[fattt91]

I'm looking to buy my first car and want to get a midsize suv. After looking around at Toyota, Honda, Nissan, VW and Ford I narrowed down my search to the Rav4 and Cr-V. I came to these two options based on price, fuel economy, space, and maintenance. To be specific my choice is between the 2011 Rav-4 Sport and the EX Cr-V. I am leaning toward a Rav4 because I like its looks a lot better than the Cr-v.

------------I was hoping that someone more knowledgeable could tell me the pros and cons of each vehicle.--------

Here's the comparison:


2011 Toyota Rav4 Sport Edition
2.5L 4-Cylinder
4 Speed Automatic
4X4
Appearance Package
Black Exterior
Dark Charcoal Interior

VS.

2011 Honda Cr-V EX
2.4L 4-Cylinder
4wd Automatic
Black Exterior
Black Interior

Any and all help will GREATLY be appreciated!!!!!!
Thanks in advance!

 

[JohnDoe11b]

CRV has a more refined interior, probably better comfort, but if you get the V6 Sport, all of the above won't even matter anymore!

 

[wing_woo]

Like NYPD said, if you get the V6, then you wouldn't even have to compare. However, between the two, I like the CRV interior better and the rear seatbelts are laid out much nicer. However, I find the Rav4 has more cargo room. I say just take both out for an extended test drive and see which you like better.

 

[avs]

Like everyone said, if you're looking for the i4. Get the CR-V. Probably slightly cheaper too if you go with the CR-V.

 

[JuneBug]

They're both good vehicles, but around here the CR-V is more of a "chick car" than the RAV4. Maybe it's because of the little pop-down kiddie observation mirror. Consider this: you want to load something big in the cargo area--on the RAV you open the cargo door, pull 2 levers, and the seats are flat--takes about 2 seconds, and you're ready to load. Try the same on a CR-V, it's a bit more complicated. The engine on the RAV is slightly larger and has more torque, yet they are rated the same MPG. On the other hand, the CR-V comes with a compact spare tire, and the RAV with Sport Appearance Package comes with run-flat tires and no spare. And I think the RAV4 looks better.

 

[Climbitnow]

The main reason I didn't like the CRV is because the rear seats fold up and take up cargo space while the RAV4s seats fold flat.

 

[Aribus]

It's the whole exterior styling of the CR-V that bothers me. The grill, the c pillar, rear taillights, and lift gate. Honda is a great company, with very reliable products, but they have weirdo styling.

 

[bigb00]

Here is why toyota told me to buy a RAV4 vs. a Cr-v

it has more legroom in the front (1 062mm vs 1 050mm)
it has more headroom in the rear (1 008mm vs 980mm)
it has more front shoulderroom (1 450mm versus 1 446mm)
it has greater passenger volume (3 064L versus 2 939L)
there is more interior cargo volume (1 015L versus 1 011L)
it has more interior cargo volume with the seats folded (2 074L versus 2 064L)
it has a greater interior maximum cargo volume (2 074L versus 2 064L)
the exterior length is greater (4 620mm versus 4 555mm)
the exterior body height is greater (1 745mm versus 1 680mm)

Convenience
it has more speakers (6 versus 4)
it has an automatic equalizer
it has more 12V DC power outlet(s) (3 versus 2)
it will show the exterior temp
it has variable intermittent front wipers
the front windshield has heated wiper park

Driveability
it has electric power-assist steering
it has a smaller turning radius (5.7m versus 5.8m)

Exterior
it has 2 skid plates
it includes a turn signal indicator on the passenger mirror
it has auto off headlamps

Interior
it includes an auxiliary driver visor
it includes an auxiliary passenger visor
it has a cloth door trim insert
it includes a full floor console
it includes a floor console box
it has concealed storage in the cargo area

Off-Road
it has an approach angle of 29 deg
it has a departure angle of 25 deg

Powertrain
its engine has more torque (172 lb.-ft. @ 4 000 rpm vs 161 lb.-ft. @ 4 400 rpm)
it has a HD battery
it includes a battery with run down protection
it has a transmission oil cooler
it has a larger engine (2.5L vs 2.4L)
it has an electronic transfer case shift

Seating
it has a front centre armrest
it includes armrest storage

Wheels
the wheelbase is greater (2 660mm versus 2 620mm)

Wheels & Tires
it has wider wheels (7" versus 6.5")
it has a full-size spare tire

When I test drove the RAV and the Cr-v I liked the rav better - it wasn't as noisy and it "feels" higher. But I think they are both GREAT suv's and your choice will come down to personal reasons.

