RAV4 vs CR-V 2025: Reliability & MPG Comparison
The Toyota RAV4 offers superior reliability ratings (92% dependability score) and better fuel economy (28 MPG combined), while the Honda CR-V provides more cargo space (76.5 cu ft) and a more spacious rear legroom (39.3 inches). Both are top-tier compact SUVs, but RAV4 excels in longevity while CR-V prioritizes interior space.
Toyota RAV4
Best-selling compact SUV with exceptional reliability and fuel efficiency
Buyers prioritizing value, reliability, fuel savings, and long-term ownership costs; practical families seeking proven durability
Honda CR-V
Spacious compact SUV with upscale interior and engaging handling
Families needing maximum passenger/cargo space, buyers who value interior comfort over cost, those planning shorter ownership periods
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Toyota RAV4 offers superior reliability ratings (92% dependability score) and better fuel economy (28 MPG combined), while the Honda CR-V provides more cargo space (76.5 cu ft) and a more spacious rear legroom (39.3 inches). Both are top-tier compact SUVs, but RAV4 excels in longevity while CR-V prioritizes interior space.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Toyota RAV4 if you prioritize fuel efficiency, reliability, lower cost of ownership, and strong resale value—it's the safer long-term investment for budget-conscious buyers. Choose the Honda CR-V if you need maximum interior space, more rear legroom for passengers, and prefer Honda's refined driving dynamics and upscale cabin feel.
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Choose Toyota RAV4 if
Best pickBuyers prioritizing value, reliability, fuel savings, and long-term ownership costs; practical families seeking proven durability
Choose Honda CR-V if
Families needing maximum passenger/cargo space, buyers who value interior comfort over cost, those planning shorter ownership periods
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Fuel Economy (Combined):✓ Toyota RAV4 wins(28 MPG vs 26 MPG)
- Cargo Space:✓ Honda CR-V wins(76.5 cu ft vs 73.5 cu ft)
- Rear Legroom:✓ Honda CR-V wins(39.3 inches vs 37.8 inches)
Key Facts & Figures
29 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Toyota RAV4 | Honda CR-V | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.5 | 76.5 | |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row(cubic feet) | 76.5 | 39.3 | |
| Combined Fuel Economy (Best)(MPG) | 44 MPG (Hybrid) | 32 MPG | |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 8-inch | 9-inch HD | |
| Engine Power (Standard Gas)(hp) | 203 hp | 190 hp | |
| Horsepower(hp) | 203-222 hp | — | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 32 MPG (Hybrid avg) | — | — |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 10.5-inch Touchscreen | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $32,400 | $30,920 | |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 in | 41.0 | |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | — | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up)(cubic feet) | RAV4 | CR-V | |
| Cargo Space (Seats Down)(cubic feet) | RAV4 | CR-V | |
| Hybrid AWD Horsepower(hp) | RAV4 | CR-V | |
| Starting Price(USD) | RAV4 | CR-V | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 28 MPG | — | — |
| Starting MSRP (2025 Base Model)(USD) | $28,650 | — | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 8.6 inches | — | — |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 39.3 cu ft | — | — |
| Engine Displacement (Base Model)(liters) | 2.5L 4-cylinder | — | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating (2024)(score out of 100) | 87/100 | — | — |
| Interior Headroom (Front)(inches) | 39.1 inches | — | — |
| Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG | |
| Cargo Space(cu ft) | 73.5 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft | |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 in | 39.3 in | |
| Engine Power (Base Model)(hp) | 203 hp | 190 hp | |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $29,325 | $32,750 | |
| Dependability Rating(score/100) | 92/100 | 88/100 | |
| Five-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 68% | 63% |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 28 MPG(winner)Fuel Economy (Combined)26 MPG
- 73.5 cu ftCargo Space76.5 cu ft(winner)
- 37.8 inchesRear Legroom39.3 inches(winner)
- 92/100(winner)Dependability Rating88/100
- $29,325(winner)Starting MSRP (2025)$32,750
- 68%(winner)Resale Value Retention (5-year)63%
- 203 hp(winner)Engine Power (Standard)190 hp
- Fuel Economy (Combined)
Toyota RAV4
28 MPG(winner)
Honda CR-V
26 MPG
- Cargo Space
Toyota RAV4
73.5 cu ft
Honda CR-V
76.5 cu ft(winner)
- Rear Legroom
Toyota RAV4
37.8 inches
Honda CR-V
39.3 inches(winner)
- Dependability Rating
Toyota RAV4
92/100(winner)
Honda CR-V
88/100
- Starting MSRP (2025)
Toyota RAV4
$29,325(winner)
Honda CR-V
$32,750
- Resale Value Retention (5-year)
Toyota RAV4
68%(winner)
Honda CR-V
63%
- Engine Power (Standard)
Toyota RAV4
203 hp(winner)
Honda CR-V
190 hp
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Toyota RAV4 | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 76.5 | 76.5 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row(cubic feet) | 76.5(winner) | 39.3 |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 in | 41.0(winner) |
