Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda Element Review

Performance
Regarding horsepower, the Toyota RAV4 packs quite a punch and will knock the Honda Element down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With their comparable turning circles, the Toyota RAV4 and the Element most definitely handle approximately the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Element's engine is a bit smaller than the Toyota RAV4's, but not terribly so. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Toyota RAV4 isn't much more powerful than the Honda Element. The Element has no lessons to learn when it comes to pickup from the RAV4.

Utility
The Toyota RAV4 will most definitely prove handier than the Honda Element for those of you with frequent kid-cargo. The Toyota is likely a better choice than the Honda in terms of transporting cargo, especially if you frequently need to carry a lot of luggage or big pets. Towing is substantially more the Toyota RAV4's forte than it is the Honda's.

Comfort
Taller drivers will significantly enjoy the extra head room in the Honda Element's front cabin compared to the RAV4. While the rear of the Toyota RAV4 provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the Honda Element, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The Honda and the RAV4 compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Honda Element to the dealership as the Toyota RAV4. Producing an accurate fuel economy evaluation is so tough that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though both the Element and the Element perform almost similarly regarding fuel economy. The Honda Element won't tax your gas budget considerably more than the Toyota will. With respect to MSRP, the Honda Element costs significantly less than the Toyota RAV4.

Warranty
The Honda Element and the Toyota have the same basic after-sale protection.