2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than a traditional SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were upgrades of a commodity car rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in over a decade, yet its design aged well, maintaining a timeless and utilitarian appeal. The 4Runner's two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it balanced proportions and undeniable utility. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was functional, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent updates. The 4Runner's rugged appearance and practical design made it a favourite among those seeking a durable and capable SUV.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain offered a well-matched driving experience. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's implementation was commendable, providing a responsive and fuel-efficient drive. The CR-V's car-like handling, nimble steering, and minimal body roll contributed to its excellent road manners. With a curb weight ranging from 1,521 kg to 1,641 kg, the CR-V was among the lightest in its class, enhancing its acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency. The FWD models achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, while AWD models managed 8.1, making the CR-V a top performer in its class for non-hybrid models.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, offering a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, its on-road performance was less impressive. The SUV felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with truck-like driving characteristics that were part of its charm. However, its fuel consumption was high, with a combined rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and an average range of about 620 kilometres with its 87-litre fuel tank.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was praised for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. The CR-V provided excellent head- and legroom, thanks to its optimal seating position and low cowl, enhancing front visibility. The cargo compartment was roomy, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered up to 1,110 litres of cargo space, making it easy to accommodate various needs. Clever storage solutions, such as a deep centre console and large door pockets, added to the CR-V's practicality.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, with its high ground clearance, required some effort to climb aboard, especially for shorter individuals. However, once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The rear seat featured air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing passenger comfort. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The SUV's back bumper served as a convenient spot for various activities, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring and Black Edition trims included a wireless phone charger, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy users.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs that were easy to operate, even with gloves. The 4Runner's infotainment system included off-road trail maps, adding to its functionality. While the screen size was modest, the system's features and ease of use compensated for it.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came equipped with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims. However, only the Touring and Black Edition models featured LED headlights, which improved nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, its protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal, reflecting its age and design limitations.