Have you ever noticed how many compact SUVs are cruising confidently down the streets? It seems as though these vehicles are the go-to solutions for drivers who yearn for more space than a sedan can provide yet don’t desire a cumbersome vehicle to have to handle around town. There’s a lot of competition in this segment, which means one needs to offer distinct features to drivers to stand out. That’s why you see many drivers gravitating toward the Toyota RAV4 when they want to experience an all-around incredible ride, from the comfort they enjoy inside to the performance they take advantage of on the streets and beyond.
When it comes to the compact SUV segment, there’s nothing wrong with a little competition, which is exactly why the Honda CR-V likes to go head-to-head with our Toyota favorite more often than not. If you’re wondering about the daily drive and how each of these SUVs will impact your experience, let Faith’s Toyota help you by getting to the bottom of what each vehicle brings to your journey. When comparing the 2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Honda CR-V, it’s time to discover which model will offer you the better ride if you’re concerned about the daily drive.
Performance Expectations
Driving a compact SUV means you can glide effortlessly through hectic traffic situations on the highway and fit easily into tight city streets. Their size is favorable for many drivers; however, many of these small-size travelers don’t pack a big punch when it comes to power. Fortunately, the RAV4 offers plenty to drivers, helping them maximize their time on busy roadways. The 2024 RAV4 is armed with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that elevates excitement on the streets, with 203 hp pushing it forward. Not only can you expect a lot of energy radiating from this Toyota best-seller, but its eight-speed automatic transmission allows it to offer a smooth and responsive ride, making it a top pick for those who demand a more comfortable experience.
The 2024 Honda CR-V is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, which is unfortunately mated with a continuously variable transmission. CVTs are notorious for delivering lackluster ride quality, and with only 190 horses underneath their hood, to say that the CR-V’s ride quality is a bit boring may be an understatement. This lack of power also contributes to its lack of towing capability, as the CR-V is only able to tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs. The RAV4 impresses with its ability to tow up to 3,500 lbs, which makes the RAV4 a winner when it comes time to tow a camper or trailer to your destination.
Both of these compact SUVs can be armed with all-wheel drive capabilities to help you take on bad weather road conditions and uneven terrain with ease. Of course, opting for TRD Off-Road models in the RAV4’s inventory will allow you to take advantage of Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD capabilities. This sophisticated feature easily distributes the right amount of power to your wheels to enhance traction and stability, then disengages when no longer needed. The CR-V has its own version of all-wheel drive in the form of Real Time AWD, which comes to the rescue when it senses the steering wheel slipping. Although the CR-V has a favorable AWD feature, it doesn’t make up for its dull ride quality and lack of towing power.
In the City and on the Highway
Compact SUVs are known to be great on gas due to their small size and efficient engines. Both the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the 2024 Honda CR-V offer plenty of efficiency for your ride on packed city streets and busy highways. In the city, the RAV4 can get an EPA-estimated 27 MPG; however, where this compact Toyota staple really shines is on the highway, getting an EPA-estimated 35 MPG. The CR-V does a nice job of keeping up here, getting up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. If you want better handling and sturdier ride quality, the RAV4 will offer just that, while the CR-V tends to lack the excitement on the road that can be found in rivals.
Cabin Comfort
There are many different flavors of both compact SUVs; however, Honda reserves most of its trim levels for its hybrid arsenal, which leaves only a handful of trims to choose from in the gas-only CR-V inventory. Fortunately, the RAV4 allows you to choose your experience, and when comfort is a priority, you’ll find that many of its trims will offer you a carefully curated cabin space that radiates with coziness. From SofTex-trimmed seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat to a panoramic glass roof and other available features, the RAV4 offers a pleasant experience from the moment you take your place inside.
Despite the fact that you don’t have as many options to choose from, the CR-V’s top-level gas-only model, the EX-L, offers leather trimmings, heated seats, and plenty of quality appointments to enjoy during the ride. If you want more options, you’ll definitely find them in the RAV4’s inventory, which is why the RAV4 is such a beloved SUV on the streets these days.
Features That Impact the Ride
Many factors go into creating the ideal experience on the road, and many have to do with innovation. When it comes to advanced tech, the RAV4 delivers, with an available 10.5-inch touchscreen display, a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display behind the steering wheel, and more available features to heighten the feel of the ride. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, as well as an available 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, make it easy to tune in to your drive, even if you’re just heading into the office for the day.
You won’t find the large touchscreen options in the CR-V, as its largest offering is a 9-inch display. Although a 12-speaker Bose audio system is offered, it’s only found in the top-tier hybrid model, which is a major disappointment for drivers who aren’t interested in driving a hybrid.
Other features that have a major impact on the ride come in the form of convenience, and this is where the RAV4 impresses. From an available hands-free power liftgate to a 120-volt AC power outlet to power lights, devices, and more, plus roof rails and high ground clearance, there’s nowhere the RAV4 can’t venture without offering intense practicality along the way. The CR-V also allows you to add on a hands-free liftgate, and it showcases a nice-sized cargo hold; however, it’s lacking in tech, which can be a major deciding factor when it comes to fully enjoying your ride.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Offers More Power and More Options
When it comes to the all-around daily drive, the winner is obvious. The 2024 RAV4 doesn’t just offer a more powerful performance; it’s also available in more trims to help you create the ultimate experience on board. Plus, with better tech and higher efficiency on the highway, it’s no wonder you see so many of these Toyota favorites coasting by on the streets. Unfortunately for the CR-V, it lacks power, and with its nicest trims reserved for its hybrid-only models, it doesn’t give drivers the choices they require to harness impeccable cabin comfort. With smaller touchscreens available, tech is also lacking, making it easy to pass this Honda by when you’re concerned about the daily drive. If you want to have it all in your vehicle, the RAV4 certainly won’t disappoint, which is why it’s been a Toyota best-seller for so many years.