| Combined Fuel Economy (Best)(MPG) | 44 MPG (Hybrid)(winner) | 32 MPG |
| Engine Power (Standard Gas)(hp) | 203 hp(winner) | 190 hp |
| Hybrid Horsepower (AWD)(hp) | 236 | — |
| Hybrid AWD Horsepower(hp) | RAV4(winner) | CR-V |
| Engine Displacement (Base Model)(liters) | 2.5L 4-cylinder | — |
Show 2 more attributesEngine Power (Base Model)(hp) 203 hp 190 hp Engine Horsepower(hp) Not specified — | ||
| Powertrain Options | Gas, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid | Gas, Turbocharged Gas |
| All-Wheel Drive Option | RAV4 | CR-V |
| Standard Powertrain | FWD or AWD (optional) | — |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available | — |
| Warranty (Basic)(years) | 3 years/36k miles | 3 years/36k miles |
| Starting Price(USD) | $32,400 | $30,920(winner) |
| Five-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 68%(winner) | 63% |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 8-inch | 9-inch HD(winner) |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 10.5-inch Touchscreen | — |
| Google Built-in Integration | No | — |
| AWD Type | Available AWD | Real Time AWD |
| Standard AWD | No | — |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA)(stars) | 5-star overall | 5-star overall |
| Safety Technology Suite | RAV4 | CR-V |
| Driver Assist System | Toyota Safety Sense | — |
| Safety Suite | Honda Sensing with multiple systems | — |
| Class Ranking | Top-tier compact SUV | Excellent (7.5/10 Edmunds) |
| Engine Type | 2.5L Gas or Hybrid 4-Cylinder | — |
| Horsepower(hp) | 203-222 hp | — |
| Hybrid Powertrain Availability(models) | RAV4 | CR-V |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 32 MPG (Hybrid avg) | — |
| Fuel Efficiency (Hybrid Available) | Yes | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 28 MPG | — |
| Fuel Economy (Combined)(MPG) | 28 MPG(winner) | 26 MPG |
| Combined Fuel Economy(mpg) | 29 mpg | — |
| Steering Feel | Stable & Smooth | — |
| AWD System | Multi-Mode AWD | — |
| Towing Capacity (Hybrid)(lbs) | 3,500 | — |
| Ground Clearance(inches) | 8.6 inches | — |
| Warranty Coverage(years) | 3yr/36k Basic (Industry-leading support) | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cu ft) | 76.5 cu ft | — |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats)(cubic feet) | 39.3 cu ft | — |
| Interior Design Quality | Practical & Durable Design | — |
| Interior Headroom (Front)(inches) | 39.1 inches | — |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 37.8 in | 39.3 in(winner) |
| Design Innovation | Conservative, Timeless | — |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up)(cubic feet) | RAV4 | CR-V(winner) |
| Cargo Space (Seats Down)(cubic feet) | RAV4 | CR-V(winner) |
| Cargo Space Advantage | Compact design | — |
| Overall Length(inches) | 181.0 | — |
| Max Wheel Size(inches) | 20 | — |
| Maximum Towing Capacity(lbs) | RAV4(winner) | CR-V |
| Starting Price(USD) | RAV4(winner) | CR-V |
| Starting MSRP (2025 Base Model)(USD) | $28,650 | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating (2024)(score out of 100) | 87/100 | — |
| Dependability Rating(score/100) | 92/100(winner) | 88/100 |
| Cargo Space(cu ft) | 73.5 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft(winner) |
| Starting Price (2025)(USD) | $29,325(winner) | $32,750 |
| Warranty Coverage (Basic)(years/miles) | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd Row)(cubic feet) | 39 cubic feet | — |
| Infotainment Display Size(inches) | Standard | — |
| Generation Status | Refreshed carryover generation | — |
Toyota RAV4Honda CR-VShow 2 more attributes
Pros & Cons
11 pros·7 cons across both
Toyota RAV4
Pros
- 92/100 dependability rating (highest in class)
- 28 MPG combined fuel economy reduces fill-ups
- $3,425 lower starting price than CR-V
- 68% five-year resale value retention
- 203 hp engine provides better acceleration than base CR-V
- Available hybrid variant achieves 40 MPG combined
Cons
- Less cargo space (73.5 cu ft vs 76.5 cu ft)
- Rear legroom 1.5 inches shorter than CR-V
- Interior materials feel less premium in base trim
Honda CR-V
Pros
- 76.5 cu ft cargo space offers maximum versatility
- 39.3 inches rear legroom accommodates taller passengers comfortably
- Upscale cabin materials and refined build quality
- Intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay
- Smooth CVT transmission provides better highway refinement
Cons
- 26 MPG combined fuel economy costs extra in gas
- $32,750 starting price is 11% higher than RAV4
- 88/100 dependability rating trails RAV4 by 4 points
- 63% five-year resale value (5% lower than RAV4)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Toyota RAV4 has a proven track record with a 92/100 dependability rating and 68% five-year resale retention, making it more reliable long-term. Honda CR-V scores 88/100 and retains 63% value. RAV4 owners report fewer major repairs and lower maintenance costs over a vehicle's lifetime, with many RAV4s exceeding 200,000 miles.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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