Honda CR-V vs Toyota bZ

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from the more expressive design of its predecessor. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L models shared exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, but the EX-L distinguished itself with leather-wrapped seats and a more sophisticated interior. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, featured metal mesh trim that elegantly divided the upper and lower sections, contributing to a sense of quality and simplicity. The CR-V EX-L offered additional amenities such as a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and parking sensors, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ showcased a more modern and expressive design, particularly when opting for body-color trim over the black overfender trim. The interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console, with a focus on quality and organization. The XLE model featured fabric seats with an upscale pattern, while the Limited trim offered ventilated front seats. The bZ's 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, which, despite initial concerns, proved user-friendly with large temperature dials and clear icons. However, the digital driver display's placement and information density posed challenges. Overall, the bZ's design improvements and interior features aimed to enhance the driving experience, though some aspects required adjustment for optimal usability.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT's droning noise during hard acceleration detracted from the driving experience, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a refined and dynamically satisfying drive. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth ride over various terrains. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was commendable, achieving an average of 29.1 mpg on a mountainous evaluation route, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system, adjustable via steering wheel paddles, lacked one-pedal driving capability but provided effective braking. The bZ excelled in efficiency tests, surpassing EPA estimates in Eco mode. However, its handling on winding roads was less impressive due to the all-season tires and lifeless steering, making it more suitable for city driving and highway cruising.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious interior, with the second row feeling more generous than the first. The driver's seat, though comfortable, sat relatively low, giving the CR-V a car-like feel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and adjustable seatback recline positions, though taller individuals might find headroom limited. The CR-V provided numerous storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo area, accessible via a power liftgate, offered 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, featured easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both front seats offered height adjustment, with the Limited trim providing additional power adjustments. The bZ's interior lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was somewhat restricted. The cargo area, with 27.7 cubic feet of space, was limited by the rear window's angle but included an underfloor storage well for additional capacity.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with a larger 9-inch display in the EX-L. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the EX-L offering wireless connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology package was an improvement over the previous generation, it lacked some advanced features found in competitors, such as a premium sound system and navigation.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system, though generally user-friendly, lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display and had readability issues in daytime mode. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well in tests. Despite some usability challenges, the bZ's technology package offered a comprehensive suite of features.

The 2023 Honda CR-V significantly improved its driver assist systems, bundled under the Honda Sensing umbrella. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. New camera and radar units enhanced accuracy and smooth operation, with the addition of Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed driving. While the CR-V's safety features met current standards, some aspects, like lane-centering assist, required refinement. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs aimed to enhance occupant protection, though official safety ratings were pending.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs, enhancing safety without being intrusive. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. While the adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, the overall safety package was comprehensive. However, the bZ's IIHS ratings were mixed, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact crash tests.