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The Toyota RAV4 is America’s most popular compact SUV model. How does it compete with one of the Honda CR-V’s upper trim levels? Time for 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium vs. 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium comes with plenty of standard features

A white 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium is parked outdoors.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium starts at $30,885. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 203 horsepower. The RAV4 XLE Premium achieves 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

The compact SUV comes standard with a soft-touch dash and armrests with stitched dash accents. It comes with a smart key system, automatic liftgate, and push-button start. The Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium features five USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet, and fabric-trimmed seats.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium also includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features standard Hill Start Assist Control, Trailer-Sway Control, and an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.

The 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L is well-equipped

A blue Honda CR-V is parked.
The Honda CR-V | Honda

The 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L starts at $31,500. It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 190 horsepower. The compact SUV gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The CR-V EX-L comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback, and a one-touch power moonroof. The compact SUV features push-button start, smart entry with walk-away auto-lock, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L includes several advanced safety features. It comes with a road departure mitigation system, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic monitor, and a collision mitigation braking system.

2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium vs. 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L

A white 2022 Toyota RAV4 compact SUV is driving off-road.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium is slightly more powerful than the 2022 Honda CR-V EX-L. Both compact SUV models have decent fuel economy. Both the RAV4 and Honda CR-V are Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice Award recipients. Car and Driver gives the Honda CR-V a 9/10 overall score. The RAV4 only got an 8.5 overall rating from the automotive publication.

Both upper trim level compact SUVs have refined cabins but the CR-V EX-L includes more premium cabin materials. The Honda CR-V is slightly more expensive but it seems to be the better buy for the money. That being said, both popular compact SUV models have been taking a backseat to the popular Hyundai Tucson recently. The Tucson is currently recognized as the best compact SUV on the market. It starts at $24,950.

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