Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4

The 2016 Honda CR-V outperforms the 2016 Toyota RAV4 when it comes to power, efficiency, space, technology, and safety, so it should come as no surprise that Boulder and Denver drivers are bypassing the RAV4 and heading to Fisher Honda. If you’re looking for a midsize crossover that’s able to handle everything that life could throw at you and your family, you’ll find what you’re searching for in the new CR-V.

Powertrains and MPG

Boulder and Denver drivers expect a crossover to provide the type of get-up-and-go power necessary to ensure a responsive drive, as well as confident off-roading, but still need their vehicle to remain efficient enough to work well during the working week.The 2016 Honda CR-V obliges with a state-of-the-art powertrain. It sees a 2.4L four-cylinder engine combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) across all trim levels, so you’ll make up to 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, all while ensuring up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway* with FWD.

The 2016 RAV4 falls short of those numbers, managing the unfortunate feat of offering less power while consuming more fuel. The 2.5L four-cylinder delivers just 176 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, but mileage peaks at an unimpressive 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Interior

Despite offering up to 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space, plus a low load floor to accommodate larger items, the 2016 Honda CR-V boasts up to 104.1 cubic feet of passenger space, so there’s plenty of room for all occupants to spread out; the 2016 Toyota RAV4’s volume comes in at 101.9.

The difference is particularly noticeable in the rear row. Like many other crossovers, the RAV4 cut corners by creating a rear row aimed mainly at younger passengers. In contrast, the CR-V is designed to take full-sized adults in both the front and rear without sacrificing their comfort.

• Rear Hip Room: Up to 53.1 inches in the 2016 CR-V vs. just 48.9 in the 2016 RAV4.
• Rear Head Room: Up to 38.6 inches in the 2016 CR-V vs. just 38.9 in the 2016 RAV4.
• Rear Leg Room: Up to 38.3 inches in the 2016 CR-V vs. just 37.2 in the 2016 RAV4.
• Rear Shoulder Room: Up to 56.4 inches in the 2016 CR-V vs. just 55.4 in the 2016 RAV4.

Comfort and Convenience Features

The 2016 Honda CR-V isn’t just more spacious than the 2016 Toyota RAV4 — it’s also far more impressively equipped. Many technologies are included that cannot be taken advantage of with the 2016 RAV4 at any price, with examples including:

• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines: The RAV4 also comes with a rearview camera, but it doesn’t offer the multiple viewing modes (Normal, Top-down, and Wide) provided by the CR-V’s superior alternative.

• HondaLink Next Generation: This feature allows you to connect compatible smartphones to the CR-V’s available 7-inch touchscreen.

• Honda LaneWatch: A small camera positioned beneath the passenger-side mirror provides a live feed of your blind spot whenever you signal to your left, allowing you to change lanes and merge with added peace of mind.

Safety Features

Both the 2016 Honda CR-V and the 2016 Toyota RAV4 are available with a comprehensive range of driver-assistance technologies, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist

However, the 2016 Honda CR-V has been designed to use Honda’s celebrated ACE engineering body structure. ACE stands for Advanced Compatibility Engineering, and it enables the body of a vehicle to crumple intelligently in the event of a collision, directing impact energy away from occupants as it does so.

The 2016 Honda CR-V Leaves the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Far, Far Behind

Comparing the 2016 Honda CR-V to the 2016 Toyota RAV4 isn’t really fair — they might both belong in the mid-size crossover class, but the RAV4 can’t keep up with the CR-V. If you want to see what the CR-V has to offer Boulder and Denver families, just come to Fisher Honda to arrange a test-drive in the outstanding CR-V.

* Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.