The highly competitive compact SUV segment has seen a large increase in popularity over the past few years, with the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4 being the two most popular options year over year in Canada. This comparison will focus on these two best selling SUVs to see how they compare in 2021. 

Comparison Chart

As you can see, the CR-V and Rav4 are extremely comparable. This is done intentionally as both vehicles are consistently among the best selling SUVs in Canada. Both vehicles have near identical engines and fuel economy with the RAV 4 offering a slightly lower price. 

To justify the increase in price the Honda CR-V boasts a better reliability rating and uses its space in a much more efficient way. The CR-V’s groundbreaking design offers up to 6 more cubic feet of storage with the seats down, making the crucial difference of a half a dozen hockey bags or a large piece of furniture actually fitting into your SUV without it hanging out the back of the vehicle. 

Furthermore, this design philosophy also applies to the seating area of the CR-V. A difference in passenger space of 4 cubic feet means the rear seats of the CR-V are 3 inches wider than the Rav 4 and offer more leg space and headroom for all 5 occupants. A lower rear load height makes packing large objects in and out the CR-V a breeze and crowns the CR-V as the all around utility winner of the two SUVs. Finally, the rear doors of the CR-V open much wider compared to the Rav4, which makes loading in car seats or anything that won’t fit in the back much easier for CR-V owners.

The interiors of the CR-V and Rav4 have a similar feel but the CR-V has the advantage of having soft touch materials on the dash compared to the hard plastic materials that finish the Rav4. This brings value across all trim levels, and makes the CR-V feel much more luxurious than its price tag would indicate. 

When looking at specific trim levels, the value of the CR-V really starts to shine. Comparing the EX CR-V and XLE Rav4 (both are 1 level above the base trim) shows the CR-V offering exclusive safety features like the Road Departure Mitigation System with Braking, and a laundry-list of convenience features like heated front seats, built in remote engine start, and Walk Away Auto Lock for no extra charge. These are all features that aren’t offered on the 2021 XLE Rav4.

Both the Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4 are great compact SUVs that earn their reputation as the best selling compacts in Canada. With these vehicles being so competitive across the board, personal preference, and the way the vehicle drives and feels will be a deciding factor for many compact SUV shoppers. To experience the Honda CR-V for yourself, give us a call or drop by our showroom.  Or check out our latest article covering why right now is the best time to trade in your used vehicle to get absolute top value for it.