CR-V vs RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
It’s Honda against Toyota in the compact suv class, and the CR-V and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid are the models carrying each flag. These two are nearly level on the spec sheet, which means the right pick depends more on you than on them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has 130 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (320 hp for the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, 190 hp for the CR-V) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads
In this area the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a lead the CR-V can’t close. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid pulls ahead with 130 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 320 hp The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The CR-V and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid match each other closely in this area. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The CR-V and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 plug-in hybrid |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 320 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 50 mi |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
“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 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (320 hp vs 190 hp)
- you already use other Toyota products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the CR-V or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
On the specs compared here, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid makes more sense for most buyers; the CR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the CR-V’s and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s) so you don’t have to. The biggest reason I lean toward the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is simple: it has 130 hp more power.
Put simply, the CR-V suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.