Call Us:
Call Us:
303-416-8484
Open Today Sales: 9 AM-7 PMOpen Today Service: 7 AM-6 PM
Date: September 13th, 2020
Let’s compare two of the most recognizable nameplates in the SUV world: the first-ever CR-V Hybrid and the hybrid RAV4. It’s a battle of more than reputation, as both hybrid SUVs offer a whole lot to adore, including high-tech tech and great safety ratings. But there are a few reasons why shoppers are jumping on the “Honda Hybrid” bandwagon now that the popular CR-V has an all-new hybrid badge.
Most vehicles will have issues warranting a recall. However, many RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid owners have noted problems stemming from the SUV’s battery, such as frequent and mysterious battery drains that affect gas mileage. These RAV4 battery problems have even carried over from previous 2019 and 2020 models. Here are a few examples of RAV4 owner complaints:
“After owning the car…for 2 weeks, battery died. I tried using Road side Assist, but it doesn`t work if the battery is dead! … Road Side assist is useless, and I found out that I cannot open the trunk if the battery is dead. There`s no key hole or manual unlock inside to open the trunk.” – Theresa H
“The battery and fuel tanks issues are real. I live with the 11-gal fuel capacity, and cope with battery by charging every week. Should not have to do that.” – CitizenCan
“I have only owned this car for three months and I’m on my third battery already. The battery dies after it sits for one day.” – Marc
“I had faced issues of not starting the car 3 times in 8 months. I had to call roadside assistance to jump-start my 2020 RAV4 today even though I drove the car almost every day!” – Jbene
“I love the body and style of my 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE, but 7 months into driving it, the battery died after not driving it for only ONE day. Took it to the dealership and they said they couldn’t find any issue with the battery. But my battery continues to drain every day if I press the accelerator for more than a few seconds at a time. My fuel economy is so poor now, it’s about 10-15 miles per gallon.” – Knicco
The Honda CR-V does not have the same consumer complaints. Though if it did, Honda would cover any battery issues with the brand’s 8-Year High Voltage Battery Limited Warranty.
The new Honda CR-V Hybrid sets the bar for drivability in the hybrid SUV segment.
Its hybrid powertrain is silky smooth, transitioning from electric to unleaded impeccably. In fact, you won’t even notice the change between electric motor and gas engine. CR-V Hybrid’s brakes are another praise-worthy feature. They’re reactive to heel pressure and stop confidently on a dime, as they say. Edmunds even tested its stopping power, noting that CR-V needs just 125 feet to squeal to 0 from 60 mph.
The hybrid RAV4, while peppy, features stodgy, squishy brakes that aren’t as receptive to input. Compared to the CR-V Hybrid, RAV4’s brakes needed 5% more runway to go from 60 to 0 mph, which is a significant amount when lives are at stake. And when you’re driving in Denver during winter, every foot matters.
The RAV4 and CR-V Hybrid both come with available leather steering wheels and leather shifters. But it’s the hybrid CR-V that comes with leather seats and upholstery (standard on EX-L and up) – and we’re talking about genuine, honest-to-goodness, black leather, stitched and piped throughout the cabin.
Instead of real leather, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid seats utilize SofTex®, Toyota’s patented synthetic leather material. Comfortable, yes; but shoppers are paying close to $40,000, all-in, to get faux luxury inside their hybrid Toyota SUV. I’ll take the real thing any day.
For every CR-V Hybrid trim, there’s a comparably equipped RAV4 Hybrid counterpart – but with a much steeper price tag.
The CR-V Hybrid LX, Honda’s entry-level hybrid model, starts at $27,850, minus any available CR-V Hybrid lease offers or finance specials. At the top of the lineup is the CR-V Hybrid Touring, which starts at just $36,050.
The base RAV4 Hybrid LE is pricier, with an MSRP of $28,500, as is its $37,030 range-topping Limited Hybrid model.
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an expensive SUV when seated side-by-side with the CR-V Hybrid. If your wallet has a say in your purchasing decision, the Honda hybrid CUV is the right choice.
Which hybrid SUV is the biggest? When it comes to passenger space and general comfort, the Honda CR-V Hybrid takes the proverbial cake.
The 2020 CR-V Hybrid (LX) has more front headroom, hip room – actually, every calculated front-seat spec puts Honda on top of Toyota. The hybrid CR-V also offers more rear hip room and legroom than the rival RAV4 Hybrid (LE), and you even get 7 extra cubic feet of passenger space in the cabin.
CR-V HYBRID: 40.1/39.2 (in.)
RAV4 HYBRID: 37.7/39.5 (in.)
CR-V HYBRID: 55.1/49.5 (in.)
RAV4 HYBRID: 54.3/47.7 (in.)
CR-V HYBRID: 41.3/40.4 (in.)
RAV4 HYBRID: 41.0/37.8 (in.)
CR-V HYBRID: 57.9/55.6 (in.)
RAV4 HYBRID: 57.8/56.4 (in.)
CR-V HYBRID: 105.9 cu. ft.
RAV4 HYBRID: 98.9 cu. ft.
All in all, the first-ever Honda CR-V Hybrid is more spacious, more affordable, and more reliable than the RAV4 Hybrid. If you’re looking to buy a fuel-efficient SUV in Denver, there’s no better option than this Honda. Contact our Centennial Honda dealership at 866-983-3742 to learn more about the CR-V Hybrid, schedule a test drive, or ask us about our Kuni Honda lease deals and offers.
