2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. The vehicle featured projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's exterior styling was typical of compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The grille and some chromed plastic elements were among the few details that set it apart. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. While the CR-V's styling was not its strong suit, it provided a functional and comfortable interior, with vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offering more distinctive designs.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and brisk acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Highlander's steering was loose, and its suspension was soft, leading to a less controlled ride. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower. While not designed for rapid acceleration, it provided smooth and steady performance. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, contributing to a predictable driving experience. The CR-V came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an option. Its suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, though it lacked the engagement found in some competitors with conventional transmissions.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,378 litres with seats folded. The Highlander featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders. However, the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient, blocking access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, comfortably seating five and offering more than 100 litres of interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. However, the Highlander included a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front and second row. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, was standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.