Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Honda CR-V opens at $39,900. That makes the Honda CR-V the more affordable entry point by $6,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $50,872 for the Toyota RAV4 and $46,900 for the Honda CR-V.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 88% for the Honda CR-V.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Honda CR-V.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota RAV4 and 11 in the Honda CR-V.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Honda CR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota RAV4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Honda CR-V responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 243Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda CR-V is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 104mm shorter than the Honda CR-V at 4,704mm (2,701mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda CR-V generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 561L in the Honda CR-V, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 19L advantage.
For towing, the Honda CR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,910/year for the Honda CR-V. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,910 (Honda CR-V). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda CR-V). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda CR-V).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda CR-V if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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