Comparison: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

2023 marks an important year for the Honda CR-V. Not only is it the start of a new model generation, 6th to be exact, but it’s also the first hybrid CR-V. At least for us here in Canada. So to find out how good it is, I decided to compare it against the benchmark of hybrid compact crossover SUVs; the 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid.

Unlike the gasoline-only version of the CR-V, the 2023 CR-V Hybrid uses a naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which is aided by electric motors. This powertrain has a total output of 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque (152 kW & 334 Nm). On its own, the engine produces 145 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque (108 kW & 187 Nm). This hybrid powertrain can only tow 1,000 lbs, 500 lbs less than the gasoline-only version.

The 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid uses a larger 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with aid from electric motors. Its total output is 219 hp (163 kW) but Toyota doesn’t like to publish torque figures for the total output. What I can tell you is that the engine produces 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque (131 kW & 221 Nm) while the electric motors produce 149 lb-ft and 89 lb-ft of torque (202 Nm & 121 Nm). It has one motor next to the engine and one mounted in the back to power the rear wheels. Towing capacity is higher than the CR-V Hybrid at 1,750 lbs.
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Vehicles provided by @HondaCanadaInc & @ToyotaCanada
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#Comparison #HondaCRVHybrid #ToyotaRav4Hybrid #Hybrid #HondaCRV #ToyotaRav4 #Honda #Toyota #TestDrive
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Other vehicles mentioned in this review
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0:00 Intro - Don't Forget to Subscribe :)
1:00 Performance - Which one is more efficient?
6:49 Comfort - Which one is more spacious?
9:21 Odds and Ends - How much do they cost?
12:56 Conclusion - Is the CR-V better than the Rav4?

[NellWhatcott]

Just ordered the CRV. Did my homework and it was by far the best for me.

[smr]

I just got CRV Hybrid Touring & I am very pleased to watch your comparison. Good Job 👌

[KUSHGPATEL]

Just design wise, that CRV is the most beautiful suv ever

[aquarius]

I have a RAV4 XSE hybrid that I purchased new last year. The CRV interior is what I wished my interior looked like. It’s so luxe while my RAV4 looks very plain/utilitarian. I do prefer the exterior body style of mine over the CRV though. Hopefully Toyota will work on classing up their interiors.

[jeschr]

the crv looks much better than the rav4

[caohoangtran]

You car review is not lengthy but very clear and detailed on each topic. Very beautiful image.Thank you very much. Hi. I’m from Vietnam.

[pdbordelon]

Just bought a 2024 Honda CRV Hybrid Sport (non-touring) yesterday and love it! I looked hard at the Rav-4 and like many things about it better than the Honda but ultimately I went with the Honda.It's an amazing car and if it proves to be reliable it will be well worth the $40k price tag.

[klaseronen]

First time watching your review, excellent work, thank you! Best regards from Finland. ☀️🇫🇮

[irl-hdr]

I really liked the style of your review. Particularly the portion devoted to comfort. I have a bad back, so it’s a big priority for me

[doseofdoug]

great comparison.. thank you. I’m seriously considering either one this week.. thank you

[bill.godwin-austen]

One other difference that wasn't mentioned: Due to the location of the battery pack in each of the vehicles, the RAV4 has room under the rear storage area for a spare tire (it's only the small, temporary "space saver", but still a tire), the CR-V doesn't have room for any form of spare and has only the pretty much useless "tire repair kit". For me, in any car, that's pretty close to a show stopper.

[kbatchva]

No spare tire in the Honda CRV is a deal breaker for me. Hard to go anyplace with a flat and the RAV4 has one and will leave the Honda by the side of the road. In the end, it's what gets you to where you are going that matters and the Honda will leave you flat!

[tomfaro]

If I want to buy either one of them how do buy one? Unable and 3 to 5 step over msrp if you can find one

[aleksandarcojic]

I'm currently looking at hybrid models from both Toyota and Honda as my new car. Here in BC, Canada, Rav4 in inventory is with approx. 23% mark up over MSRP, while CR-V is sold at MSRP

[debkleinschmidt]

I drove a 2021 Rav4 hybrid and my husband had to squeeze into it. He had lots of room in the 2024 CRV.

[raedkhmous]

Nice review , would you compare with nissan rogue hybrid?

[dougd]

Great detailed review. I’m considering either of the two. Thank you.

[brucekocka]

Overall the CRV was a no brainer for me the 24 models added a middle model that fit my needs and was a little less expensive. Plus you can test drive one not so at the Toyota dealer plus no waiting list.

[matt]

The RAV4 uses port and direct fuel injection which allows fuel to wash over the back of the intake valves. This process keeps the valves clean and prevents them from getting carbon build up. The CRV only uses direct injection. Without the intake valves having fuel wash over them, carbon will build up over time. This can cause issues like poor fuel economy, misfires, and possibly turbo damage if not addressed. Yes, the CRV uses a small turbo engine. My choice was based on reliability, longevity, and low maintenance. The RAV4 all the way!

[EverythingsFine]

Has anyone else noticed that many car reviewers claim to be taller than they actually are? I think they do this to make the vehicles seem more spacious when they're filming in them. When this reviewer said "my 6'4" frame", I thought sure, tell me another one. But then standing beside the CR-V, he really is.