Compact crossover SUVs are immensely popular these days — but two models that helped pioneer the segment in the 1990s are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Decades later, they continue to be fierce rivals and compete to be the top-selling model in the segment. However, now, there is one big reason the 2023 Honda CR-V is better than the 2023 Toyota RAV4: an excellent redesign. 

Unlike the 2023 Toyota RAV4, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a redesign

In order to stay competitive, car models get redesigned from time to time. It varies for each model, but on average, vehicles have a complete overhaul every five or six years. And the 2023 Honda CR-V greatly impresses with its all-new design. Conversely, the RAV4 hasn’t been redesigned in several years. The current 5th-generation RAV4 started production in 2018. As a result, the all-new CR-V, now in its 6th generation, has a more modern look than the RAV4.

Drawing inspiration from the award-winning 11th-generation Honda Civic, the 2023 CR-V features an exterior that nicely blends sophistication with ruggedness. A standout feature is the large upright grille. Also, the long hood and sleek roofline add an element of sportiness. Additionally, there’s a strong horizontal beltline, which extends from the LED headlights to the rear of the crossover SUV to meet up with the stylish signature vertical LED taillights.

Furthermore, the CR-V has door-mounted mirrors and repositioned A-pillars — and both of these upgrades help improve visibility. Also, it offers new wheel designs, with 19-inch versions for the top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid trim and 18-inch ones for the EX, EX-L, and Sport Hybrid trims.

2023 CR-V is larger than the previous year — and offers more interior space than the 2023 RAV4

With the redesign, the 2023 Honda CR-V had a growth spurt. The benefit of the crossover SUV’s size increase is the CR-V offers more interior space than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Both vehicles can seat up to five people, but the CR-V has a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. The CR-V also provides more legroom than the RAV4, especially for the rear seats. It offers 41.3/41.0 inches of front/rear legroom, while the RAV4 has 41.0/37.8 inches.

Another benefit of the roomier interior of the CR-V is storage space. It has a rear cargo capacity of 39.3 — and with the rear seats folded down, it opens up to 76.5 cu-ft. In comparison, the RAV4 has a rear cargo capacity of 37.6 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft.

The cabin of the 2023 CR-V is more luxurious than in the 2023 RAV4

The stylish redesign of the 2023 CR-V continues into the interior. Compared to the 2023 RAV4, the cabin for the CR-V is more luxurious. It has an upscale look and feel that you’d expect to see for a marque luxury crossover SUV, but not a mainstream model like the CR-V. Plus, the cabin of the CR-V has modernistic styling, while the RAV4 could use an overhaul.

Furthermore, the CR-V offers some comfort and convenience features that you can’t get for the RAV4. Examples include front stabilizing seats for a more comfortable ride — and an entry and exit system, which slides the driver’s seat back. Also, for ease in changing the cargo and seating configuration, the CR-V has automatic rear folding seats. 

With the superb redesign, there’s one big reason the 2023 Honda CR-V is better than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. When deciding which crossover SUV to get, this is an important consideration.