Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model, while more conservative than its predecessor, was designed 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. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim that elegantly divided the upper and lower sections. 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 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was available in Canada exclusively with the Sport design, including the SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport trims. The GR Sport, inspired by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, showcased a racier aesthetic with red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The RAV4 maintained its square, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulges over the fenders. The interior featured red stitching on black upholstery in the GR Sport, and all trims came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch or available 12.9-inch touchscreen. The centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter or a shift-by-wire setup, depending on the trim, with stylish drive mode knobs for easy switching between modes.

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, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for a compact SUV. However, the CVT's droning noise during acceleration detracted from the driving experience. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging drive, handling speed bumps and uneven pavement with ease. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower. The PHEV's larger 22.7-kwh battery pack and efficient semiconductors increased its range to 80 kilometres. With a total power output of 324 hp, it was the most powerful RAV4 to date. The all-wheel-drive system, with a large front motor and a smaller rear motor, provided quick acceleration. The RAV4 offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing for versatile performance. The transition of power was seamless, and the ride was spirited yet comfortable. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and enhanced suspension, offered improved handling over rough terrain.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space, with high seating positions and plenty of legroom. The cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. The Hybrid model had slightly reduced cargo space. Storage options were plentiful, though lined with hard plastic, which could cause noise.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage. The SE trim included power-adjustable heated front seats and five USB ports. The interior featured clever storage solutions, such as a dashboard shelf and a centre console that could be accessed from both sides. The RAV4 offered 960 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of larger models like the CR-V. The cargo area provided 951 litres of space, expandable to 1,798 litres with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger displays and additional features available on higher trims. The EX-L trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved, it did not surpass competitors in terms of features or innovation.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and a subscription-based Voice Assistant. The RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with customizable displays and easy access to plug-in hybrid system data.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs enhanced occupant protection. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar systems for improved detection. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 also offered a safe exit alert and a surround-view camera system on higher trims. The redesign aimed to address previous crash protection shortcomings, though official ratings were pending.