COMPARO: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota Rav-4 -- Battle of the Compact SUV's

 CR-V VS RAV-4:

The Toyota-Honda rivalry is nothing new. It's been going on for decades, and every time Honda releases a new Accord, Toyota pulls out a new Corolla. When Toyota brought back their classic sports car, the Supra, Honda couldn't help but heavily update their own sports car, the highly-acclaimed Civic Type-R. So yeah, they have each others number. I and others in the auto journalism field have been vocal about a having a preference of Honda over Toyota, but Toyota is set on shaking up things, and have made some good moves as of late. Let's get into this!                                                                                                                   

HONDA CR-V:                                                                      The CR-V has long been the compact SUV to buy. It boasts clever packaging, tidy looks, driving enjoyability, ample cargo space, a handsome interior, competitive acceleration, and  a low maintenance cost. These reasons, among others, led Motor Trend magazine to name it its best SUV of 2017. What makes this achievement even more impressive is the competition. It edged out a sublime Alfa Romeo, a excellent Land Rover, a ultra-luxurious Volvo a well-rounded Subaru, and a gritty Chevrolet 8-seater to the prize. A Motor Trend staffer praised the CR-V, saying it is a: "Supreme example of calm, confident composure that delivers in all categories. Editor Alisa Priddle chimed in: "Others might excel in certain fields, but others don't put the whole package together the way the Honda CR-V does" Christan Seabaugh also had a high opinion: "If you're buying a family crossover, I'm not sure why you would consider anything other than the Honda CR-V, it checks all the boxes" Now for my opinion. The Honda CR-V is fantastic. It's well rounded to the point it doesn't matter what you need in an SUV, the Honda has it. I think very highly of the CR-V, but it has some company, the overhauled Toyota RAV-4. 

TOYOTA RAV-4:

After reading the above paragraph, you might think: "No chance Toyota can match that." Turns out, the RAV-4 is nothing short of down-right impressive. Toyota took an ugly, boring vehicle, and tossed it in the trash. Nothing remains. Toyota knew they had to step up their game, and did so magnificently. The RAV-4 took first blood, with its engine producing a notable 13 horsepower over the Honda. The Rav-4 also has better fuel efficiency, with a marvelous 28-35 mpg compared to the CR-V's 26-34. MSRPs are close, with each starting at around $25K. Both vehicles offer a hybrid variant, with each costing around $28K. Edmunds Car-buying service points out that the Toyota is a "Compelling hybrid that offers exceptional economy and practicality" However, the RAV-4 falls short in several categories that the Honda excels in. It's a major improvement, but it's not enough.

VERDICT:

You gotta give Toyota credit for making the RAV-4 competitive again, but Honda wins this matchup. Again. Yeah, Honda has kinda become like the LA Lakers of the car industry. Win everything, no sweat.     Although the Toyota is a interesting choice that will leave no one regretting it, the CR-V is just head and shoulders above it. I strongly recommend the Honda, it will leave no buyers wanting.

    SPECS: 

    MPG:   Toyota wins with 28-35 mpg.                                     MSRP: Honda wins with $25,000                                    HP: Toyota wins with 203 hp.                                                   MT RATING:  Honda wins with 9/10