A comparison of the 2020Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 hybrids
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the brand’s best-selling hybrid, with 2019 sales outpacing even those of the Prius. It provides significantly higher fuel economy — an estimated 40 mpg combined — than the regular RAV4 SUV with minimal compromise.
There is a new alternative for shoppers to consider, however: the Honda CR-V Hybrid. The 2020model year is the first time Honda has offered a hybrid version of its top-selling SUV. The regular CR-V also happens to be Edmunds’ top-rated nonhybrid SUV, considerably outranking the regular RAV4.
Is the CR-V’s all-around goodness enough to overcome Toyota’s hybrid expertise? Edmunds’ team of expert reviewers compare
the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid to determine a winner.
Price and fuel economy
Toyota and Honda ask for a modest premium, just under $3,000, for the hybrid versions
of their popular SUVs. Starting at $29,870, including destination, the CR-V Hybrid runs neck and neck with the RAV4Hybrid, which starts at $29,675. Pricing is similar even when you look at a fully loaded model. Both of these hybrid SUVs come standard
with all-wheel drive.
The EPA estimates that the CR-V Hybrid will get 38 mpg in combined driving. But in our real-world testing evaluation, we had difficulty replicating the EPA number. Our test CR-V Hybrid ended up getting 32 mpg overall. In contrast, we found it easier to get close to the RAV4 Hybrid’s EPA estimate of 40 mpg combined. Our test RAV4 Hybrid posted 36 mpg.
RAV4 Hybrid
WINNER » Interior accommodations
The RAV4 Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid offer spacious interiors with ample room for both front and rear seat passengers. Both are easy to get in and out of and offer good visibility thanks to their elevated driving positions.
These small SUVs also boast tons of practicality. But the Toyota offers greater cargo capacity — 37.6 cubic feet compared to the CR-V Hybrid’s 33.2 cubic feet — as well as rear seats that are easier to raise and lower.
Toyota has placed numerous bins and shelves inside the cabin for storage of small items.