2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a uniformity that made it difficult to distinguish from its competitors, with the exception of a few unique elements like the grille and some chromed plastic accents. Despite offering seven colour options, the palette was largely dominated by neutral tones, with only a couple of vibrant choices like Radiant Red Metallic. Inside, the CR-V presented a modern aesthetic with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that varied with trim levels, offering a more upscale feel as one moved up the trim ladder. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having a stylistic edge, particularly in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew inspiration from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. This design choice lent the Highlander a robust appearance, though the side profile introduced a softer character line that some found added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but the overall design was perceived as somewhat disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements provided a unique look, with practical storage solutions integrated into the design. However, the Bronze Edition's fabric seat upholstery was criticized for its impracticality and lack of durability, with more conventional materials available only in higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. This powertrain was consistent across all trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth acceleration but lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. The CR-V's acceleration was measured at approximately 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which was competitive within its class. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX trim and standard on others. The CR-V's suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, contributed to a comfortable ride and predictable handling.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. This setup included a CVT and standard all-wheel drive, utilizing an electric motor to power the rear axle when needed. The Highlander Hybrid's acceleration was slightly slower than its gasoline-only counterparts, reaching 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth initial acceleration, with the gasoline engine taking over seamlessly. The ride quality was soft, prioritizing comfort over sportiness, and the cabin remained quiet at highway speeds, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with a cargo capacity of 1,065 litres with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, from manual to hands-free power operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its versatility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage solutions were plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second-row seats offered generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining capabilities for added comfort. The third row, however, was less accommodating, suitable mainly for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and reaching 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Limited and Platinum trims also included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard across all trims, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, were noted for needing refinement. Additional features like a surround view camera and head-up display were exclusive to the top Platinum trim.