 

[SeriousBlack]

I think the CR-V looks ugly.

 

[JuneBug]

Also, although it isn't technically standard equipment, it's rare to find a RAV4 that doesn't have the roof rack. It's equally rare to find a CR-V that does have one.

 

[RTexasF]

Drive the new 2.5l Toyota engine then drive the 2.4l Honda. The 2.5l is quite an improvement but the four speed transmission is a step backwards. MPG is quite similar in spite of the transmission. If you are hung up on a four banger drive both and decide. As mentioned above, if you drive the RAV V-6 just once, the game is over. Neither four cylinder has a huge MPG difference over the V-6.

 

[fattt91]

I have to agree with SeriousBlack and Aribus, the Cr-V is quite ugly, especially the back!

How does anyone feel about the power of the 2.5L 4cylinder Engine on the Rav4? I'm staying away from the 269hp V6 to lower the price and save gas.

 

[JuneBug]

I have to agree with SeriousBlack and Aribus, the Cr-V is quite ugly, especially the back!

How does anyone feel about the power of the 2.5L 4cylinder Engine on the RAV4? I'm staying away from the 269hp V6 to lower the price and save gas.

I drive a V-6 and recently got a chance to drive the new 2.5L 4. Read about it here:

http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29386

 

[TaxiGuy]

I have to agree with SeriousBlack and Aribus, the Cr-V is quite ugly, especially the back!

How does anyone feel about the power of the 2.5L 4cylinder Engine on the RAV4? I'm staying away from the 269hp V6 to lower the price and save gas.

The 2.5 I4 is a big improvement over the previous 2.4 engine. [I had a 2007 2.4, so I know]. It is smoother, quieter, has more torque and HP, while using slightly less gas. Unless you plan to tow something, or if you just want the fun of a LOT more power, the I4 has all the power you'll need, for less money. As someone noted here earlier, the V6 almost matches the I4 in HWY mpg, but will use a lot more gas in city driving. I get about 23mpg in NYC traffic.

 

[JuneBug]

The 2.5 I4 is a big improvement over the previous 2.4 engine. [I had a 2007 2.4, so I know]. It is smoother, quieter, has more torque and HP, while using slightly less gas. Unless you plan to tow something, or if you just want the fun of a LOT more power, the I4 has all the power you'll need, for less money. As someone noted here earlier, the V6 almost matches the I4 in HWY mpg, but will use a lot more gas in city driving. I get about 23mpg in NYC traffic.

You're not the only one. I spotted a new RAV4 taxi here in Montreal today!

 

[brockeverly]

v6 Rav hands down, I know its not an option in the OP, but it needs to be.

 

[rav4two]

Here's a review of the two:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...honda_cr-v_nissan_rogue_ford_escape_and_five_more_compact_suvs-comparison_tests

The winning Rav4 still had the 2.4 liter, though the CR-V's motor also went from 166 to 180 HP since that test.

Another big consideration is how much you want an upward opening rear hatch versus a side-opening door. I'd much prefer to have an upward opening hatch and it is probably my biggest complaint about the Rav. If I were only considering the four cylinder versions, it would pretty clearly be the CR-V for me. Fortunately, power corrupts and so comparing V6 Rav to CR-V is no comparison. The CR-V will suffer if you're going to do loaded traveling and climbing into the mountains on the interstates, as probably would the 2.5 liter Rav.

 

[The Ravster]

We had two CRVs before buying the Rav...just couldn't get over the styling of the latest CRV, then we drove the V6 Rav, and that was it. I really like the ability to lock the 4WD as well.

 

[Stoli]

I've got a '10 base Rav with the 2.5. My wife has an '09 CR-V Ex. I prefer the Rav over the CR-V. It's got a better ride, the engine's got a lot more torque than the Honda, and the seats are more comfortable. I also prefer the center console over the stupid middle tray in the CR-V.

 

[RaVancouver]

It's the whole exterior styling of the CR-V that bothers me. The grill, the c pillar, rear taillights, and lift gate. Honda is a great company, with very reliable products, but they have weirdo styling.

+1

Also, although it isn't technically standard equipment, it's rare to find a RAV4 that doesn't have the roof rack. It's equally rare to find a CR-V that does have one.

+1 , and it's also equally rare to find a CR-V with stock fog lights.