Big Best Sellers! 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2026 Honda CR-V

Well, it doesn’t get any bigger than this! This is the all-new Toyota RAV4 and the updated Honda CR-V, and while they’re not the largest in terms of actual size, they are sales volume leaders. That’s right: these two will sell about 1 million units combined in the next year, which is what makes this comparison so important. So, which of these is the best pick for you in a 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2026 Honda CR-V battle? And which one deserves to be in your driveway? Let’s find out!

Exterior Design

But let’s start by jumping into the exteriors, where you can see lots of differences right from the start. The CR-V continues to have a modest and somewhat sporty appearance, while the new RAV4 gets a lot of rugged flair from the 4Runner. As you can see, it’s quite boxy and this Limited trim uses a mostly body-colored grille with special silver accents. We don’t score the appearance of vehicles in our comparisons, but we’d love to hear what you guys think in the comments below.

What we do score are all the various features and differences, so let’s start with the headlights. These are completely LED arrangements for both models, including the turn signals, but only the RAV4’s are projector-LED’s and only it adds fog lights.

From the sides, you might be able to tell that the RAV4 didn’t grow much at all for this new generation, which means that the CR-V maintains about a 4-inch advantage. We will see later if that greater length can translate to more interior space. 

Length: 184.8-inches (CR-V) | 181.0-inches (RAV4)

The Toyota has a 1-inch advantage when it comes to the wheels, where it is rocking new 20-inch alloys instead of 19’s like the CR-V and most of the segment.

Out back, we have each brand’s modern design and the same kinds of features. One thing all versions of the CR-V are missing, though, is an LED turn signal in the taillight cluster.

The Honda has integrated exhaust tips in the bumper, if you prefer that design cue, but if you’re ever planning to do much towing, the RAV4 is the way to go. This new generation can haul up to 3,500 lbs with AWD, while the CR-V requests you keep things under 1,000 lbs.

Headed on to the mirrors, each of them features heating and blind-spot monitoring, and as far as the other important active safety features, all are also included here as well, to help you avoid crashes. 

That concludes the outside, so now let’s move on to the interiors and see how functional and feature-filled they are.

Interior Design

Heading to the interiors, both crossovers feature smart entry systems and similar key fob designs with support for remote start. 

After opening the doors, you’ll find cabins that have very few similarities, especially when it comes to design. Let’s start with the seats, though, as always. Our CR-V has the two-tone gray and black real leather seating, while even the top RAV4 uses a faux leather that Toyota calls SofTex. Both seats have 10 ways of power adjustment with 2-way lumbar support, memory and seat heating, but if you live in a warm climate, it’s noteworthy that only the RAV4 offers ventilated seats.

Next up, let’s get into the broad category of material quality, which we divide into solidity and material selections. In the first category, Honda does the better job of making the interior feel solid in construction and sturdy when you press on the materials or do things like close the door. And, when it comes to material selections, the same thing applies. While neither occupies the top spots in the segment, the CR-V uses more soft-touch plastics in places like the upper dash, and there are piano black accents instead of plain matte plastics.

Once you fire up the two crossovers, you’ll find digital gauge clusters on both models this year, although the RAV4’s is a couple inches larger and has more customization options. Neither model has a heads-up display as shown today, but one is offered on the Toyota.

Pulling back to the steering wheels, we have leatherette-wrapped, manual-adjusting wheels, with plenty of easy-to-use buttons. Both steering wheels are heated, and the wipers are rain-sensing. 

Storage and Technology

Next up in our evaluation is storage, where both models deliver far more than you would expect for compact SUV’s. We’re going to look at both the console and the multi-use cubbies in the dash and starting with the console; Honda still maintains the advantage over even this new RAV4 with an enormous center console. The RAV4’s is a little narrower, but that’s likely due to a trick it has up its sleeve. Its lid can flip upside down and turn into a table for something like eating. But when we leave the console, the roles reverse, since it’s the RAV4 with more storage bins and deeper ones, especially the passenger storage shelf that CR-V doesn’t offer.

