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The 2023 Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling SUVs in its class. However, many people buy the Toyota RAV4 2023 for one big reason. Though both are considered quality vehicles, the new Toyota SUV is faster and more powerful. Of course, neither SUV was designed to win races, but some customers want a quicker acceleration time. 

Here’s a look into why the RAV4 2023 beats the latest CR-V from Honda. 

The Toyota RAV4 2023 is a faster SUV

2023 Honda CR-V on a dirt road
2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

The new RAV4 from Toyota is both more powerful and more fun to drive than the Honda CR-V 2023. According to Car and Driver, the Toyota SUV has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 203 horsepower. This front-wheel drive vehicle uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver power. In addition, Toyota offers an optional all-wheel drive version of the RAV4. 

The Honda CR-V 2023 comes standard with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 190. The Honda option uses a continuously variable transmission, which not everyone is a fan of. Regarding speed, the RAV4 Toyota goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8 seconds, while it takes the latest CR-V 8.7 seconds. Though not a huge difference, it’s still a faster SUV, with some trims even quicker. 

For those unsure about buying a brand-new SUV, the RAV4 2022 and the CR-V 2022 have nearly identical performance specifications to the new models. This is also true for both vehicles’ acceleration times. It should also be noted that the RAV4 2023 beats the new CR-V regarding fuel consumption. It’s a small victory, but less is always more regarding this category. 

As a plus, the 2023 RAV4 has a better interior than the 2023 Honda CR-V 

2023 Toyota RAV4 interior
2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

Though not the most significant reason some buyers choose the new RAV4 over the CR-V, the Toyota option has an arguably better interior. Inside, the Toyota SUV is all about comfort and efficiency. The base trim is pretty bare, but things get really interesting with the upper trims. All trims of the RAV4 2023 have an immense amount of storage. 

Regarding interior technology, this Toyota SUV has changed from the RAV4 2022. The previous model came standard with a seven-inch touchscreen. However, the newest edition has a standard eight-inch with the option to upgrade to a 10.5-inch. The setup also includes a WiFi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

The RAV4 is also a little cheaper than the Honda CR-V 2023

2023 Toyota RAV4 in Blue comes to the 2022 RAV4
2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

In addition to offering better performance, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a tad cheaper than the Honda option. While not the most significant difference, the new RAV4 starts at $27,975, whereas the CR-V 2023 starts at $28,410. Of course, this is before any changes are made to the base models of each vehicle. Again, for those hesitant about a new SUV, the 2022 RAV4 comes at a fairly reasonable price but will be far from the cheapest SUV. 

Both the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Honda CR-V are excellent vehicles. However, the Toyota option might be better for those wanting a slightly faster option. Making matters better, it’ll also help drivers save a little at the fuel pump. 

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