Jump Links2026 Honda CR-V Powertrain Specs2026 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain SpecsRAV4 vs CR-V Interior Dimensions And SpaceRAV4 vs CR-V Amenities And FeaturesAmericans are in love with SUVs, but not everybody needs a full-size model. Therefore, automakers like Toyota and Honda offer compact SUV options that are big enough to haul people and cargo comfortably, but aren't too large to reasonably maneuver through tight parking lots and cities. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V directly compete against one another in the compact SUV segment. These two powerhouses are available in a wide range of trims and both offer hybrid powertrains, off-road-oriented versions, and more.These rivals make up a significant portion of their respective brands' sales. As some of the most popular models in the country, it might be difficult to choose between them. Both offer exceptional hybrid options with great fuel economy, they both have plenty of interior space for the segment, and their higher trim levels come with a host of comfort features. In this article, we compare their powertrains, interiors, pricing, and more to help you make the right decision. Here's everything to know about the RAV4 and the CR-V.All specifications are sourced directly from the manufacturers. Pricing is correct at the time of writing, and excludes destination, options, taxes, and other fees. Automakers reserve the right to change prices at any time without notice. What Is A Compact SUV: Defining The CR-V's And RAV4's Segment HondaBefore we get too far into our comparison, it's important to know why these two models are rivals. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are both in the compact SUV segment; this means they're bigger than subcompact SUVs, but smaller than midsize SUVs. This often leads to models in this segment being the most popular of any brand, since they're taller and offer more space than a sedan or hatchback, but they usually lack a third row of seats. These models can come with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains - almost any option can get better fuel economy than a midsize model with the same powertrain. Their size allows them to fit virtually anywhere, while remaining roomy enough inside for comfortable passengers. Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: Contenders For The Title ToyotaBoth the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 come with hybrid powertrains, but only Honda's compact SUV offers a standard gas powertrain. Toyota decided that the RAV4 would go hybrid across the board for the 2026 model year. That means its models are slightly more expensive in order to accommodate the change, but not so much so that it would drive buyers away - we'll get more into pricing at the end of this article. That said, no matter how you spend your money, both the Toyota and the Honda are valid options with good fuel economy and reasonable power. 2026 Honda CR-V Powertrain Specs HondaComparing these two compact SUVs starts with their powertrains; the biggest difference between the two models is that the CR-V lacks a plug-in hybrid variant, but includes a gas-only powertrain in its lineup. It offers reasonable power in either variant, though. Buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive with either powertrain, too. However, if you want the popular off-road-oriented Trialsport model, you'll have to settle for the more powerful and more efficient hybrid system. That said, the Trailsport model's all-terrain tires and other factors lead to slightly worse fuel economy than the other hybrid trim levels offer. 2026 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain Specs Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetWe know some buyers might be disappointed by Toyota's decision to axe the gas-only RAV4. We're not too upset, though, since our road testers always preferred the model's hybrid system anyway. It's more powerful than much of the competition - CR-V included - and most trims get better fuel economy than rivals, too. It's still not exceptionally quick, though, with a 7.1-second 0–60 mph sprint in AWD form. While the RAV4 offers an off-road Woodland Edition variant, we're more impressed by the track-oriented model. The RAV4 GR Sport is only available with the 324-horsepower PHEV system, and gets upgraded with specially tuned suspension, summer tires, and a reworked power steering setup to give the front-end better driver feedback. Interior And Tech: Who Does It Better? HondaPerformance aside, the average buyer might be more interested in how it feels on the inside. Car enthusiasts might care about what's under the hood and how it handles, but the two models' interior space and comfort features are a bigger deal to everybody. Here's how the CR-V and RAV4 stack up in terms of interior dimensions, standard and available comfort features, and more. RAV4 vs CR-V Interior Dimensions And Space Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/ValnetWhile they're not drastically different, buyers will certainly notice the CR-V's larger interior space. Second-row passengers will have more than enough room with 41 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom. The RAV4 isn't too small, though. Even taller passengers will have enough space in the second row with 37.8 inches of legroom and 39.5 inches of headroom. Honda's contender varies in headroom depending on the trim level; the base model, the LX trim, has 40 inches of headroom while the rest of the lineup features a moonroof that reduces headroom by almost two inches. As for cargo space, the CR-V wins by 13 cubic feet with the second row folded down. RAV4 vs CR-V Amenities And Features HondaSince neither of these models are luxury cars, we can't expect them to have a mountain of luxury features. Nevertheless, both the CR-V and RAV4 have enough to keep their occupants comfortable. Some highlights in the CR-V include heated front seats and dual-zone climate control in all trims except the LX, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a moonroof in all trims expect the LX, and more.The Toyota RAV4 is also well-equipped, with features like heated front seats in most trims, dual-zone climate control with rear A/C, a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in most trims, while others get a 12.9-inch screen, and more. Some high trims even get a heated steering wheel, and the Limited gets a standard JBL premium audio system with an added subwoofer and more speakers. Trims And Pricing: Honda CR-V And Toyota RAV4 ToyotaAt the end of the day, some people's decisions are made for them as soon as they look at the price. Honda takes the cake with the cheapest model between the two: the gas-only CR-V LX starts at $30,920 before destination and options. For better fuel economy, you could also upgrade to the CR-V's cheapest hybrid model, the Sport Hybrid, for $35,630. Since Toyota's compact SUV is all-hybrid this year, we're not too surprised to see that it costs a bit more. That said, buyers could get behind the wheel of an LE base model for $31,900. Topping the charts with the highest price is the plug-in hybrid. There are four PHEV trims to choose from, with the SE starting at $41,500. Does The CR-V Sell More Than The RAV4? HondaWe've established that both the CR-V and the RAV4 are desirable and competitive, but what do buyers actually want? Well, as it turns out when looking at sales data from the last fiscal year, Toyota is more popular. Both models are each brand's best-selling SUV, but the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling SUV of the year last year. Overall, the RAV4 was the third-best-selling model in the country, only having been beaten by the Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks. Summary: They're Both Popular For A Reason ToyotaWhether you choose Honda's or Toyota's compact SUV, you'll be left with a popular, efficient, and good-looking machine. Toyota made the bold decision to go all-hybrid this year, which we hope works out for the automaker - we'll find out by the time sales data come through. The Honda CR-V is an enticing option, too. It's gas-only variants offer a cheaper way to enter the segment. However, upgrading to any hybrid version will yield comparable fuel economy to the RAV4, and reasonable power.