2019 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2019 Honda CR-V

Safety Features: RAV4 vs. CR-V

Both the 2019 RAV4 and the 2019 CR-V come standard with an advanced suite of standard features, but the Toyota receives a newer package–Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 (TSS 2.0)–with more technologies. Here are a few of the advantages:

• Lane Tracing Assist: When you have Dynamic Radar Cruise Control activated, your RAV4 will detect the path of the vehicle in front of you and automatically guide your vehicle forward in its lane, as long as your hands remain on the steering wheel.
• Road Sign Assist: This feature detects speed limit signs, stop signs, and other information from the side of the road, and displays them on the multi-information display (MID), where they’re easier to read.

Both models receive some form of adaptive cruise control, forward collision prevention, and a lane departure warning. The Toyota package includes automatic high-beams, which cost extra in the Honda.

Performance: RAV4 vs. CR-V

Comparing the performance of the RAV4 vs. CR-V, it’s not hard to see why these models are often pitted against one another. The contest is close, but the CR-V can’t quite keep up with the stronger Toyota:

• 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE with Front-Wheel Drive
  • The RAV4 comes equipped with a 2.5L 4-Cylinder engine that delivers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offers a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with a built-in manual mode, so you can take control when the mood strikes.
• 2019 Honda CR-V LX with Front-Wheel Drive
  • The CR-V includes a slightly-smaller 2.4L 4-Cylinder engine that can produce just 184 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. It includes an efficiency-boosting continuously variable transmission, but it still can’t match the highway fuel economy of its competitor.

In its baseline configuration, the RAV4 gets 36 mpg highway, compared to just 32 mpg highway with the starting CR-V.

Off-Road Capability: CR-V or RAV4?

At least on pavement, the CR-V competes well with the RAV4. However, if you’re the type who wants the ability to go off-road, only Toyota offers a configuration that’s sure to satisfy. Those who upgrade with the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure trim will receive Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive, a 120V/100W Power Outlet in the Rear Cargo Area, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

Neither of the first two features is offered in the CR-V, and the Honda’s maximum towing capacity is only 1,500 pounds.