Both have plenty of USB ports around and wireless charging pads, but this Limited RAV4 now includes TWO charging pads side-by-side.

Moving on from that, this top trim of the Toyota uses an electronic shifter, but regardless of shifter, reverse gear will reveal another Toyota tech advantage: the CR-V does not offer a 360-degree camera system like the RAV4 has long done. Also, new for 2026, the Toyota’s camera has some better views, including a 3D semi-transparent spin.

Moving up the dashboard, next we have climate controls. Both have two-zone automatic but the new RAV4 loses the large physical temperature knobs in favor of small buttons and controls in the touch screen. This makes the CR-V’s climate easier to adjust while driving.

However, they both have physical volume knobs for the audio systems. In the RAV4, you get a JBL 9-speaker system, whereas in the loaded CR-V you get a 12-speaker Bose sound system. With those 3 extra speakers, the Honda does indeed offer better audio quality for those concerned.

HR-V: 9-Speaker JBL Audio

CR-V: 12-speaker Bose CenterPoint Audio

Infotainment-wise, they both see some big upgrades for 2026. The CR-V moves to a standard 9-inch screen on all trims… BUT that’s still smaller than the smallest screen offered on the new RAV4. Most trims of it come with a 10.5-inch screen, but this Limited has an even larger 12.9-inch display.

These larger displays have Toyota’s new multimedia infotainment system, with new functions such as a customizable home screen and widgets. Both crossovers have wireless ACP and AA, as well as built in navigation, but one thing to note is that the Honda now has Google Built In on this trim, meaning it has native access to Google Maps and other Google apps.

Wrapping up the front of the cabins, they both have auto-dimming mirrors, although the RAV4 has HomeLink garage door openers and a rear camera system.

Additionally, you will find a panoramic moonroof on the Toyota, which is not offered at all on the Honda.

Rear Seats and Cargo

Now let’s head into the rear seats and the cargo areas, which are also very important and different between the two. If you remember from the exterior part, the CR-V continues to have a length advantage over the new RAV4, and that extra length also translates into superior back seat space. The Honda has 8% more legroom, which can clearly be seen with the driver seat adjusted to the same 5’8” driving position. Headroom is actually in the RAV4’s favor though, but not by greater than a 5% difference required to score a point.

CR-V: Legroom: 41.0-inches | Headroom: 38.2-inches

RAV4: 37.8 inches for legroom | Headroom: 39.5-in

As far as the features back here, it goes back and forth. The CR-V allows for tons of reclining and adjustment, while the RAV4 just reclines a small amount. Both have vents and USB-C ports for changing phones, but only the Toyota offers heated back seats.

For the door trims, Toyota follows through with the same materials from the front, while the Honda switches it to mostly hard-touch plastic.

Now let’s pop open the hands-free power tailgates and discuss the space we have inside. 

Those with larger space demands will appreciate the CR-V’s additional 8.3% more maximum cargo capacity, when the back seats are folded down. However, in odd twist, when the seats are upright, it’s the RAV4 that has more space, also by 8%. So, the best way to think about this is to consider if you usually haul things with people in the back seats or not.

Also, consider how important a spare tire is to you, since only the RAV4 has one.

CR-V: Behind 2nd row: 34.7 cubic feet | Max: 76.5 cu.ft

RAV4: Behind 2^nd row: 37.8 cubic feet | 70.4 cu.ft with the seats folded

Alright, we’re done with the interiors now, but some of the most important things to consider take place on the test drive, so let’s take this fight to the streets!

