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Do you want to get behind the wheel of either the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda HR-V? Find out how the two small crossover SUVs measure up in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda HR-V head-to-head comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda HR-V: What are the differences?

Side view of Cavalry Blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV
Cavalry Blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Performance

Gray 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV with sunset in the background
Modern Steel Metallic 2023 Honda HR-V | Honda

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). In comparison, all U.S.-spec 2023 Honda HR-V models come equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 158 horsepower.

While the RAV4 has more powerful engine options, the HR-V is more maneuverable. This is due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and tighter turning circle.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the RAV4 has the advantage. The fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the HR-V has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Towing

If you need a crossover SUV that can tow, then the 2023 RAV4 is the better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the 2023 HR-V is not rated for towing.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 is better for off-road use. For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the HR-V (up to 8.6 vs. 7.3 inches). Also, unlike the HR-V, the RAV4 has off-road models with the Woodland Edition, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 RAV4 is bigger than the 2023 HR-V, resulting in marginally more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the HR-V has a total passenger volume of 98.7 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and HR-V have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both crossover SUVs offer free maintenance, with a 2-year/25,000-mile plan for the RAV4 and a 2-year/24,000-mile plan for the HR-V.

RAV4 vs. HR-V: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 HR-V? The starting price of the 2023 HR-V ranges from $23,650 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,450 MSRP for the EX-L trim. 

For the 2023 RAV4, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 RAV4 will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda HR-V: Which crossover is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Honda HR-V comparison, the 2023 RAV4 has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for its more powerful engines, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and interior space. Conversely, the 2023 HR-V has the advantage for maneuverability.

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