Compare the2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-In HybridVS 2026 Honda CR-V

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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With its standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Honda CR-V, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	-10 MPH
25 MPH	-21 MPH	-18 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-17 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-33 MPH
37 MPH Low beams	-20 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1 sec	No Warning

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CR-V doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid. But it costs extra on the CR-V.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers an optional Bird’s Eye View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The CR-V only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and optional Parking Support Brake on the XSE automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the CR-V EX/Hybrid offers Cross Traffic Monitor and the CR-V’s Cross Traffic Monitor does not include automatic braking.

Both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and the CR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Honda CR-V:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	33.8%	54%
Neck Stress	195 lbs.	211 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is safer than the Honda CR-V:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	69	72
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	76 lbs.	115 lbs.
Hip Force	196 lbs.	347 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	46 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	457 lbs.	613 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is 2.2% less likely to roll over than the CR-V.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid for 1 year and 13000 miles longer than Honda pays for maintenance for the CR-V (2/25000 vs. 1/12000).

There are over 15 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Honda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 23 points higher than the Honda CR-V and 29 points higher than the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 39 more problems per 100 vehicles, Honda is ranked 12th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Honda is ranked fourth.

Engine

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 112 more horsepower (302 vs. 190) than the CR-V’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 98 more horsepower (302 vs. 204) than the CR-V Hybrid’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is faster than the Honda CR-V:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V turbo 4 cyl.	CR-V Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	5.5 sec	8.7 sec	7.6 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	16.7 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	98.7 MPH	86.4 MPH	81.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the CR-V:

			MPGe
Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid
	AWD	Electric Motors	105 city/84 hwy
CR-V
			MPG
	FWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/36 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	28 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/34 hwy
		TrailSport 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/33 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CR-V:

			MPG
Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/36 hwy
CR-V
	FWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	28 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/34 hwy
		TrailSport 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/33 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid can travel with zero emissions for 42 miles. The CR-V can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CR-V with the 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid higher (6 out of 10) than the Honda CR-V (5 to 6). This means the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CR-V every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CR-V:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V 1.5T	CR-V Hybrid
Front Rotors	12.9 inches	12.3 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	12.2 inches	12.2 inches

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CR-V are solid, not vented.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid stops shorter than the CR-V:

	Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid	CR-V
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CR-V LX’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CR-V LX.

Suspension and Handling

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the CR-V’s (57.6% to 42.4%). This gives the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid more stable handling and braking.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE handles at .83 G’s, while the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.3 seconds quicker than the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid (27 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the CR-V Hybrid’s (36.1 feet vs. 37 feet).

Chassis

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is 3.9 inches shorter than the CR-V, making the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has 1.3 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the CR-V.

Payload and Towing

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CR-V’s (2500 vs. 1000 pounds).

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid uses the Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CR-V doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a much higher standard payload capacity than the CR-V (1295 vs. 850 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The CR-V doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and the CR-V have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CR-V prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The CR-V’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the CR-V can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CR-V only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE’s optional Smart Key System also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle. The CR-V EX/EX-L/Sport/TrailSport/Sport-L/Sport Touring’s available Smart Entry doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The CR-V doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Honda only offers heated mirrors on the CR-V EX/EX-L/Sport/TrailSport/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the CR-V EX/Sport. The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CR-V.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The CR-V doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CR-V EX/EX-L/Sport/TrailSport/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

Compared to the Honda CR-V, the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CR-V EX-L/Sport-L/Sport Touring.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CR-V doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Honda CR-V by 18% during 2024.

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