Powertrains

So, when we pop open the hoods or head out on the road, you will immediately see just how much powertrains have changed in the last few years. What I mean by that, is that only a short time ago hybrids were niche, but now two of the most popular vehicles in the U.S are largely hybrids. As a matter of fact, this new RAV4 is exclusively Hybrid, and the CR-V is also hybrid-only for most of the trims. The CR-V’s hybrid system uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and electric components to make 204 hp, while the new RAV4 uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder with electric componentry to make 236 hp. Thats a big step up over the previous gen and makes it quicker than the CR-V and other rivals 

CR-V Hybrid: 2.0L I-4 + 2 electric motors: 204 hp | 247 lb.ft | 0-60 MPH (Car & Driver): 7.9s

RAV4 Hybrid: 2.5L I-4 + 2 electric motors: 236 hp | — lb.ft | 0-60 MPH (Car & Driver): 7.1s

Transmission-wise, we have an eCVT in the RAV4 and direct drive that behaves like an eCVT for the hybrid CR-V. Overall performance in both is responsive, and power is routed to the ground via all-wheel-drive systems as equipped.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

Ride and handling are strong for both models, but the CR-V will outmaneuver the RAV4 when it comes to handling. Honda has done a tremendous job of controlling body roll and having light enough steering for everyday driving but also accurate enough to be fun.

For ride quality, we would say that they are about equal. Both do a great job of canceling out all but the largest bumps, and we were especially pleased with the new RAV4’s performance here because it has larger wheels than the CR-V.

Now out on the highway, sound isolation is important, which is why we take sound-level readings of every vehicle we test here at Car Confections. Scientifically speaking, most people cannot discern a difference of less than 1 dB between sounds, and as you can see, there’s more of a difference than that. But before jumping to conclusions, the RAV4’s sample was taken in Arizona on a recent press event, which means the rating is unofficial for now until we get one back home in Kentucky.

CR-V: 55.8 dB @ 55 MPH

RAV4: 58.7 dB @ 55 MPH

Lastly, let’s get into fuel economy. The CR-V fuel economy is impressive, at 37 MPG combined, but the RAV4 5th gen hybrid system will really impress you. This Limited trim is rated at 42 MPG combined with AWD, which is about 13% better fuel economy than the CR-V Hybrid. The same goes for highway and city ratings.

By the way, if you’re not ready to adopt a hybrid yet and prefer the choice, the CR-V has a regular gas option, but only in the lower trims.

CR-V Hybrid:  40/34/37 MPG

RAV4 Hybrid: 44/39/42 MPG

Resale & Reliability

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which considers several studies from trustworthy sources, and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, both rate exceptionally high. Honda rated 13 spots above industry average giving it, and Toyota 2 slots higher still, as the industry leader. 

Related to that, they have the same warranty coverage, but Honda has one year of complimentary maintenance compared to Toyota’s two.

CR-V: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 1 yr

RAV4: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2 yrs

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, Honda has the highest value in the entire auto industry, at 64.79% expected retained value. Toyota is extremely close behind at 64.5% after 5 years and 60,000 miles. This is too close to award any points.

And if you’d like to check out all our data about reliability and resale values, as well as learn about our methodology, make sure to head to carconfections.com/resale and /reliability. Buying a car is a big decision, and this is a great place to compare all the makes you might be cross-shopping.

Price Assessment

Now let’s look at pricing.

The CR-V, as you would expect, has a bit of a price increase for the 2026 changes it gets. Its fully loaded Sport Touring rings in at $43,645. Now for the RAV4, Toyota has not yet released its official pricing figures. To give you an idea of what you could expect, the current 2025 model would cost $45,769 as we have this 2026 equipped today. We expect the price to increase over the 2025 by at least $1,000, so we think a good estimate would be about $46,700. That would definitely make it one of the priciest options in the segment.

CR-V (Sport Touring AWD): $42,250 | Options: +$0| Destination: $1,395 | Total: $43,645

2025 RAV4 (Limited AWD): $41,155 | Options: +$2,740 | Destination: $1,450 | Total: $45,769

2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2026 Honda CR-V Winner!

So, there you have it! But, after all is said and done, which one is best for your driveway? Here are a couple of things to consider when picking each one for you personally:

CR-V: 

• More maximum cargo space
• More comfortable back seats (recline)
• Better handing

RAV4: 

• More power and better fuel economy
• Modern technology
• More features and options sprinkled throughout 

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!