Over the course of researching a handful of SUVs, you think you’ve narrowed it down to just two, the 2022 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Toyota RAV4. But then it gets confusing; what’s the difference, really? How do you choose? You’ve seen both models all over town, and both look equally great. You’ve heard about the benefits and drawbacks of each model but still feel like you need a little more information, and that’s fine. Buying a new vehicle is a big investment, and you don’t want to make a costly mistake, so it’s smart to take your time to find that vehicle that checks all the right boxes, whether it has to do with the price, performance, or space.
So to make things a little easier, we’re going to help you out by highlighting some of the similarities and differences between the 2022 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Toyota RAV4. After all, you’re still searching, so now is the time to ask questions, research, and find some answers, so you get into the vehicle that’s right for you and your family.
Performance Anxiety
One of the most important things people look for when they start considering a new vehicle is how will it perform? And we’re not just talking about everyday performance, yes that’s important too, but what about in the rain or snow? What about on or off the road? How much can it haul? You don’t want to waste time and money on a vehicle only to find out it can’t keep up with you. No matter how enjoyable or good-looking the new vehicle might be, if it can’t get the job done, then at the end of the day, it’s time to find one that will.
Checking out the 2022 Honda CR-V, it starts at $26,400, while the Toyota RAV4 is a tad higher at $26,525. When the differences in initial prices are so close, that doesn’t make it much easier to choose. One place where numbers do make a difference is at the pump. The 2022 CR-V gives drivers a respectable EPA of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The RAV4, on the other hand, delivers 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, which is not bad at all.
Looking at the performance features, the 2022 Honda CR-V comes standard with a 1.5L turbo engine with 179 lb-ft of torque plus a 190 hp. The CR-V is also equipped to tow up to 1,500 lbs. So what does all this mean? With swift, smooth acceleration, tight handling, and a respectable fuel economy, it means the 2022 CR-V is up for whatever you have in mind.
So what about the Toyota RAV4, can it compete? The 2022 RAV4 is available with a standard 2.5L engine that delivers 184lb-ft of torque along with 203 hp. Plus also has the capacity to tow upwards of 3,500 lbs. All of this is great for a compact SUV.
So it comes down to urban or off-road? What’s your lifestyle? While the CR-V is nimble and completely capable of handling city and highway driving plus the occasional weekend away, the RAV4 looks built for a rugged backroad adventure. But one thing both vehicles agree on is delivering a smooth driving experience no matter where you roam.
The Inside Counts
Performance is definitely important, but to be honest, it’s not the only thing to look at. Who wants a great-performing vehicle that’s hard to drive or so small you can’t fit anything? Everyone wants a little comfort. Whether it’s for a quick daily commute or a long drive, useful features and enough legroom can go a long way at the end of the day when it comes to deciding which is a better value and which can’t cut it.
If Honda’s CR-V excels at anything, it’s the interior. With a spacious cabin that seats up to 5, there is more than enough head and legroom for drivers and their passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride. And when it comes to fitting all the extras, the CR-V comes with trunk space starting at 39.2 cubic feet, but if you need more, no problem, the SUV offers a 60/40 split rear seat for more space. Put all the seats down for a max cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet. So if your goal is to load up the family and hit the trails for the day, you never have to worry about finding space for the kids, the dog, and the gear.
The RAV4 comes up a little short when it comes to space, literally. Its cargo space is average for a compact SUV, offering 37.6 cubic feet or if you want max space, fold down all the seats for 69.8 cubic feet of space. However, the RAV4 still has the capacity to seat up to five. And while the interior might not be as spacious as the CR-V, it’s still decent and lends itself to an enjoyable driving experience.
Both vehicles offer features such as a hands-free power liftgate to make loading and unloading just a bit easier. So whether you’re hauling sports equipment for a game or materials for your current project, it’s important to make sure your new SUV can handle it.
When it comes to the little extra features, the Honda CR-V shines, offering great extras like heated front seats and dual-zone climate control to make cold days a little more enjoyable. Plus, a blind spot alert and cross traffic monitoring help ensure a safe and relaxing ride every time. The RAV4 also has plenty to offer with available heated seats and dual-zone climate control, along with the fun available extra interior ambient lighting.
Great Tech
Another aspect to keep in mind when shopping for a new vehicle is its tech. What are you looking for? Hands-free voice command? GPS directions? Or maybe just wireless charging? Small things can really add up, making your day easier or more complicated. So it’s always important to keep in mind what a vehicle is capable of offering.
The Honda CR-V interior is convenient and puts the driver at the center of everything, keeping the handy 7-inch display touch screen close by without dominating the dash. With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, drivers can easily connect their smartphones to stay up to date with road conditions, send or receive messages or listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. And say goodbye to that annoying tangle of wires because the 2022 CR-V offers wireless phone charging for compatible smartphones! It’s the little things, right? On top of that, the SUV offers a 12-volt power outlet plus a USB port for charging whatever other devices you or your passengers need while out on the road.
When it comes to the RAV4, it offers a 9-inch display screen that gives drivers the option to connect their compatible smartphones to access Apple CarPlay. Plus, with Connected Services, drivers can access directions or start their vehicle remotely. The SUV also offers the option through AT&T to turn your vehicle into a mobile hotspot so you can stay connected wherever you go.
Which to Choose?
The Honda CR-V shows us that if you want a great, reliable vehicle that navigates city and country roads with plenty of space and some helpful extras, then you’ve met your match. And the RAV4 is definitely a worthy opponent when it comes to deciding on a compact SUV, offering plenty of great standard features plus some noteworthy power.
Both vehicles are comfortable and offer great performance, resulting in a smooth, rewarding ride for their drivers. Really when it comes down to it, what vehicle fits best into your lifestyle? If you are constantly on the go and need that little extra cargo space, definitely look closer at the CR-V. However, if you enjoy taking it off the road once in a while, then the RAV4 is up for the challenge.
