2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a striking transformation from its predecessor. Featuring a blunt nose, longer hood, and a stretched wheelbase, its sixth-generation model brought forth a cleaner and slightly more aggressive look. Although it did not exhibit as much personality as the outgoing fifth-gen CR-V, its conservative styling hinted at timeless appeal. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L were outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels sporting a multi-spoke design and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Though visually similar on the outside, opening a door revealed the upgrades of the EX-L; leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, compared to the EX’s standard cloth upholstery. The interiors modeled after the latest Civic, integrating metal mesh trim for a seamless dashboard appearance. The overall ambience inside exuded quality and simplicity, enhanced by a digital instrumentation display on both trims. Upgrading to the CR-V EX-L added a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and front and rear parking sensors. Pricing started at $31,110 for the CR-V EX with FWD, rising up to $35,260 for the CR-V EX-L with AWD. The test vehicle, an EX-L AWD with Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats, carried an MSRP of $36,900.

Toyota based the 2023 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition on the SR5 Premium trim, adding a premium of $4,505 to its price. This upcharge included $1,875 for the 4WD system and the remainder for distinctive retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, bronze badges, and interior trim details. The 40 ASE was available exclusively in black, white, or red paint with an artificial leather interior. Prices for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner ranged from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge, with the test vehicle's MSRP at $48,455. The 40 ASE with its retro flair embodied a classic SoCal aesthetic, drawing admiration even from the younger generation. However, the interior design reflected the fifth-generation 4Runner’s styling, which had endured for years. Its purposeful, quality feel was complemented by easy-to-use controls, even in gloves. Despite ample use of plastic, its enduring appeal was comparable to truck-based SUVs of the past.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX and EX-L both employed a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, carried over from the previous model. This engine produced 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. Unfortunately, the turbo-four relied on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to power either the front or all wheels. The CVT’s droning noise during hard acceleration, such as merging onto a freeway or climbing a grade, was a significant detraction. Nevertheless, aside from this minor roadblock, the CR-V delivered an exceptionally satisfying driving experience with refined suspension, steering, and brakes. It managed to quell unwanted body motion, handle impacts without harshness, and communicated enough feedback to keep the driver engaged. The CR-V’s performance on uneven roads and tight corners was impressive, but the CVT’s droning erased some of the joy. Fuel economy, however, proved a redeeming trait, with the test vehicle averaging 29.1 mpg, slightly above the EPA’s combined rating of 29 mpg.

Every 2023 Toyota 4Runner boasted a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generating 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Its five-speed automatic transmission directed power to the rear wheels unless a 4WD system was selected or included in specific trims. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available, a part-time system for most trims, and a full-time system for the Limited. Regardless of drivetrain, the fuel economy sat at 17 mpg combined, with the 40 ASE averaging 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner offered impressive off-road capabilities, with suspension options tailored for various driving conditions, including off-road performance enhancements. Off-road hardware included features like Hill-Start Assist, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Various driving experiences showcased the vehicle’s capability, even amidst challenging weather conditions and suburban errands. The 4Runner proved competent in climbing elevations and handling milder curves, but its off-road prowess exceeded its on-road manners, making it less pleasant as a daily driver.

Honda’s 2023 CR-V claimed increased spaciousness, yet the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat conveyed a lower-sitting position more akin to a car. Outward visibility was excellent, and redesigned seats offered comfort. However, despite standard heated front seats, ventilated or heated rear seats were unavailable. The second row felt more spacious, likened to a midsize model, with considerable legroom and seatback recline positions, albeit slightly limited headroom for taller passengers. Rear air conditioning vents were appreciated, though USB charging ports were only available as accessories. Storage solutions in the CR-V were ample, with a notably large bin under the center armrest. However, many were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise from loose items. Cargo capacity reached 39.3 cubic feet with the rear load floor in the lowest position, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet when rear seats were folded.

The 4Runner’s signature feature was its rear window, which powered down to offer flow-through ventilation comparable to that of a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. Entry and exit required effort for shorter individuals, yet seats provided comfort, with the 40 ASE offering heated front cushions finished in SofTex artificial leather. Numerous storage locations were provided, though many lacked liners to prevent items from sliding or rattling. The second row offered excellent legroom, decent headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, with seats providing significant leg support and comfort. A third-row seat was an option, but it was cramped and reduced cargo space significantly. The tailgate revealed a bumper that doubled as a seat, with the cargo area featuring cubbies and trays. Five-passenger models had 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable up to 89.7 cubic feet when the rear seats were down, compared to 9 cubic feet with the third-row seats in use.

Every 2023 CR-V was equipped with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel, complementing the vehicle’s intuitive layout. The EX trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical volume and tuning knobs, main function buttons, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim upgrade included a larger 9-inch touchscreen display and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. Despite the lack of a tuning knob, the tech was a significant improvement over previous models. However, some competitors offered more robust features at a comparable price, and further upgrades were reserved for the top CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid model.

The 2023 4Runner housed traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen as the maximum display size. Infotainment featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, with several connected services plans and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Upgrades included navigation, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system, both audio systems being heavily bass-oriented. Though graphics appeared outdated, the infotainment home screen efficiently displayed multiple functions, and voice recognition performed well, aside from specific limitations due to manual controls in the 40 ASE. The tech, despite its age, maintained significant usability for many drivers.

The new CR-V significantly improved its driver assistance systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-seat reminders, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Expanded camera and radar systems provided refined and smooth operation, and new features like Traffic Jam Assist were incorporated. However, the lane-centering assist occasionally displayed uncertainty, and its artificiality impacted the vehicle’s otherwise excellent steering feel. Built to the latest ACE body structure standards, the CR-V anticipated high performance in crash tests, though NHTSA and IIHS ratings were pending at the time of review.

Toyota’s 4Runner featured standard Toyota Safety Sense with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear-seat reminders. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard for all trims. Adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, and lane-departure warning could be deactivated if desired. However, the 4Runner’s age showed in its safety ratings. It earned an overall NHTSA rating of four stars, with three stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS ratings were limited, with a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal crash test.