Head to Head

In this week's Head-to-Head, we have a feature-to-feature comparison of two well-loved compact SUVs in the market today. One of them recently made a major comeback, while the other one has been around for a while now. It's none other than the latest generation Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Let's watch this.

We'll start with the respective powertrains of the two cars.

The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with the TNGA or the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, which means that it is powered by a 2.5-L Dynamic Force Engine with Dual VVT-I. It's capable of giving out 203 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces 154 horsepower and 189 Nm of torque and is coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmisson. Comparing the two compact SUV's powertrain, the CR-V's is much more straightforward, although the RAV4's is more advanced. In their own ways, both the cars' engines make for a much quieter cabin.

When it comes to suspension, the RAV4 now features a MacPherson w/ Coil Spring at the front and a Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring. Meanwhile, the CR-V uses Multi-Link at the front and MacPherson Strut at the rear. Two completely different suspension set up but both of them do their job at ensuring that the cars face road imperfections swiftly.

Let's proceed to the two compact SUVs respective exteriors and interiors.

Still under the TNGA platform, the RAV4's exterior design features its "cross-octagon" style which combines a wide wedge-shaped front that links with an octagon-shaped spacious and utilitarian rear. Moreover, the RAV4 is faced with two-tiered upper and lower trapezoid-shaped grille that houses a set of LED headlights. On top of that, the RAV4 now features a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which has also been redesigned.

On the other hand, the CR-V's design is defined by this set of bold LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The "Solid Wing Face" front grille also catches attention easily. But what highlights the look of the CR-V are the diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and the D-pillar-mounted LED taillights.

It's time to hop on inside the two compact SUVs.

Inside the RAV4, it's all bold with a hint of elegance. The cabin features a more rugged dashboard soft-touch panels. Moreover, the seats are wrapped in leather. The driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable that also comes with memory and lumbar support for added comfort and convenience. The RAV4 also has an inside rear view mirror. Additionally, the interior of the RAV4 is further highlighted by seat heaters, rear cooler, and a panoramic moon roof.

The interior of the RAV4 is further highlighted by its infotainment system which comes with a 7-inch multi-information display that supports AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. It also features a smartphone mirrorlink for Android and Apple.

Hopping inside the CR-V, you will be greeted with seats that are wrapped in leather upholstery, same with the RAV4, which makes the interior of the CR-V feel cozy and comfortable. The front seats have good side support as well as comfortable backrests. And speaking of leather, the steering wheel is also wrapped with the material and it comes with audio-media controls as well as buttons for the cruise control. And since the CR-V is a 7-seater, which is an edge compared to the RAV4, it ensures that all passengers can move comfortably through every ride.

Honda's signature infotainment system is of course present in this 7-seater SUV. Although it doesn't come with a navigation system, it still supports multimedia functions and connectivity like AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB, Aux and HDMI, and passengers can enjoy a music-filled roadtrip as it comes with 8 speakers.

When it comes to safety and security, both the RAV4 and the CR-V ensure nothing less.

Apart from the standard features, the RAV4 is equipped with 7 airbags, 8-eye front & rear sensors, back-up camera, anti-lock brake system with emergency brake signal, and Vehicle Stability Control. All of these advanced features are under and made possible by the TNGA platform.

On the other hand, although the CR-V doesn't come with Honda Sensing, it still doesn't compromise safety and security. It is equipped with the standard features such as 6 airbags, Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist. For added convenience, this car is equipped with Multi-view Reverse Camera with Dynamic Guidelines and Lane Watch Camera.

Those were the fifth and latest generations of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V as they battle it out feature-to-feature in this week's Head-to-Head.