Honda CR-V hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 hybrid: How do they compare?

Previously, buyers looking for a medium SUV with a hybrid powertrain had very few options, with one key model to rule them all: the hugely successful Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

In 2024, things have changed, with a wealth of hybrid medium SUVs available – including the newly updated Honda CR-V.

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The CR-V landed in late 2023, with updated looks, a more spacious cabin and the addition of a flagship hybrid variant. It was such an appealing offering that Drive judges awarded it the Best Medium SUV under $50,000 category at the 2024 Drive Car of the Year awards.

These two models have had great success, with the Toyota RAV4 continuing its reign as Australia's best-selling medium SUV, while the CR-V nameplate is the brand's top seller.

So, which hybrid medium SUV is right for you? We compare the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS with the range-topping Toyota RAV4 Edge hybrid to see how they stack up.

In a nutshell, the CR-V is slightly cheaper than the RAV4, sits on a larger wheelbase, and undercuts the RAV4's servicing costs. The RAV4, however, is a more efficient hybrid and offers all-wheel drive, whereas the hybrid CR-V is front-wheel drive only.

Outside of the sole hybrid variant, the CR-V has a handful of seven-seat options in its line-up, while the RAV4 range offers nine hybrid options compared to just one in the CR-V range.

The two models aren’t too far apart in price. Keep in mind that the drive-away price depends on where you live. 

The Honda CR-V is available in seven model grades, with the e:HEV RS the sole hybrid offering. It also sits at the top of the range, starting at $59,900 drive-away.

The Toyota RAV4 has nine hybrid options in its line-up of 13. The Edge all-wheel-drive hybrid kicks off at $63,763 drive-away. 

The CR-V is 89mm longer, 1mm wider, and sits on a larger wheelbase by 11mm than the RAV4. The RAV4 is higher, though, by 9mm. 

The CR-V is 4704mm long, 1866mm wide, 1681mm high, and sits on a wheelbase of 2701mm, while the RAV4 is 4615mm long, 1865mm wide, 1690mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2690mm. 

Both hybrid vehicles have five seats.

However, the Honda CR-V has two variants in the range that offer seven seats – the CR-V VTi L7 and the CR-V VTi X7 – although they aren't available with a hybrid powertrain.

The RAV4 hybrid and CR-V hybrid have similarly sized boots, with the RAV4 offering 580L with the two-level floor in its lowest position, or a maximum of 1690L with the rear seats folded.

Meanwhile, the CR-V has a capacity of 581L, or up to 1636L with the rear seats folded.

While the Toyota RAV4 produces more power, the CR-V hybrid pumps out more torque. 

The Honda CR-V packs a 2.0-litre hybrid system, shared with the Honda ZR-V and Civic. It develops a combined 135kW of power and 335Nm of torque. It pairs a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a simulated CVT, and front-wheel drive. 

The hybrid Toyota RAV4 houses a 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, developing up to 163kW/221Nm combined. That’s mated to a continuously variable transmission with an all-wheel-drive configuration. 

The Honda CR-V is offered with a longer warranty than the RAV4, with seven years of coverage and no cap on kilometres.

The Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, is offered with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The models are evenly matched when it comes to battery cover, however – meeting the industry standard of eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

Toyota is renowned for being among the most affordable when it comes to ongoing maintenance. 

In this instance, however, the CR-V wins the servicing battle, with the first five visits capped at $199 each. Honda recommends servicing the CR-V at 12-month or 10,000km intervals, whichever occurs sooner, bringing the total cost over five years to $995. 

The RAV4 is by no means expensive, though. Toyota suggests servicing your RAV4 every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Services are capped at $260 a pop for the first five years, meaning a total cost of $1300.

The RAV4 is more efficient, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 4.8L/100km. Honda claims a combined consumption of 5.5L/100km on the hybrid CR-V.