2019 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Honda CR-V
The small SUV segment is rich with rivals, each of them offering some specific edge over the other. When it comes to the 2019 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Honda CR-V, the competition is fierce and balanced. Both options are capable, stylish, and long celebrated in the compact SUV class. While the RAV4 provides a bit of off-roading capability, the CR-V focuses more on city driving and fuel-efficiency. Depending on your specific driving needs, one of these vehicles will pull away slightly ahead of the other, but there is no doubt that this race continues to be a close one.
As with most car shopping, the decision is determined by priority: performance, technology, fuel economy. Timing, in this case, is a consideration. While the 2018 Honda CR-V is available now, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 will not be released until late winter 2018.
Size Comparison
Between the 2019 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2018 Honda CR-V, the all-new 5th generation RAV4, which is longer than its predecessor, manages to both stretch and stand a bit taller than the CR-V. However, aside from those two measurements, the two are practically matched elsewhere.
Specific dimensions between the two are as follows:
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | 2018 Honda CR-V | |
| Wheelbase | 105.9'' | 104.7'' |
| Length | 180.0'' | 108.6'' |
| Width | 73.0'' | 73.0'' |
| Height | 66.9'' | 66.5'' |
Cargo dimensions are also similar. We're waiting for official specs for the 2019 RAV4; however, last year's model measured 38/73 cubic feet, which falls slightly shy of the CR-V's 37.6/39.2/75.8 cubic feet. So, if you need to cram that extra bit of cargo into your compact SUV, given current specs, the CR-V is the better choice.
Interior Differences
In addition to its larger size when compared to last year's model, the 2019 RAV4 offers more cargo space, certainly, but also some interior details that are worth mentioning. For instance, the new floating touchscreen, which features the most up-to-date version of Toyota's Entune 3.0 system, comes in two sizes. Standard screens measures seven inches, while an eight-inch version is optional. Whichever size you prefer, you?ll be able to access Apple CarPlay, along with Verizon-powered WiFi, and connectivity courtesy of Amazon Alexa.
Boasting one of the most spacious interiors in the class, the 2018 Honda CR-V consistently earns top marks for quality, comfort, and sophistication from industry experts and consumer reviewers, alike. Although the CR-V also features a 7.0-inch touchscreen, similar to the RAV4, Honda does not offer a WiFi hotspot in the vehicle. However, Honda does offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as options like HD Radio, Pandora, and SiriusXM satellite radio via its exclusive HondaLink system.
Technology and connectivity really falls in favor of the 2019 RAV4 compared to the 2018 CR-V. So, if these are priorities for you, you'll want to consider the RAV4 as soon as it?s released this coming winter.
Performance
Power to the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes from one of two available engines. Gasoline-powered models rely on the Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four cylinder, equipped with VVT-iE and paired to an 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission. All four of the hybrid variants feature a Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) engine, equipped with an Electronically-Controlled Continuously-Variable Transmission (ECVT).
For the 2019 model year, the RAV4 offers three unique AWD systems; Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect; AWD-i on the hybrids, and non-Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system for gasoline-powered models.
Relying on the Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect is an effective way to access better handling, thanks to the system's ability to send 50% of engine torque to the back wheels and redistribute it to wheels on either side, when necessary.
In addition, fuel efficiency increases because the new AWD design is also able to adapt power, dependent on road conditions. Actual fuel efficiency numbers have yet to be released; however, given this new AWD system, it?s fair to imagine that we?ll see an improvement over the 2018's rating of 23 city and 30 highway mpg.
Similar in spirit, the CR-V also offers two engine choices. Standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring models, the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Standard on the LX, but available on other trims, the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is able to produce 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy from the 1.5-liter (2WD) is estimated at 28 city/34 highway/30 mpg combined, with AWD returning 27 city/33 highway/29 mpg combined. As expected, fuel efficiency numbers from the larger 2.4-liter drop slightly overall, at 26 city/32 highway/38 mpg combined in 2WD, with AWD offering 25 city/31 highway/27 mpg combined.
Pricing
Although pricing still has not yet been released for the 2019 Toyota RAV4, the 2018 Honda CR-V is priced between $24,250 - $34,150. However, based on last year's RAV4 model, pricing started at $24,660, topping out around $35,000. In other words, the price points are comparable and arguably will remain so following the 2019 RAV4's release in late 2018. If you're hoping to use price points as your deciding factor, you'll likely need to include another metric as the tie-breaker.
Which is Right for You?
Compact SUVs continue to be popular and Toyota's RAV4 and Honda's CR-V are among the two most sought after. Choosing between them likely requires a test drive in order to experience the real differences behind the wheel.
But, if driving the latest and (arguably) greatest is a priority for you, the 2019 RAV4 is where you'll want to focus your shopping efforts. If you need a classy commuter car that handles the challenges of city driving with ease and comfort, the CR-V is a compelling choice in this crowded class. Given that the 2018 CR-V can?t quite compete with the 2019 RAV4's reported technology and connectivity, the RAV4 might prove more beneficial in the long run.
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