2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Honda CR-V embraced a more mature aesthetic with its sixth-generation redesign. It featured a blunt nose, a stretched wheelbase, and a longer hood, cultivating a cleaner and slightly more aggressive appearance than its predecessor. While it may have lost a bit of personality with its conservative styling shift, this new look promised to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L trims showcased 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design and dark-tinted privacy glass on the rear, presenting a uniform exterior that appealed to contemporary tastes. Inside, the CR-V distinguished itself with upgrades in the EX-L trim, such as leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, over the standard cloth upholstery in the EX. Both versions offered a dashboard inspired by the latest Honda Civic, featuring metal mesh trim that neatly integrated the air vents, splitting the dashboard into upper and lower sections. The interior was a blend of quality and simplicity, with digital displays and optional enhancements like a larger touchscreen, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and additional convenience features in the EX-L. Pricing for the 2023 CR-V began at $31,110, and with added options like the Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats, our EX-L AWD test model reached an MSRP of $36,900.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a variety from the affordable RAV4 LE to the plush RAV4 Limited, which included ventilated seats. The design retained much of its 2019 introduction, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims that featured a distinctive two-part facade. The Adventure trim we tested lowered the Toyota badge toward a boldly styled grille, blacked out the wheels, and added a faux skid plate for an assertive look. It also included orange interior accents that brought a pop of color to the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4's trim variations affected seat materials and adjustability, with higher trims offering synthetic leather and advanced comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. Notably, the RAV4 projected a less refined, more utilitarian charm compared to the CR-V, leaning into its rugged, truck-like nature.

The 2023 Honda CR-V continued with the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from its previous generation, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which was noticeable during aggressive acceleration, as it produced a prominent droning noise. However, the CR-V excelled in ride quality and handling, providing a dynamic driving experience that balanced comfort and responsiveness effectively. Despite the CVT’s noise, the CR-V offered admirable fuel efficiency, with our test vehicle averaging 29.1 mpg.

The Toyota RAV4 maintained a traditional approach with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a steadier, if not quieter, driving experience than the CR-V's CVT. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims featured all-wheel drive as standard, enhancing their capability over varied terrains, although the Adventure trim did not fully match the off-road readiness of the TRD Off-Road with its all-terrain tires and specialized suspension.

The 2023 Honda CR-V boasted the most spacious interior to date, though it felt more car-like due to the lower seating position. Excellent visibility and redesigned seats enhanced comfort, particularly in the second row, which felt more spacious and comfortable for adult passengers. Storage solutions were abundant, though the use of hard plastics could lead to noise from stored items. The cargo capacity was generous, offering up to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 offered less front-row headroom than the CR-V but compensated with ample rear headroom and competitive legroom. Storage was thoughtfully integrated, with a variety of compartments and pockets. Cargo space was slightly less than the CR-V, providing up to 69.8 cubic feet with rear seats down, placing it behind the Honda in terms of storage capacity.

Each 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with the EX-L upgrading to a 9-inch screen. The system included wireless connectivity options and an upgraded audio system, though some features like a Bose sound system were reserved for the highest trim level. The technology offered was competitive but did not exceed that of its rivals.

The Toyota RAV4 saw significant updates in its infotainment system for 2023, with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen and an optional 10.5-inch screen in higher trims. The system supported over-the-air updates and included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto. The upgraded multimedia system in our Adventure tester added premium audio, enhancing the RAV4's appeal in tech.

Honda improved its driver assist technology with the new Honda Sensing suite in the 2023 CR-V. This included comprehensive safety features like adaptive cruise control, collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New enhancements, such as a Traffic Jam Assist system, were added, though some kinks in lane-centering were noted.

The Toyota RAV4's safety features were robust, with the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 providing an array of driver assistance technologies. The 2023 RAV4 maintained strong safety ratings and was recognized with a Top Safety Pick+ award by IIHS.