Honda and Toyota are two of the most esteemed car manufacturers in the automobile industry. Both these brands have cemented their legacy by producing some of the world's most reliable and cleverly engineered automobiles capable of lasting a lifetime. With the dominance of these brands spread across all segments of the automobile industry, the competition stemming between the two is a talking point amongst motoring journalists and enthusiasts the world over.

The vast and varied product portfolios of the brands speak for themselves. The level of sophistication and engineering ingenuity possessed by the automobiles of these firms only seems to increase with time. From sensible everyday hatchbacks and sedans to rugged SUVs, Honda and Toyota have made a significant impact in the industry in their own right. Undoubtedly, the most popular segment in modern times is the 'Compact Crossover SUV' segment, and Honda's CR-V and Toyota's RAV4 are perhaps the most capable representations of their respective brands.

The CR-V and RAV4 have been around since the late 1990s and have gracefully evolved over the years. The modern-day iterations of these quality SUVs ooze charisma, with their driveability and overall user-friendliness standing at an all-time high. The 2022 versions of these durable SUVs possess an element of individuality, with the finesse and top-notch craftsmanship of their overall package making it a monumental task to determine a clear victor.

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Honda CR-V Vs Toyota RAV4: The Interior Layouts

The Stylish Interior Of The Toyota RAV4
Via YouTube / Auto Interior

Honda's vast and varied list of automobiles is renowned worldwide for its exceptional build quality, and the CR-V is no exception.

The 2022 CR-V's cabin sports a contemporary design layout that is pleasing to the eye and a variety of top-notch quality materials in the form of chrome plastic, brushed satin finishes, and even faux-wood accents that complement each other effortlessly.

The in-cabin experience of the durable Honda is enhanced further by the provision of comfortable seats and generous luggage space that proves beneficial when covering long and arduous journeys.

On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4's cabin impresses with its meticulous attention to onboard storage and ergonomics.

The spacious cabin features a generous mix of soft-touch surfaces and quality plastics, while the more premium versions of the reliable Toyota sport a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-leather upholstery, and even a padded dashboard that make for a more enriching in-cabin experience.

The 2022 RAV4 scores high in the comfort department, with its flat-folding rear seats and generous cargo volume adding to the dynamism of its overall package. The base version of the 2022 RAV4 does taper down the level of engagement with its basic single-zone manual climate control and cloth seats, but holds its own against the competition with authority.

Honda CR-V Vs Toyota RAV4: Additional Features

A 2022 Red Honda CR-V
Via MotorTrend.com

The CR-V's feature list prompts an unforgiving aura of frustration. The base version of the CR-V features a 5.0-Inch color radio screen, while the more premium versions come equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Although the 7.0-inch system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, its slow response and counterintuitive nature take away from the overall in-cabin experience a tad.

The well-built Honda wins back some points with its optional 9-Speaker audio system and the reintroduction of the brand's staple rotary volume knob control, but suffers immensely in the ergonomics department with the lack of other essential elements controls and the absence of an auxiliary input unit.

The 2022 RAV4 begins to showcase its dominance with the provision of a 7.0-inch infotainment system on its lower trims, while the more premium variants get bigger 8.0-inch units. The feature-rich infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while its 4G LTE mobile hotspot feature only adds to the overall user-friendliness of the cabin.

The optional extras onboard the reliable Toyota include a premium JBL audio system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad for an added factor of convenience. Overall, the RAV4 outshines the CR-V with its superior interior dynamics and proves to be a tad more appealing when compared side-by-side.

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Honda CR-V Vs Toyota RAV4: The Dazzling Performance

A 2022 Toyota RAV4 In Motion On The Street
Via CarAndDriver.com

The overall performance dynamics and powertrain options of the 2022 CR-V possess a likable character. While the engines on offer don't necessarily make for an exhilarating driving experience, their adequate power delivery is supported by the SUV's superior braking capabilities and smooth handling characteristics.

The CR-V can be bought with a punchy 1.5-liter turbo-charged powermill that churns out a respectable 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The engine's responsiveness is accentuated further with the provision of a seamless CVT transmission unit, while the intuitive steering system and exquisite ride and handling dynamics of the SUV make it quite the performer.

The hybrid iteration of the CR-V adds to the dynamism of its overall package. The more efficient powertrain features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that is given a dash of excitement with the provision of two electric motors.

With the petrol unit and electric motors working in tandem, the CR-V hybrid can dish out a meatier 212 hp. The smooth and refined nature of the powertrain is enhanced further with the provision of premium sound-deadening materials as well as the audio system's noise-canceling feature that makes for a more pleasant driving experience.

On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 offers up a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that is paired with a seamless 8-speed automatic transmission unit. With an optional all-wheel-drive feature in the mix as well, the 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque dished out by the Toyota prove to be adequate and give the SUV a linear and comfortable driving nature.

The Toyota leaps ahead of the CR-V in its hybrid avatar. The regular hybrid variant of the RAV4 gives it a robust nature and churns out a decent 219 hp. Toyota has also made an effort to add a bit of exhilaration to the mix, with the RAV4's 'Prime' version belting out a colossal 308 hp.

Honda CR-V Vs Toyota RAV4: The Advanced Safety Tech

The Stylish Interior Of The 2022 Honda CR-V
An image of the 2022 Honda CR-V's interior.

The CR-V and the RAV4 score high in the safety department. Both these SUVs sport a variety of safety-enhancing driver-friendly features that makes for a more confidence-inspiring driving experience.

With features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and even a pre-collision system, their presence felt on both SUVs; the RAV4 manages to take the lead with the provision of an additional road sign recognition system as well as automatic high-beam lights.

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 are immensely capable SUVs in their own right. The ascending popularity of compact crossover SUVs has forced carmakers to capitalize and innovate on their product portfolio, with the 2022 CR-V and RAV4 being the latest additions to the segment. Both SUVs detail their share of strengths and weaknesses and fall under a similar price bracket that makes choosing between the two a monumental task. The CR-V impresses with its likable performance dynamics, cargo volume, and build quality, but falls short on its feature list and overall ergonomics.

The RAV4 outshines the Honda with its superior ergonomics, spacious cabin, and more intuitive driving experience, making it a slightly better pick of the two, with the final decision solely dependent upon the buyer's needs and desires. Nonetheless, Honda and Toyota have undoubtedly raised the bar for quality and performance in the compact crossover SUV segment.