With the countless options made available by numerous automakers from all parts of the world, it is almost impossible to settle for one impressive compact SUV suitable for your daily hauling duties. This segment of mid-size SUVs is packed-up, and the competition is so intense.
Here, we are comparing two of some of the best mid-size SUVs we’ve encountered over the past two decades. We aim to help you make an impeccable choice while leasing a compact SUV in 2022.
Honda and Toyota are two highly-reputable car manufacturers from Japan. This reputation is primarily because these two automakers are among the best when it has to do with expertly-engineered vehicles that are affordable, highly fuel-efficient, spacious, and very reliable.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are Japan’s most powerful compact SUVs and two natural rivals who have battled for superiority for years. The CR-V is Honda’s best selling vehicle, and this is well deserved considering the SUV’s practicality, reliability, and impressive fuel efficiency. The RAV4, on the other hand, is Toyota’s best selling SUV, and we can’t say any less about this brilliant vehicle.
What’s New
Both SUVs, which are now in their fifth generation, gets minor or no changes for the 2022 model year. This generation of the CR-V, which was launched in 2017, is set to retire in 2022, as we expect a redesigned CR- V in 2023. So there are no updates this year.
For the RAV4, the more rugged-looking headlamps are now available on all but the RAV4’s base LE model, while you can now get the optional LED fog lights on all other trim levels except the base LE and the XLE trim.
Engine And Transmission
Far from sports or performance SUVs, this duo boasts gutsy engines with enough power to take you anywhere, but if you are a huge fan of the fast and furious sequel, then there’s nothing to see here. Beneath the hood of the 2022 Honda CR-V is a 1.5Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a very impressive continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This engine makes 190-hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Honda also offers a hybrid powertrain for the CR-V. Opting for the CR-V hybrid, you’ll be graced with the combination of a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with two electric motors paired to the same CVT. This engine puts out a total of 212-hp and I29 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard for the hybrid, while you get to choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive for the conventional CR-V.
The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine generates 203-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can still get all-wheel drive if you go for higher models of the RAV4. Like in the Honda CR-V, Toyota also offers a hybrid powertrain for the RAV4. Here, a pair of electric motors combine with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission to send power to all four wheels. The total output from this partnership is 219-hp and 163 lb-ft of torque.
Handling And Performance
As Honda’s best selling vehicle, it’s obvious that there is something special about the CR-V that you won’t experience until you’re behind the wheels. It offers a well-refined ride, satisfactory steering response and responsive brakes. It also handles corners more athletically than the RAV4. We also prefer its continuously variable transmission to the RAV4’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Coming to speed, the traditional CR-V runs from 0-60mph in 7.8seconds, 0.2seconds faster than the regular RAV4, while the hybrid is slightly behind the RAV4 hybrid at 7.8seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 is not Toyota’s best selling SUV for no reason. It boasts spry handling and a comfortable ride, and when properly equipped, it can also handle off-road duties impressively. Although its noisy four-cylinder engine tends to invade the SUVs serene cabin, the RAV4 is still a lovely ride. Coming to performance, the conventional RAV4 crosses the 0-60mph mark in 8.0seconds, while the hybrid version is quicker at 7.4seconds. You can look towards the RAV4 prime for higher performance.
Fuel Economy
This segment is best known for its fuel-stingy powertrains; the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are no exceptions. The FWD model of the regular CR-V is rated at 28-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway, while the AWD model drops to 27-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. The hybrid version gets an EPA rating of 40-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway.
The Toyota RAV4 seems to be a few centimeters ahead of CR-V in fuel efficiency. The FWD model of the fuel-powered 2022 RAV4 is rated 28-mpg in the city and 35-mpg on the highway. Moving to the AWD model, this rating drops to 27-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway, 1-mpg higher than the CR-V on the highway. The hybrid version of the RAV4 is also more fuel-efficient than that of the CR-V, with 41-mpg in the city and 38-mpg on the highway. If you are searching for a more fuel-efficient SUV, leasing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is your ideal move.
Interior
The interior of the two cars are very spacious and practical, but that of the CR-V looks more spacious and practical than the RAV4. It is also more comfortable, especially in lower trims.
The interior of the CR-V is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and you can’t help but appreciate how upscale it looks and feels at the top-tier trim. The downside, however, is the less intuitive and slow infotainment display that seats on the center dash. On the base model, this display is 5.0-inch in size and 7.0-inch on other models. It also supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration and other essential features.
On the RAV4, the best and most essential features are gotten on the higher trims making the base model less appealing. However, it houses a more intuitive 7.0inch touchscreen infotainment display or an 8.0-inch version obtained on higher models. It features 4G LTE mobile hotspot, Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration. Mobile phone wireless charging pad, and navigation are optional.
You can decide to lease the 2022 Honda CR-V for its superior handling, performance, and comfortable interior.
In conclusion, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two great choices if you are shopping for an affordable, reliable, and highly fuel-efficient mid-size SUV. Having seen their lows, highs, similarities and differences, choosing which one to lease shouldn’t be an issue any longer.
To obtain the best and most affordable lease deals on any of these SUVs, don’t hesitate to contact VIP Auto. We are your one-stop when it comes to hassle-free car leasing within the United States. Our services are the best, and we assure you of an unbeatable lease experience. Contact us now at VIP Auto,32 US-46, Lodi, NJ 07644, (201) 749-4339, https://vipautonj.com/, and we will have your preferred SUV delivered to your driveway in no time.
