CR-V vs R2
It’s Honda against Rivian in the compact suv class, and the CR-V and the R2 are the models carrying each flag. The spec sheets tilt toward the R2, which leads in 2 of 3 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance R2 wins
- Space & Practicality CR-V wins
- Off-road & Towing R2 wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Space & Practicality6.8
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality5.6
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The R2 has 466 hp more power
If total system output is one of your priorities, this settles it: the R2 leads clearly with 656 hp to the CR-V’s 190 hp. The R2’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The CR-V has 36% more cargo space
The numbers aren’t close. The CR-V lists 39.3 cu ft for cargo (behind rear seats), while the R2 lists 29 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The R2 has 430 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the R2: 609 lb-ft against 179 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The R2 has 2,900 lb more towing capacity
Here the R2 pulls well ahead of the CR-V, with 4,400 lb compared to 1,500 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The R2 has
The R2 and the CR-V differ on wheelbase (115.6 in vs 106.3 in), and this is one to judge by personal preference. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either car occupies roughly the same footprint.
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | 75 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 115.6 in |
Engine & Performance
R2 leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the R2 is comfortably ahead. The R2 gives you 466 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the R2.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp R2: 656 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
CR-V: 179 lb-ft R2: 609 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
CR-V leads
The space & practicality comparison is one-sided. The CR-V leads where it counts. The CR-V comes with 36% more cargo space. The CR-V’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Net result: the CR-V leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
CR-V: 39.3 cu ft R2: 29 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
R2 leads
The CR-V has a tough time in the off-road & towing section, where the R2 pulls well ahead. On its side, the R2 has 2,900 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. For off-road & towing, the R2 is the one to beat.
Max towing
CR-V: 1,500 lb R2: 4,400 lb If you tow regularly, the R2’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the CR-V’s and the R2’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | Dual electric motors (Performance) |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 656 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | 609 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 330 mi Longest electric range |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft (winner) | 29 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft | 79.4 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 9.60 in Highest ground clearance |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 4,400 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Rivian software) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | 75 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 115.6 in |
Price
| Spec | CR-V | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $57,990 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CR-V if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (39.3 cu ft vs 29 cu ft)
- you already use other Honda products
Choose the R2 if…
- you want more power (656 hp vs 190 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (609 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (4,400 lb vs 1,500 lb)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the CR-V or the R2?
The R2 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 36% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the CR-V or the R2?
Neither by much. The CR-V and the R2 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Honda makes the CR-V, Rivian makes the R2, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. The R2 wins me over with 466 hp more power. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the R2 has 2,900 lb more towing capacity. Fairness check: the CR-V does come with 36% more cargo space.
Your priorities do the choosing here: space & practicality points to the CR-V, engine & performance to the R2.
My pick: the R2; the one scenario where I’d reach for the CR-V is if you specifically want 36% more cargo space, where the CR-V has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.