2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V and 2021 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Toyota RAV4.
When comparing the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and base engine power. The 2021 Honda CR-V and 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda CR-V's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2021 Honda CR-V ranges from $23,499 to $30,995 while a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $22,244 to $32,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda CR-V loses 31.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota RAV4 retains 2.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Honda CR-V.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda CR-V is 8.9 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Honda CR-V being ranked 1 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 5 out of 67. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Honda CR-V is ranked 1 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 2.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda CR-V is 9.0 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Honda CR-V a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Toyota RAV4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda CR-V’s base engine makes 190 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. Both the CR-V and the RAV4 are rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 476 and 508 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Honda CR-V has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda CR-V and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
In the world of compact crossover vehicles, this is the Battle of the Titans, the leading entries in the class for over two decades. The CR-V has moved more in the grown-up, sophisticated direction, while the RAV4 has shifted toward attracting a younger, more active audience. Both the CR-V and RAV4 start with standard front-wheel drive and offer optional all-wheel drive. They also both offer a hybrid gasoline-electric option, while the RAV4 ups the stakes with a plug-in hybrid version as well. Prices between the two crossovers are very competitive, and a clear winner is impossible to call. The good news? You can’t go wrong with either.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,154
Price Range:
$23,499 - $30,995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,386
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,384
# Good or Great Deals:
485
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,833
Price Range:
$22,244 - $32,499
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,262
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
54,164
# Good or Great Deals:
822
Honda CR-V Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda CR-V
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
57%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota RAV4
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
40.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Honda CR-V Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 59Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 39Ranking
37 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with mass appeal. It has been one of the best-selling SUVs since its introduction as a 1997 model. The current CR-V benefitted from a redesign for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $31,288 and 3-year-old models averaging $25,089.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.
Pros and Cons
- Hybrid version available
- Assertive exterior design
- Highly functional and comfortable interior
- Priced higher than some competitors
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is not to every driver’s taste
- Blind-spot monitoring unavailable in base models
Pros and Cons
- Reputation for durability
- Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
- Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim
- Lackluster driving experience
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
- Cumbersome touchscreen controls
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Honda CR-V Trim Levels
EX, EX-L, LX, SE, Touring
2021 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
179 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
392 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 508 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
145.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3337 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
182.1 inches
Wheelbase:
104.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3370 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Super White
Blue
Blue Flame
Interior Colors
Beige
Ivory
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
