The Toyota RAV4 is not only the world’s best-selling compact crossover SUV, but it’s also the best-selling SUV overall. The second best-selling SUV is the Honda CR-V. There are multiple advantages of the RAV4 that enable it to rise to the top. Here are three reasons to buy a 2022 Toyota RAV4, and not a 2022 Honda CR-V.

2022 Toyota RAV4 delivers better performance than the 2022 Honda CR-V

The first reason why you should buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V is its better performance. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the RAV4 churns out 203 hp, and the hybrid powertrain in the RAV4 Hybrid doles out 219 hp. In comparison, the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the CR-V produces 190 hp, and the hybrid powertrain in the CR-V Hybrid generates 212 hp. 

For even greater performance, the RAV4 offers the RAV4 Prime. Its plug-in hybrid system generates an impressive output of 308 hp. The RAV4 Prime is very fast, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of only 5.5 seconds. In comparison, the lowest 0-60 mph time that the CR-V achieves is 7.8 seconds.

RAV4 provides better off-road and all-weather driving capabilities than the CR-V

The second reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V is its superior off-road capabilities. While both the RAV4 and CR-V offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 is a much better choice for traversing challenging terrain. 

For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the CR-V (up to 8.6 inches vs. 8.2 inches). High ground clearance is crucial for off-road use, for it makes it much easier to drive over uneven surfaces and rocky terrain. Secondly, unlike the CR-V, the RAV4 offers an off-road-focused model with the TRD Off-Road. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road is ready to head far off the beaten path with its beefy off-road tires and off-road-tuned suspension.

Even if you never head off-road, these positive attributes of the RAV4 are beneficial for on-road driving. Not every road has a smooth surface, and at some point, most drivers encounter roads with rough patches, such as broken concrete and potholes. Also, for all-weather driving capabilities, including driving on snowy and icy roads, the RAV4 is the better choice. 

2022 RAV4, but not the 2022 CR-V, has a free maintenance plan

The third reason to buy the 2022 Toyota RAV4 instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V is its free maintenance plan. It’s important to keep your car well-maintained to maximize its reliability and longevity. Proper maintenance also helps ensure that your car is in a safe working condition. Unfortunately, maintenance can be expensive. However, with the ToyotaCare free maintenance plan for the RAV4, maintaining your vehicle is a more affordable proposition.

ToyotaCare provides no-cost maintenance for two years and 25,000 miles. It includes engine oil and filter changes, tires rotations, multi-point inspections, and topping off of the fluids. Unlike the RAV4, the CR-V doesn’t offer a free maintenance plan.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has advantages for performance, off-road and all-weather driving capabilities, and a free maintenance plan. These advantages give the 2022 RAV4 the edge for buying it instead of the 2022 Honda CR-V.