Two Best-Selling RivalsThe Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are close competitors in US sales. Last year, the RAV4 sold the most, but in 2026, the CR-V took the lead as Toyota dealt with inventory issues during the RAV4's model update.This rivalry is about more than just sales numbers. Both are popular compact SUVs, but how do they hold their value after five years? The comparison becomes even more interesting when you include the hybrid versions.For 2026, the RAV4 has gone all-in on hybrid power, making electrification the headline act. The CR-V, meanwhile, is still hedging its bets with both gas and hybrid options.One quick note: the study looks at used cars sold from March 2025 to February 2026, so the data mixes in a few different powertrain combos – not just what's on dealer lots today. Something to keep in mind as you review the stats below.The NumbersAccording to an iSeeCars study, the average vehicle lost 41.8% of its value after five years. Small SUVs did much better, though clear differences remain between specific models.Model5-Year DepreciationAverage Loss vs. MSRPToyota RAV4/RAV4 Hybrid25.20%$7,731Honda CR-V28.90%$8,946Toyota RAV4 Hybrid25.30%$8,319Honda CR-V Hybrid34.10%$12,165The RAV4 takes the win in both matchups. iSeeCars lumps the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid together at 25.2% depreciation, while the CR-V trails at 28.9%.The hybrid showdown is even more lopsided. The RAV4 Hybrid drops just 25.3% in value over five years, while the CR-V Hybrid takes a bigger hit at 34.1%. Both beat the average car, but the gap between these two hybrids is way wider than between their gas-only siblings. Advantage: RAV4, again.Why the RAV4 Holds Its Value BetterThe main reason is demand. iSeeCars explains that popular small SUVs keep their value because they are in high demand, whether new or used. Both the RAV4 and CR-V benefit from this, but the RAV4 holds its value a bit better.Toyota's not just winning with the RAV4, either. The brand claims 10 out of the 25 lowest-depreciating vehicles in the study, making it the MVP of the list.The hybrid numbers tell an even juicier story. Hybrids as a whole lose 35.4% after five years, which is miles better than the 57.2% average for EVs. The RAV4 Hybrid's 25.3% is way ahead of the hybrid pack, while the CR-V Hybrid is just barely beating the average.A quick note: iSeeCars combines the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid for the small SUV ranking, so the 25.2% figure is not just for the gas RAV4. For more detail, the hybrid-only table lists the RAV4 Hybrid at 25.3%.The MethodologyAccording to iSeeCars, the study analyzed more than 950,000 five-year-old used vehicles sold between March 2025 and February 2026. Original MSRPs were adjusted to 2026 dollars using data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and depreciation was calculated by comparing those figures with used-car pricing.Sure, your mileage (and resale value) may vary depending on condition, trim, and the usual market chaos, but this study gives us a solid big-picture look at how the RAV4 and CR-V families stack up after five years.Bottom line: both the RAV4 and CR-V outshine the average car when it comes to holding value, but Toyota takes the trophy – especially when you look at the hybrids.
+17 others
