2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a polarizing design that, over time, became more familiar to the eye. Its bold and bulbous front end, coupled with black windshield pillars, gave it a distinctive floating roof appearance. Despite its swollen haunches and 20-inch alloy wheels, the Highlander's design could overwhelm with its cartoonishly-flared quarter panels. However, the interior offered a two-tone upscale look with soft leather in the Limited and Platinum trims. The asymmetrical dashboard housed a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though reflections on sunny days could be distracting. While controls were sensibly laid out, the mix of illumination colours at night made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more conventional, blending in with other compact crossovers. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were shades of grey, black, or white, making it challenging to find more vibrant options. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome for a more upscale appearance. While not a standout in design, the CR-V's form was dictated by its function, focusing on practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing its combined fuel consumption to 6.7 L/100 km and producing 243 horsepower. While this marked an improvement in efficiency, the driving experience was less engaging. The hybrid system's E-CVT mimicked an automatic transmission, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality suffered from unwanted body movement, especially on uneven roads. Despite its fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid was not particularly enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was smooth and steady, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, offering a predictable driving experience. While not the most engaging, the CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The CR-V's performance was competitive within its class, providing a reliable and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with seats folded. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized function, fitting five people comfortably with ample cargo space. It offered over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate, enhancing convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding versatility for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was practical and spacious, making it a strong contender for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim added a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the sound quality varied depending on music type. Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience and safety. The driver information display provided detailed data, though the voice recognition system did not control climate settings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Lower trims had varying speaker setups, while the Touring trim offered a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L and higher trims included Sirius XM and HD radio, with navigation available on the Touring and Black Edition. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim introduced a wireless phone charger, adding modern convenience to the CR-V's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. New for 2021 were intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance could feel uneven and overly sensitive, respectively.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. While it didn't achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight evaluations, it received "Good" ratings in crash tests. Honda Sensing, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's comprehensive safety package made it a standout in its class, offering advanced features even in the base trim.