2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 presented a bold and aggressive exterior design, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its chunky build and sharp edges gave it a futuristic and robust appearance, with taillights reminiscent of Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus. The design included a character line on the rear C-pillar, which was a common trait among new vehicles, though not always visually appealing. The RAV4 offered both monotone and two-tone colour options, with the latter featuring a contrasting roof that complemented the design better than the single-colour schemes. Inside, the RAV4's cabin was surprisingly simple and elegant, with a floating touchscreen and a well-organized control pod.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V maintained a softer, more car-like design, with curvy lines and a family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup. Its styling leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern family vehicle. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims. However, these clashed with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers of its commodity car roots. The CR-V's design was familiar yet functional, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power directed to either the front wheels or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The RAV4 offered two AWD options: a base version and a more advanced torque-vectoring AWD, standard on the Trail and Limited trims. The XLE test model had the base AWD setup, providing various drive modes for different terrains. While the engine performed well on highways, it lacked low-end power, making it feel sluggish in stop-and-go traffic. The RAV4's ride quality was generally good, though it exhibited some body roll and twitchy steering.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CR-V's powertrain was well-matched, offering a quick and responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1. The CR-V's performance was more car-like, providing a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4's cabin was designed for practicality and style, with a clean and upscale look. It offered ample cargo space, with 1,064 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,976 litres with them folded. The RAV4 featured a well-organized centre stack, with climate controls, a large tray, and drive-mode controls. Storage solutions included a deep centre console bin and a tray in the passenger dash. The RAV4's interior was functional, with plenty of storage options and a fold-out rear armrest with cupholders.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and packaging, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. It provided excellent head- and legroom, with a seating position that enhanced visibility. The CR-V's cargo compartment was spacious, with a two-position load floor allowing for flexible storage options. It offered 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition trims and 1,110 litres in other grades. The CR-V's interior featured clever storage solutions, including a deep centre console bin and large door pockets, making it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE came with a 7-inch touchscreen running Toyota's Entune 3.0 infotainment system, which was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The XLE trim added multiple USB ports, while the Trail and Limited trims offered larger screens and an optional JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system featured a simple layout with hard dials for major functions, blending touchscreen and physical controls effectively.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, they felt tacked on rather than integrated. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports, with two in the front and two high-powered ones in the backseat. The Touring and Black Edition trims included a wireless phone charger, enhancing their tech offerings.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered forward-collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, making the RAV4 a leader in standard driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, providing forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams were standard, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some caveats for lower trims.