The 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V in Gaithersburg MD

See How the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Compares to the Honda CR-V in the Washington, DC Area

Shopping for a new compact SUV and at a loss for what makes each model different? At Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg, we're here to help. We know what makes the RAV4 a strong contender and a fast seller in the crossover SUV market, and we're happy to highlight some of those features by putting it up against the Honda CR-V.

Performance

Both the CR-V and the RAV4 come with one gas engine powertrain which can tow up to 1500 pounds when properly equipped. The Honda CR-V has a 1.5-liter engine which generates 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter engine which generates a bit more power-203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque-and also includes a three-mode drive system, which the Honda only has on its hybrid version.

Speaking of which, both SUVs have a hybrid powertrain available as well. With fuel economy being one of the main reasons many people consider hybrid vehicles, it's no surprise to see both the RAV4 and CR-V performing well here. The Honda CR-V drives 40 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway, but the RAV4 edges out over it with 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. Plus, you can pick up the RAV4 Prime for a plug-in hybrid version, which the CR-V doesn't have.

Exterior Features

The Toyota RAV4 offers a bolder look than the CR-V, but looks are subjective. What isn't subjective is how important proper lighting is for safe and confident driving. The RAV4 comes standard with multi-LED headlights, LED taillights and LED daytime running lights, giving you fantastic visibility around Alexandria. The Honda CR-V only has halogen headlights standard, and you won't get LED headlights unless you spring for the premium Touring trim or you switch over to the Hybrid EX. Either way, you won't gain the LED taillights or daytime running lights.

Safety

The RAV4 and CR-V both have extensive driver-assist technology. Both have systems like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and more. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also awarded both of them with the Top Safety Pick award.

There are a few things that make the Toyota RAV4 more appealing to safety-minded Arlington drivers. If you're looking to get the most affordable trim, but you still want all of the safety features, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is available on the RAV4 LE, but not on the Honda CR-V LX. The available digital rearview mirror on the RAV4 allows you to see out the back even when you have the baggage piled high, whereas you'll have to rely exclusively on the exterior mirrors in the CR-V.

Maintenance

The costs of keeping your new SUV in good condition are often well-hidden. Most people don't know what it will look like to get routine maintenance, and even those that do would certainly prefer if it didn't cost so much. Fortunately, Toyota offers ToyotaCare, which covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This means that owning a new Toyota RAV4 near Baltimore will mean no routine maintenance costs for the first two years of ownership, as long as you don't drive more than 25,000 miles. With the Honda CR-V, you'll be paying for that from the start.

Come Down to Gaithersburg, MD to See What the Toyota RAV4 Has to Offer You

Feel free to schedule a test drive with us at Fitzgerald Toyota Gaithersburg to get a closer look at some of these fantastic features. We'll be more than happy to show you why this is one of our top-selling models. Give us a call if you have any questions!

For more information on the availability of the capable, reliable, and sporty Toyota RAV4, contact our dealership directly to speak with a member of our friendly sales staff and schedule a test drive today.