Honda CR-V vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated 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 sleek look. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and air vents, creating a clean and simple design. The CR-V EX-L boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate, adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid followed a conservative design path, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, with its Storm Cloud paint, exuded a sense of grandeur. The interior prioritized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. Glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces were present, but the controls were logically laid out. The climate system was user-friendly, while the infotainment interface had room for improvement. Overall, the Grand Highlander offered a spacious and practical interior, with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space.

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. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during 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, handling various road conditions with ease. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and electronic full-time AWD, delivering 362 horsepower. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, it offered impressive towing capacity and acceleration. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a mixed driving route. The Hybrid Max provided a soft, isolating ride, though it exhibited some vertical bounding and lateral rocking on uneven surfaces. Its handling was secure, with excellent outward visibility aided by available camera systems.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a spacious interior, with the second row feeling more generous than the first. The power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, and heated front seats and dual-zone climate control were standard. The CR-V's cargo area, accessed via a power tailgate, offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander offered 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,761 litres with the second row folded. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to cabin noise.

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, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was an improvement over the previous generation, it didn't surpass competitors in terms of features.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various music accounts. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with standard safety features and driver assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was included, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.