2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, distinguishing itself from its competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. This redesign aimed to reflect the RAV4's enduring durability with a tougher look. The Trail trim, introduced in the previous year, enhanced the RAV4's off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control, making it a more rugged option. The 2020 model further elevated its off-road prowess with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized TRD suspension setup, providing a versatile ride across various terrains.

The TRD Off-Road package also included distinctive wheels, tires, and badges, while maintaining the RAV4 Trail's overall appearance. The test vehicle showcased a Lunar Rock grey paint with an optional white roof, which effectively concealed dirt. Inside, the 2020 RAV4 featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, emphasizing its readiness for rugged adventures. The interior combined quality construction with plush armrest padding, soft-touch door-panel trim, and rubberized surfaces, contrasting with some less expensive-looking plastic elements. Positioned near the top of the RAV4's trim levels, the TRD Off-Road package offered a compelling blend of features and value.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while not a standout in terms of exterior design, offered a familiar and functional appearance typical of compact crossovers. Its styling, characterized by a similar "daylight opening" shape to other vehicles in its class, didn't prioritize aesthetics. However, subtle details like the grille and chromed plastic features provided some differentiation. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though the selection leaned heavily towards shades of grey, black, and white, with limited options for more vibrant hues. Inside, the CR-V's interior featured a modern design with angular seats and headrests, offering a more contemporary look compared to some competitors.

The CR-V's interior was designed with practicality in mind, providing ample space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with slightly more cargo space behind the second row. 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 utility for carrying additional cargo. While the CR-V's design may not have been the most distinctive, it excelled in providing a comfortable and functional interior for everyday use.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it wasn't available with the TRD Off-Road package. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain provided satisfactory performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection.

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology, along with multi-terrain select settings for various conditions. With 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance and a downhill assist control system, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road excelled in off-road situations. It handled challenging trails with ease, while also proving capable in urban environments. The TRD suspension effectively smoothed out speed humps, and the 360-degree surround-view camera system facilitated parking. Despite missing the official fuel efficiency estimate, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road remained a versatile and capable SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While not designed for high-performance driving, it offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained engine revs at a constant level, prioritizing efficiency over engagement. While competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more conventional transmissions with sport modes, the CR-V focused on providing a reliable and predictable driving experience.

The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on the LX trim and standard on higher trims. Its unitized body structure and suspension setup, including MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, contributed to decent handling and ride quality. While not the most exciting vehicle in its class, the CR-V offered a comfortable and dependable driving experience for everyday use.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating hip points. Inside, the driver's seat provided a sporty driving position with 4-way power adjustability, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but offered good thigh support. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, known for trapping sweat, but included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports for added comfort.

Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf for convenience. The RAV4 offered 1,062 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,974 litres with the seats folded down. Roof rails and a roof rack with crossbars further extended its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, providing ample space for five passengers and their gear. It offered over 100 litres more interior volume than the RAV4, with slightly more cargo space behind the second row. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V accommodated 1,065 litres of cargo. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, though it suffered from glare. The Trail trim came with an 8-inch system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services packages. The system included menu shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation, with climate controls separate from the display. Upgrades included an embedded navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology impressed with its accuracy, and the vehicle offered wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging functions. Lower trims had varying audio setups, while the Touring trim offered a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The EX-L trim included Sirius XM, and the Sport trim featured HD radio. The Touring and Black Edition trims offered satellite navigation with voice recognition. Charging ports were abundant, with USB ports in the front console and second row, and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2020 RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The systems operated smoothly, encouraging drivers to keep them active. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, including collision notification and emergency assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though headlight performance varied by trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It didn't achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test scores. The CR-V's LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's approach to safety included the Honda Sensing system, making advanced safety features standard across all trims. These features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind spot monitoring was standard on higher trims.