, mature crossover SUV, often topping U.S. sales charts.

The 2022 RAV4, a continuation of the 2019 redesign, fit seamlessly into the modern crossover aesthetic. Initial impressions might suggest it blends in with other vehicles, but a closer look reveals captivating details. Angular wheel arches and precise lines are contrasted by flowing body-side shapes. The expressive headlights, compact grille, and grinning lower fascia give the RAV4 a unique, Kabuki-inspired face, blending playfulness with aggression. Its exterior quality is hallmark Toyota.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard featuring diverse textures and colors, anchored by a user-friendly center stack. The touchscreen interface, mounted at the top center of the dashboard, allowed drivers to access it without diverting their gaze from the road. Design subtleties, like the circuit-board-inspired geometric patterns, unified the cabin's cloth seat inserts, sill plates, and dash accents. Our Adventure-trim model even had this motif echoed in its 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, enhancing the overall aesthetic cohesion.

Marking the most significant styling shift in its history, the 2023 CR-V asserted itself with a tougher and more truck-like appearance. Compared to its predecessor, this sixth-generation model was 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider, resulting in a more muscular stance thanks to its extended wheelbase and broader tracks.

Maintaining the classic D-pillar taillights, the CR-V modernized them with three L shapes each, enhancing its aggressive appeal. The blockier rear complemented the bold front fascia, and all lighting units—headlights and taillights—were upgraded to LED.

Driving the Sport Touring trim in deep Canyon River Blue captured the sportier essence of 2023 CR-V Hybrids, featuring black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. With standard 18-inch wheels across the lineup, the Sport Touring stood out with 19-inch wheels.

The interior drew inspiration from the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V. The honeycomb grille circumscribing climate control vents was less obtrusive here, adding a premium feel. High-quality materials and contrast stitching on seats and the steering wheel added to the luxury, marking a successful shift towards a more upmarket look.

The 2022 RAV4 offered three powertrains, beginning with the gasoline-only model equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine featuring Toyota direct injection and variable valve timing. This setup produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque using regular gas. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) were standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional across all trims. FWD models achieved 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD variants recorded 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid fused a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 217 hp. It employed an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) with AWD, achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.

The top-tier RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, producing 302 hp, utilized the same 2.5-liter gas engine paired with an 18.1-kWh battery. With a commendable EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined, it also could run 42 miles solely on electricity, offering a combined efficiency of 94 MPGe. The Prime featured a 3.3-kW onboard charger, with a 6.6-kW version available on XSE trims, recharging the battery in mere hours.

Our test vehicle, the Adventure AWD model, sported a four-cylinder engine smooth in power delivery, efficiently partnered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4's MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and stabilizer bars at both ends delivered car-like handling. The AWD models had Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring, boosting cornering and handling abilities. Notably, the gasoline AWD variants featured rear-driveline disconnect to disengage the rear axle when cruising to conserve fuel.

For 2023, every CR-V was either turbocharged or a hybrid. Unique to the lineup, the hybrid powertrain—though labeled "Sport"—provided enhanced power and driving pleasure, becoming noteworthy for its sporty character.

The CR-V Hybrid integrated a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Despite only a slight power increase, the substantial torque improvement ensured a responsive drive, enabling a top speed of 115 mph. The CR-V Hybrid also had a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.

Four driving modes—Sport, Normal, Econ, and the new Snow mode—allowed drivers to customize their driving experience by adjusting accelerator responses. Snow mode utilized the updated Real Time AWD system, capable of directing 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A first for 2023, the CR-V included hill-descent control.

A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, enhancing battery recharge during braking and simulating one-pedal driving. Acceleration and deceleration were also partially managed via steering-wheel-mounted paddles, promoting fuel efficiency. Those prioritizing fuel savings could opt for a front-wheel drive CR-V Hybrid, which achieved impressive ratings of 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

Through generations, the RAV4 expanded its dimensions. Classified as a small SUV, it offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, increasing to 69.8 cubic feet with the row flattened. Depending on configuration, it had a healthy payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds.

Towing varied by trim: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited could tow up to 1,500 pounds, whereas Adventure and TRD Off-Road models achieved up to 3,500 pounds. RAV4 Hybrids could handle 1,750 pounds, and RAV4 Prime models 2,500 pounds, making it a viable alternative to some mid-size SUVs.

Inside, it comfortably seated four, five in a pinch. The spacious front row provided ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. The second row had a middle seat less desirable but still practical. The cabin boasted plentiful storage, with cupholders, bottle holders, a roomy glove compartment, and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid: The sixth-generation CR-V's larger exterior dimensions translated to a more spacious interior. It featured 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This provided more room compared to the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid and outclassed competitors like the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The Sport Touring variant had a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-V models featured wide rear doors and an enhanced LATCH system, aiding families frequently using car seats.

With an increase of 0.6 inches, rear seat legroom grew to 41 inches. Honda demonstrated this extra space's potential by having two 6-foot-plus individuals sit comfortably one behind the other. The rear seats reclined into eight positions, maximizing headroom or cargo space as needed. Both rows provided 38.2 inches of headroom, complemented by a standard one-touch power moonroof.

The cabin's cubby before the shifter could hold two smartphones side-by-side, supported by eight cupholders spread throughout. Honda claimed best-in-class storage for the console, which retained a traditional design.

The RAV4 delivered a robust tech suite even at base trims, with upper trims and RAV4 Prime showcasing advanced innovations.

The standard setup included a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features were SiriusXM radio, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect, ensuring always-on connectivity and safety. Bluetooth hands-free features were also standard.

XLE trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, while Limited models and RAV4 Prime XSE offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime further had five USB ports, two 12-volt outlets, an optional 120-volt AC power outlet, and blue ambient lighting. It also boasted a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera, and a 10-inch color head-up display.

Honda focused on consumer-friendly tech with physical buttons for key functions. A standard 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs was featured, while the Sport Touring's 9-inch screen retained a volume knob with touch-sensitive tuning.

The CR-V Hybrid leveled up tech across trims. Both trims featured two USB-A, two USB-C ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone connectivity, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized routes for fuel efficiency based on terrain.

Every RAV4 featured Toyota’s Star Safety System with vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Child safety was addressed with LATCH anchors and rear door child-guard locks.

Safety Connect included emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, roadside assistance, and collision notification with a complimentary one-year subscription. The cabin was secured with eight airbags.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, incorporating pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Upper trims added a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear cross-traffic braking. Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking was available on higher trims.

The 2022 RAV4 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick and the RAV4 Prime clinched Top Safety Pick+ status. Both received the highest five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 CR-V Hybrid boasted an impressive array of active safety features. The Honda Sensing suite included advanced driver-assistance technologies, with adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist enhanced for smoother operation in 2023.

New features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control for the top trims. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic monitor were now standard, with top trims gaining front and rear parking sensors. Honda also bolstered occupant safety with new airbags, dashboard enhancements, and a stronger structure. The rear-seat reminder feature was another new standard addition.

These updates contributed to the CR-V maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.