Utility
If you’re concerned with passenger space, both the RAV4 and CR-V seat five in two rows of seats. However, the RAV4 has optional third-row seating that can accommodate seven passengers total. Both contain approximately the same amount of cargo volume and legroom. The RAV4 has the edge in towing capacity with 2000 and 3500 pounds compared to 1500 pounds for the CR-V.
Performance
The clear-cut winner when it comes to power is the RAV4. The RAV4 has two engines that are more powerful than the CR-V. A base 179-horsepower four-cylinder and a more powerful 269-horsepower V-6 overshadow the CRV’s 166-horsepower engine. Both vehicles have similar turning radii and are equipped with 2- and 4WD.
Fuel Economy/The Green Effect
If you are concerned with your carbon footprint or just want to save money at the pump, you’ll be happy to know that both the CR-V and RAV4 are the more efficient end of the green spectrum and are neck-and-neck with fuel consumption. Expect to get 19-22 mpg in the city and 26-28 mpg on the highway in either car. As for the nasty carbon emissions, the CR-V emits 8.0-8.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide, while the RAV4 emits 7.7-8.7 metric tons.
Technology
Both vehicles have a standard MP3 auxiliary input jack and optional navigation systems. The RAV4 features a touch-screen DVD navigation system with XM NavTraffic® capability, while the CR-V has the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition. The CR-V EX-L’s voice-command system lets you control the audio, navigation and climate-control system with ease. The only problem is that is only available on the EX-L trim. However, the CR-V does not offer Bluetooth connectivity like the RAV4; and even with the RAV4, it is optional. Both have backup cameras and similar audio systems, but only the RAV4 has as many as nine speakers. The RAV4 has a Smart Key System, which features Push Button Start as standard equipment, while the CR-V has a Remote Engine Starter System as an accessory. XM Satellite Radio is standard in every trim of the RAV4 and only the CR-V EX-L. It’s a tight competition, but the RAV4 has more standard tech features.
Safety
Both cars have excellent crash test ratings. The CR-V has a 5-star frontal (driver and passenger) and side (front and rear seat) crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), while the RAV4 has a 5-star rating for the frontal (driver) and side impacts. The RAV4 gets four stars for the frontal passenger crash rating. Other than that, both cars feature dozens of standard safety features and are relatively equal in that regard.
For a thorough comparison between the RAV4, CR-V and other SUV crossovers, checkout our interactive and informative Car Chooser.
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