4 Advantages the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Has Over the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, per Consumer Reports
Regarding compact SUVs with hybrid powertrains, some reviewers lean toward Toyota’s RAV4 model. That goes for both its regular and its Prime version as well. However, Honda’s CR-V is a tough competitor with its hybrid offering, so why should you choose the RAV4 Hybrid over the CR-V Hybrid? What do both offer, and what are the four reasons you should choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid over the Honda CR-V Hybrid?
What can you expect from the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid?
With the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, you get a 2.5-liter Inline-four hybrid engine setup that produces 219 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are paired with it, which is standard for the model. As for storage, you can expect around 37.6 cubic feet of space to haul your purchases or luggage.
As with all this brand’s models, you get the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. This gets you full-speed radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid model has a 2.0-liter Inline-four hybrid engine, generating 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a CVT and FWD as standard. However, you can pay more to upgrade it to AWD on any trim. It offers 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and has plenty of roominess in the cabin, including the rear seats. Taller adults can sit comfortably in the back on long road trips.
As for driver’s assistance features, the CR-V Hybrid has Honda’s Sensing suite of features. According to Kelley Blue Book, it includes lane-keeping assistance, a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and a collision mitigation braking system.
Both hybrid models have much to offer, but the RAV4 Hybrid has some features that set it apart from the CR-V Hybrid.
1. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is quicker and more fuel-efficient
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid powertrain generates a total of 219 hp between the gas engine and the electric motor combined. That gives it enough zip to go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is better than the 8.3 time the regular RAV4 gets. According to Consumer Reports, the Honda CR-V Hybrid struggled a bit when taking off with its 8.2-second acceleration time. Drivers will have to really press the pedal to get the engine to go.
Honda’s CR-V Hybrid has impressive fuel economy with a rating of 35 mpg overall but 37 mpg on the highway. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a little better fuel savings with 37 mpg combined. When traveling on the highway, the Toyota model can get 41 mpg. As for driving range, the CR-V Hybrid does OK with 495 miles on a single trip, but the RAV4 outshines it with 540 miles.
2. It has better handling than the CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid’s ride and handling experience are on par with Toyota for the most part. However, Consumer Reports felt the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s handling was just a bit better. Steering is very responsive, and the editors felt there was very little body lean when taking sharp turns in the Toyota model vs. the CR-V.
3. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid tows more weight
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can tow up to 1,500 lbs, which isn’t bad for a compact SUV. That can be a small trailer with two lightweight watercraft units or a rugged ATV model. With the Honda CR-V Hybrid, you have decent cargo space for storage, but you don’t even get a towing rating. That may be a deal-breaker for some people.
4. Toyota’s warranty offers more value than Honda’s
Both hybrid models offer decent coverage when it comes to protecting your investment. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a bit more, though, with its 10-year/150,000 miles for the hybrid battery system, which the automaker increased from the previous 8-year/100,000-mile warranty it originally had. It also offers a two-year/25,000-mile coverage for free maintenance.
Honda currently offers only an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the hybrid battery, but it also has a three-year/36,000-mile coverage for roadside assistance, which is more than what Toyota offers.
While both models are good ones to buy, deciding which one to get can be tricky. However, if you want a better warranty, good acceleration, better fuel economy, and decent handling, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid will have everything you need.
