2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, long hood, and extended wheelbase. While it lacked the distinct personality of its predecessor, its conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its sophisticated look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, complemented by a dashboard design inspired by the latest Civic. The CR-V EX-L also boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and front and rear parking sensors, adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its two-part face and more aggressive grille. The Trail trim also featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and orange interior accents, giving it a rugged yet stylish appearance. The interior, while basic, included a frameless rearview mirror and orange accents that added a touch of flair. The RAV4 offered a range of trims, from the entry-level LE to the more luxurious Limited, providing options for various preferences and budgets. The RAV4's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a focus on functionality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, with impressive fuel economy figures of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, as reported by Natural Resources Canada.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CR-V's CVT. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The RAV4 Trail trim included 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup similar to other RAV4 models, offering a comfortable ride. The RAV4's engine was slightly noisier than some competitors, but it was not overly intrusive.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest version yet, with a comfortable and car-like driving position. The front seats were supportive, and the second row offered ample legroom and a high seating position. The CR-V's cargo area was generous, with 1,113 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,166 litres with the seats folded down. The interior featured numerous storage options, although some were lined with hard plastic, which could cause noise.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 provided seating for five, with slightly less headroom in the front compared to the CR-V. However, it offered more rear headroom and practical storage solutions, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. The RAV4's cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded. While not class-leading, it was sufficient for most needs.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. However, the technology package was not as comprehensive as some competitors, and the lack of a tuning knob on the larger display was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. It supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4's technology package was more advanced, with connected services and a larger driver-information display in higher trims.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured the TSS 2.5 suite, which included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. It received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.