2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. It featured bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, both inside and out, and was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 40 ASE was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to its price, bringing the MSRP to $54,380. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past, with a solid and quality feel despite the abundance of plastic in the cabin. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a more modern aesthetic with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. The CR-V Hybrid's design was conservative, with a technical face and Volvo-adjacent taillights that gave it an upscale appearance. The interior of the Touring Hybrid trim featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh hiding the air vents. The CR-V Hybrid's cabin exuded sophistication, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over larger bumps.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but our test vehicle returned 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous loop. The CR-V Hybrid offered a quiet and compliant ride with predictable handling, though the steering effort was unusually heavy. While the CR-V Hybrid was easy to drive, it lacked the off-road capability and excitement of the 4Runner.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials and a roomy interior. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat offered excellent support, and the rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees for easy access. The back seat was comfortable, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons that were easy to operate with gloves. The voice recognition system performed well, though it struggled with some commands. The 4Runner's technology was straightforward and functional, appealing to those who prefer simplicity.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice recognition system was basic, the CR-V Hybrid offered a walk-away automatic locking feature for added convenience. The CR-V Hybrid's technology was more advanced than the 4Runner's, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Hybrid trims, with additional features like front and rear parking sensors on the Touring trim. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it did not achieve the top award due to a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.