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Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 Review

How the Honda CR-V stacks up against the Toyota RAV4 - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $21,245 - $27,745
2010 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $21,500 - $27,810
Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 Review

Utility
The RAV4 compact SUV has seating for up to seven occupants when equipped with a 50/50-split folding third-row seat on either cloth or leather upholstery. Both the RAV4 and five-passenger CR-V crossover offer comparable interior room, though the RAV4 has slightly more maximum luggage capacity than the CR-V with 36.4 cubic feet compared to 35.7 cubic feet. The RAV4 is also longer, taller and wider than the CR-V and has a longer wheelbase of 104.7 cubic feet compared to 103.1 cubic feet. Both are even in maximum cargo capacity at 73 cubic feet and towing capacity at 1,500 pounds, however, the RAV4 offers more passenger volume at 108 cubic feet compared to 104 cubic feet. The CR-V features 40/20/40 sliding and reclining rear seats for increased versatility and a dual-level cargo area.

Performance
Both vehicles can be had in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations; however, the RAV4 offers multiple engine choices, including a V-6 option, whereas the CR-V is equipped with only a 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 is powered by a 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 269-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to either a four- or five-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy
Neither the RAV4 or CR-V disappoint when it comes to fuel efficiency with EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the RAV4 ranging between 19-22 mpg in the city and 26-28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city and 27-28 mpg on the highway for the CR-V. If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, both vehicles emit 7.7 tons of carbon annually.

Technology
Both the RAV4 and CR-V are kind of light on its standard offerings like air conditioning, power windows and locks and remote keyless entry; however, options are abound and each share similar features, including integrated XM Radio, MP3 capability, a navigation system and backseat entertainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and a moonroof. A Sports Appearance Package on the RAV4 includes an upgraded JBL sound system, Bluetooth hands-free capability, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a backup camera. The CR-V also can be had with steering-wheel audio controls, a six-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and navigation with voice control.

Safety
Both the RAV4 and CR-V are class leaders when it comes to safety. The RAV4 is equipped with a full compliment of airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes with brake assist (only RAV4) and an electronic stability control system while the CR-V adds traction control and an optional security system. The CR-V earned slightly better crash-test results with five stars in passenger impact compared to the RAV4's four stars.

Other
The RAV4's Sport Appearance Package, available on two-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Sport models, is a new feature for 2010. An optional JBL audio system with hands-free Bluetooth capability and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls is available on the Sport trim and a backup camera is a new option for base models. The CR-V was redesigned last year and for 2010, it has 14 more horsepower and fuel economy ratings that are higher by 1 mpg in city and highway driving. It also gets a slight facelift and some new features, including new seat fabrics and trim panels and the front center armrest is wider by an inch.

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