2025 · Compact SUV
Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
EX-L FWD vs XLE FWD - specs, true cost of ownership and safety, side by side.
Lower 5-year cost
RAV4
saves ~$1,058
Lower price
RAV4
$2,350 less upfront
More cargo
CR-V
+1.7 cu ft
Fewer recalls
CR-V
1 vs 3 (NHTSA)
Verdict
The RAV4 undercuts the CR-V on price and holds its value slightly better, while the CR-V counters with more cargo space and a more refined ride. Fuel costs are a wash at 30 MPG combined for both. If you haul family gear weekly, the CR-V's extra space wins; if you want the lower 5-year total cost, take the RAV4.
Pick the CR-V if
- • families with kids and gear
- • long daily commutes
Pick the RAV4 if
- • families on a tighter budget
- • light trail use with AWD trims
Specs side by side
| Spec | Honda CR-V | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $34,650 | $32,300better |
| MPG combined | 30 | 30 |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 203 hpbetter |
| Cargo space | 39.3 cu ftbetter | 37.6 cu ft |
| NHTSA overall rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
Cost of ownership - for your driving
Adjust the numbers to your life. They're saved on this device and applied to every comparison on the site.
With your driving, the Toyota RAV4 saves about $1,058 over 5 years.
Honda CR-V
$36,443 over 5 years
Fuel $8,000 · Insurance $9,250 · Maintenance $3,600 · Depreciation $15,593
Toyota RAV4
$35,385 over 5 years
Fuel $8,000 · Insurance $9,250 · Maintenance $3,600 · Depreciation $14,535
Insurance, maintenance and depreciation are class averages - see how we calculate. Your quotes may differ.
Who each car is for
Honda CR-V
Good fit
- ✓ Families with kids and gear
- ✓ Long daily commutes
- ✓ Holding resale value
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Towing anything heavy
- ✗ Drivers who want quick acceleration
Toyota RAV4
Good fit
- ✓ Families on a tighter budget
- ✓ Light trail use with AWD trims
- ✓ Strong resale value
Look elsewhere if
- ✗ Buyers sensitive to engine and road noise
- ✗ A plush highway ride
Risks, recalls & what to check
Recall and complaint data is pulled from official NHTSA records for the 2025 model year.
Honda CR-V
1 recall · 216 NHTSA complaints filed
- STEERING: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback...
Before you buy
- • Earlier 1.5T generations had documented oil-dilution issues in cold climates - check oil level and service history on used examples
- • Infotainment is functional but slower than rivals
Toyota RAV4
3 recalls · 63 NHTSA complaints filed
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown...
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View...
- SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 RAV 4 vehicles. The front seat brackets for the seat rails may be welded improperly.
Before you buy
- • 2019-2020 model years drew complaints about transmission hesitation at low speed - prefer 2021+ if buying used
- • Cabin noise is noticeably higher than CR-V at highway speed
Questions to ask the dealer
Honda CR-V
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2025 CR-V - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
Toyota RAV4
- What's the out-the-door price with every fee and dealer add-on itemized in writing?
- Can I see the window sticker and a list of any dealer-installed options I'm being charged for?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2025 RAV4 - can you show written proof the recall work has been completed on this VIN?
- If I'm not financing through you, does the price change - and by how much?
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