In the hyper-competitive compact SUV segment, two models that you may have considered are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. These are models that many drivers consider when looking for a smaller SUV, and for a variety of reasons: great styling, competitive pricing, and a robust set of features. With their fuel economy, smooth handling, and dependability, you might be hard-pressed to settle on which one to go with when choosing the 2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Toyota RAV4.
If you were curious how the 2026 CR-V has an edge over its Toyota competitor, this comparison highlights some of the benefits of the CR-V. This includes its cargo capacity, pricing, and safety features that you will appreciate from a modern compact SUV. We're confident that you'll clearly see why the CR-V is a great option for those looking for a compact SUV.
The CR-V Offers More Interior Space Than the RAV4
If passenger space and cargo volume are important to you from a compact SUV, then the 2026 Honda CR-V makes a strong case against the 2026 Toyota RAV4 with its 76.5 cu.ft. of total cargo volume. By comparison, the RAV4 tops out at 70.4 cu.ft of cargo volume, and it's even smaller with the PHEV iteration of the RAV4, which only has 63.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume.
So what's the importance of cargo volume, and how would this change your buying decision for a compact SUV? Well, in the case of the CR-V, there's more than 8% additional cargo capacity that you have access to from the compact SUV over the RAV4. That percentage increases significantly compared to the RAV4 PHEV, where the CR-V offers close to 20% additional cargo capacity over the RAV4 when you fold down the seats and make full use of the cabin for cargo storage.
The CR-V Gives You More Space for Whatever Life Throws at You
If you're comparing standard SUVs, the additional 6.1 cu.ft. of cargo volume adds a lot to the CR-V's value. You can fit everything from a small freezer to multiple foldable chairs into the additional space, along with computers, electronic devices, or work equipment. This added cargo volume also means you can use the extra space for camping equipment, fishing gear, or school supplies.
This makes the Honda CR-V quite a worthwhile pick if you're looking for a spacious compact for the family, or a good sports utility vehicle to haul all your cargo, equipment, or supplies. The added space gives it greater versatility than the RAV4. Even while 6.5 cu.ft. of space may not seem like a lot, it does add up over time with fewer trips you have to make when doing cargo runs, and less worry about what you can bring with you on weekend getaways.
The CR-V Offers More Standard Safety Features
Safety is an extremely important aspect of any SUV, and across Honda and Toyota's lineups, they don't shortchange any of their models with robust safety features. However, when it comes to some standard safety assists between the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Toyota RAV4, the CR-V has a few more standard safety features over its Toyota competitor. These include monitoring and assistance that many commuters might find useful.
The CR-V Has a Few Unique Safety Advantages
Specifically, every 2026 CR-V trim comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes a wide range of safety features. Two standout features not available as standard options on the RAV4 are Traffic Jam Assist and Driver Attention Monitor. These two systems are standard, no matter what trim or configuration of the CR-V you purchase.
The Traffic Jam Assist provides acceleration, braking, and steering assistance while in congested or rush-hour traffic. It's an essential piece of tech for commuters or anyone who regularly has to travel through bumper-to-bumper traffic in urban areas or through crowded highway crawls to work or home.
The Driver Attention Monitor is vital if you sometimes find yourself drifting off or becoming drowsy during long drives. It monitors the driver's status by monitoring steering wheel inputs. This feature also attempts to correct the vehicle if erratic behavior is detected. Active alerts and sounds will initiate, including steering wheel vibrations to draw the driver's attention to either pull over or seek a safe spot instead of continuing to drive. It's an invaluable feature for any driver who values safety.
The RAV4 Doesn't Offer as Many Standard Safety Features
The RAV4 does not have equivalent standard safety features like this as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 suite. However, you can get the RAV4's equivalent of Traffic Jam Assist as part of the Drive Connect subscription, a paid package available on upper-end trims. This greatly limits who has access to some of the safety systems for the RAV4, instead of it being available for every configuration across the available model year trims. This also means that, unlike the CR-V, you have to pay extra for the same safety features that are standard on it.
The 2026 RAV4 Lineup Costs More
Shopping for a compact SUV means getting the most for your money without feeling like you're compromising. When buying a new vehicle, most shoppers want a great vehicle with all the features they're looking for, at a great price. And in this category, no matter how you match up the trim grades between the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Toyota RAV4, the CR-V is the better investment.
The Honda CR-V is available across seven trim levels, including three gas-powered trims and four hybrid iterations. This gives you options whether you want the standard gas-powered version of the CR-V or if you want the fuel-saving capabilities that come with the hybrid models. The trim levels and MSRP for each trim are listed below:
- CR-V LX - $30,920[a]
- CR-V EX - $33,150[a]
- CR-V EX-L - $35,400[a]
- CR-V Sport Hybrid - $35,630[a]
- CR-V TrailSport Hybrid - $38,800[a]
- CR-V Sport-L Hybrid - $38,725[a]
- CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid - $42,550[a]
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is also available in both gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains. There are six gas trims and multiple plug-in hybrid variations. You can see the list of the trim grades and their respective MSRP below:
- RAV4 LE - $31,900
- RAV4 SE - $34,700
- RAV4 XLE Premium - $36,100
- RAV4 Woodland - $39,900
- RAV4 XSE - $41,300
- RAV4 Limited - $43,300
- RAV4 SE PHEV - $44,815
- RAV4 XSE PHEV - $48,685
From the entry-level options up to the premium plug-in hybrid options, the RAV4 is more expensive than the CR-V. In fact, the price escalates significantly for the RAV4 the further up the trim line you go. There is a $6,135 difference between the top-level trims of the RAV4 and CR-V. This also doesn't include the fact that to access some of the more advanced safety features of the RAV4, not included in the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, you have to pay extra for the Connected Services Package. Overall, the 2026 Honda CR-V will net you upfront savings if you're buying a new model, whether you opt for the gas-powered version or the hybrid option.
Come Check Out the 2026 CR-V With Us Today
With the benefits of the 2026 CR-V made abundantly clear here, does this change your perspective on the rivalry between the 2026 Honda CR-V vs the 2026 Toyota RAV4? If so, and you're looking to move forward with shopping for a 2026 Honda CR-V, we're more than happy to help you get started. Feel free to use our model research to learn more about all the features of the CR-V, or reach out to us, and we can answer any lingering questions you might have. If you're ready to take the next step, schedule a test drive at your earliest convenience so you can experience the 2026 Honda CR-V for yourself.
[a] MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.