Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 with mileage - which crossover is the most versatile

Japanese SUVs are legendary cars, only their time has long passed. Now crossovers are popular in the world and this also applies to Russia. Frame "jeeps", as it turned out, are needed by off-road lovers. But crossovers are bought from us quite well, both new and used.


Today we will compare two popular Japanese cars from the most famous brands. These are Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V - every fourth generation. Both were released at about the same time - from 2012 to 2019.

For a Toyota RAV4 on the used market, they ask from 1,2 to 3,8 million. For the Honda CR-V, the price fork is exactly in the same range.

Appearance and bodywork

Toyota RAV4 from the very first generation in Russia began to be considered a female model. It is not entirely clear why, but most likely, they were bought by the owners of large Land Cruiser SUVs for wives and daughters. Say, also Toyota, but compact.


In the fourth generation, the Japanese tried to rid the model of the stereotype - the new body turned out to be massive, enlarged and even a little brutal. Although, not all fans of the brand liked that the Toyota RAV4 looks more like the Mazda CX-5.

As for the Honda CR-V, this car definitely turned out to be more brutal and large. Although, many do not like the peculiar body design, its specific “humped” roof, which makes the car look like a large beetle.

Most Toyota RAV4s have no problems with the body - the car is still quite “young”. If during the inspection “bugs” begin to come across, this indicates poor-quality repairs after an accident.

The main complaints about the bodywork relate to chips on the hood. If left untouched, they begin to rust. When inspecting, you need to pay attention to the rear lights - they can fog up or crack.


The Honda CR-V also has no rust-related body problems. The only moment is the single “bugs” along the upper edge of the windshield frame. They are sometimes found on modifications with a sunroof.

Other points on the body:

✅ Burning brake light in the spoiler on the tailgate
✅ Failure of parking sensors
✅ Rattling rear seat locks

It is unlikely that it will be possible to identify the leader in the “body” category among the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The applicants have no serious problems, only trifles. Accordingly, you will have to focus on your preferences for the appearance of crossovers and the brand.

Judging by sales in Russia, Toyota was chosen 5 times more often than Honda.

How about inside?

It’s hard to find fault with the interiors of both crossovers - they look at the level, and the finishing materials are of high quality. The interior of Toyota RAV4 looks too simple, even in versions with leather interior. The plastic is hard, the dashboard, parking sensors and buttons look the same as they did 15 years ago.


But ergonomics for the driver at the highest level - it's hard to find fault with this. It turns out that the Toyota RAV4 will suit conservative people who appreciate old cars. They will be comfortable in the Toyota cabin, and they won’t have to get used to it if they have previously operated a model of the same brand.

The Honda CR-V definitely looks like a leader in the cabin - the interior is modern here, it’s somehow more comfortable inside, and the sound insulation is a level higher. There are no questions about ergonomics, but the driver and passengers in front and behind are a little cramped than in Toyota. The luggage compartment of the Honda is 42 liters larger, it is easier to load due to the lower loading height.

In terms of cabin, the Honda CR-V wins unequivocally. Although, this had little effect on the level of sales - a big name and legendary reliability work for Toyota.

Engines

RAV4 motors can be called reference. In Russia, they are represented by two gasoline and one diesel power units.

Toyota RAV4 engines:

✅ 2,0 3ZR-FE
✅ 2,5 2AR-FE
✅ 2,2 2AD-FTV HFO

There are no complaints about motors at all if they are serviced in accordance with the regulations. The only nuance sometimes manifested itself in two-liter engines, and even then, it is associated with attachments - the current pump.


There are more problems with Honda CR-V engines, but not to say that they are frequent. Let's start with the fact that in Russia only gasoline power units with a working volume of 2,0 and 2,4 liters were offered.

The first nuance is the need to adjust the valve clearance every 45 km. The timing chain is sometimes stretched after 000 thousand km.

Engines with a displacement of 2,4 liters may have increased oil consumption - up to 500 mg per 1 kilometers. This is usually due to stuck rings. If the previous owner changed the oil at intervals, then this problem does not occur.

By the way, the manufacturer foresaw this nuance. According to the manual, oil consumption can reach a liter per 1 kilometers.

Motors 2,4 are generally more problematic than 2,0. Their only advantage is the power and traction on the bottoms. For many, this often becomes a decisive argument when buying.


Comparing the power units of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion - Toyota wins by a wide margin. This does not mean that Honda engines are problematic - they are just not as perfect as those of a competitor.

Gearboxes and all-wheel drive

There were three types of gearboxes for both crossovers - mechanics, automatic and CVT. All units demonstrate high reliability. Although, if the variators are not serviced, repairs can seriously hit your pocket.

As for the all-wheel drive system, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have it typically crossover - with a clutch. Here Toyota is again in the lead, and by a significant margin. The Honda clutch does not like long trips in the mud - it overheats.

Pendants

The chassis of Japanese crossovers is reliable, but the Toyota RAV4 is again in the lead. This manufacturer generally differs in reference suspensions on most of its models. The only consumables are the bushings and struts of the front anti-roll bar - they take care of from 50 to 90 thousand km.


Honda CR-V owners often complain about the overly stiff ride and the fragility of the rear springs.

The Toyota RAV4 is again the leader. This car is unlikely to require frequent suspension interventions from the owner.

Off-road behavior

Before conquering forest paths on crossovers, you need to understand that they are conditionally intended for this. It's one thing to go to the forest for mushrooms or to the river / lake, and quite another to conquer off-road.

In any case, Toyota RAV4 even at first glance seems to be a more passable car. This model has higher ground clearance, not as dangling bumpers as the Honda CR-V.

If you analyze the reviews of the owners of both cars, you can understand that Toyota is still a full-fledged crossover. Honda has a lot of questions about cross-country ability - it's more of an urban model. Even all-wheel drive will not save the situation if you have to get out of the mud. Torn bumpers and a failed clutch are too high a price for short off-road rides.


By the way, even on the Toyota RAV4, large muddy puddles should be avoided. First, road tires are not the best choice for this. Secondly, the stabilization system will quickly "strangle" the engine, believing that the car is on a slippery road. Thirdly, Toyota RAV4's electronic lock cannot make all four wheels rotate with the same intensity as on "real" SUVs.

So which crossover is better to choose? If you plan to drive more on bad roads and live far from car services, you should definitely buy a Toyota RAV4.

In the case when the crossover will be used mainly in the city and you want it to look more impressive, then the Honda CR-V.