Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task with so many excellent options available. Two names consistently rise to the top of the list for car buyers: the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are celebrated for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and versatility, making them ideal for daily commutes and weekend adventures. While they share similarities, understanding their key differences, particularly their specs, is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison delves into the 2025 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 specs, exploring exterior design, interior features, engine performance, cargo space, and safety technologies to help you determine which SUV best fits your needs.
2025 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Exterior Styling and Design
When it comes to curb appeal, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 present modern and attractive designs. The CR-V showcases a sophisticated and rugged aesthetic with a distinctive front grille and flowing lines, while the RAV4 embraces a bolder, more adventurous look with sharper angles and a more aggressive stance. Both SUVs offer a range of wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches, allowing for personalization of their appearance. Convenience features like a hands-free power liftgate are available on both models, providing ease of access to the cargo area. For those who enjoy open air and natural light, both the CR-V and RAV4 offer a power moonroof with a tilt feature.
The 2025 Honda CR-V exterior boasts features such as:
- 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels
- Hands-free access power tailgate
- Dual exhaust finishers with chrome accents
- Gloss black roof rails for added utility and style
- One-touch power moonroof with convenient tilt functionality
- Heated, power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals for enhanced visibility
- Rear privacy glass for passenger comfort and security
- Energy-efficient LED headlights with auto-on/off feature
- Distinctive LED taillights and daytime running lights
- Automatic high-beam headlights for optimal nighttime driving
- Roofline spoiler with integrated brake light, adding a sporty touch
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V red SUV driving on mountain road with a canoe on top, showcasing its adventurous styling.
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V silver SUV driving in a city street during rain, highlighting its urban adaptability and sleek design.
Interior Design, Technology, and Comfort: CR-V vs. RAV4
Stepping inside, the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Toyota RAV4 offer comfortable and well-equipped cabins for five passengers. However, there are notable differences in interior features and technology. The CR-V prioritizes driver comfort with an available ten-way power driver’s seat, while the RAV4 offers an eight-way power driver’s seat. Both include lumbar support and memory settings for personalized driving positions. In terms of upholstery, the CR-V offers a choice of cloth or leather, while the RAV4 features fabric or SofTex® options.
Technologically, both SUVs are equipped with modern infotainment systems. The RAV4 boasts a slightly larger 10.5-inch infotainment display compared to the CR-V’s available 9-inch screen. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless smartphone integration.
Key interior features of the 2025 Honda CR-V include:
- Subtle interior ambient lighting to create a refined atmosphere
- Choice of premium cloth or luxurious leather seat upholstery
- Ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory for optimal comfort
- Automatic-dimming rearview mirror to reduce nighttime glare
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for a premium feel
- Heated front seats for cold weather comfort
- Dual-zone automatic climate control system for personalized temperature settings
- Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® for enhanced convenience and security
- Remote engine start with climate control to pre-condition the cabin
The 2025 Honda CR-V technology highlights:
- Available Wi-Fi® hotspot capability to stay connected on the go
- High-fidelity 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system for an immersive audio experience
- User-friendly 9-inch infotainment color touchscreen
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability for a wide range of entertainment
- HD Radio™ for improved audio clarity
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and streaming audio for wireless connectivity
- Wired or wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Convenient wireless phone charger to keep devices powered
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster screen for displaying important vehicle information
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic for reliable navigation assistance
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V interior showcasing front seats and dashboard, emphasizing spacious design and modern technology.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy Specs: Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
Under the hood, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer gasoline and hybrid powertrain options. Both SUVs feature a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. While both offer two-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) for gasoline models, the RAV4 hybrid is exclusively available with AWD.
Here’s a detailed look at the engine specs and fuel economy for both models:
2025 Honda CR-V Engine and Performance Specs
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 2.0L Two-Motor Hybrid I4 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 190 HP | 204 HP |
| Torque | 179 lb.-ft. | 247 lb.-ft. |
| MPG (2WD) | 28 city / 34 hwy* | 43 city / 36 hwy* |
| MPG (AWD) | 26 city / 31 hwy* | 40 city / 34 hwy* |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs. | 1,000 lbs. |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / AWD | 2WD / AWD |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable (CVT) | Electronic Continuously Variable (e-CVT) |
*28 city/34 highway/30 combined MPG rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 26 city/31 highway/28 combined MPG rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined MPG rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined MPG rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Engine and Performance Specs
| Engine | 2.5L Dynamic Force Four-Cylinder | 2.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force Four-Cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 203 HP | 219 combined |
| Torque | 184 lb.-ft. | 149 (front) / 89 (rear) lb.-ft. |
| MPG (FWD) | 27 city / 35 hwy | N/A |
| MPG (AWD) | 27 city / 34 hwy | 41 city / 38 hwy |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs. | 1,750 lbs. |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | Direct-Shift Eight-Speed Automatic | Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable (e-CVT) |
Size and Cargo Space Dimensions: CR-V vs. RAV4
One of the most significant differences between the 2025 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 lies in their interior space. The CR-V offers a more spacious cabin, particularly in terms of cargo capacity and rear-seat legroom. With the rear seats folded down, the CR-V boasts up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet. Rear passengers in the CR-V will also appreciate the generous 41 inches of legroom, compared to the RAV4’s 37.8 inches.
Here’s a detailed comparison of interior dimensions:
| 2025 Model | Honda CR-V | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | Five | Five |
| Max. Cargo Space | 76.5 cu.-ft. | 69.8 cu.-ft. |
| Cargo Space Behind 2nd Row | 39.3 cu.-ft. | 37.6 cu.-ft. |
| Max. Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40 / 38.2 in. | 37.7 / 39.5 in. |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 41.3 / 41 in. | 41 / 37.8 in. |
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V showcasing open rear cargo space, emphasizing its large storage capacity compared to Toyota RAV4.
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V interior side view highlighting spacious rear seating and legroom, a key advantage over Toyota RAV4.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance: Comparing CR-V and RAV4
Safety is paramount in the compact SUV segment, and both the 2025 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 excel in this area. Both vehicles come standard with advanced driver assistance suites: Honda Sensing® and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 respectively. These suites include a range of features designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents, such as collision mitigation systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, both SUVs offer front and rear parking assist systems to aid in maneuvering in tight spaces.
Safety and driver-assistance features available on the 2025 Honda CR-V include:
- Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines for improved visibility when reversing
- Blind spot information system to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots
- Cross-traffic monitor to warn of approaching vehicles when backing up
- Hill descent control for controlled descent on steep slopes
- Comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) to help avoid or mitigate frontal collisions
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) to help prevent unintentional lane departures
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow for maintaining a set speed and following distance
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) to alert the driver of potential frontal collisions
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) to alert the driver when drifting out of lane
- Traffic jam assist to provide driving assistance in heavy traffic
- Traffic sign recognition system to display important road signs
- Driver attention monitor to detect and warn of driver fatigue
- Front and rear parking sensors to assist with parking maneuvers
Alt text: 2025 Honda CR-V interior view of the backup camera display, emphasizing safety and driver assistance technology.
