2019 Honda CR-V vs 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had an aesthetic that harked back to Toyota's classic trucks, giving it a rugged and adventurous appearance. The design of the RAV4 was a return to form, with bold, flat trapezoids on the front facet akin to the 4Runner. The contoured body from the previous generation was replaced by a more angular design, featuring hard creases on the fenders and wheel wells, reminiscent of a bolt head. This model retained the large greenhouse reminiscent of the original RAV4, enhancing visibility and contributing to its robust look.

Particularly striking were the glossy black trims of the XSE trim, including the roof, A-pillars, mirrors, fender flares, and 18-inch wheels. The interior matched the tough exterior with oversized, rubber-padded knobs, large buttons, and a padded dash, all of which elevated the cabin's feel. Notable features included tall door handles, a soft steering wheel, and supportive front seats with blue-striped cloth inserts. Every element from the design spoke volumes about its heritage and modernity, creating an appealing blend of traditional and contemporary.

The 2019 Honda CR-V, available in four trims (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring), took a stylish yet practical approach. Though its front design received mixed reviews with its "Robot Horseshoe Crab" appearance, the CR-V was praised for its rear design and overall quality. It sported standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the base LX and larger 18-inch wheels with body-colored trim and rear privacy glass on higher trims, elevating its visual appeal.

Inside, the CR-V exuded an upscale feel, despite a significant use of hard plastics that managed to look and feel good. Its materials and construction, along with a two-tone tan-over-black interior treatment, conveyed a sense of premium quality. The well-organized controls and abundant practical features resonated well with users. Overall, the CR-V offered a pleasant and visually appealing experience, although it lacked some of the adventurous spirit and rugged exterior of the RAV4.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid surprised many with its performance. It used a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine operating on the Atkinson cycle, two electric motors, and a 1.6-kilowatt battery, generating 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup provided a surprising surge of torque and brisk acceleration. Despite using older nickel-metal hydride batteries, which were heavier and larger than lithium-ion alternatives, they ensured a more consistent state of charge, especially in cold weather.

Driving the RAV4 Hybrid felt effortless. The seamless transmission between electric and gasoline power, quiet operation, and unobtrusive CVT made for a smooth ride. Although the AWD showed slight latency in countering wheelspin, the stable handling and connected steering significantly enhanced the driving experience. With its sport-tuned dampers and springs, the XSE trim offered improved performance without compromising comfort. The fuel efficiency was remarkable, averaging 36 mpg over highway trips, with an EPA rating of 41 mpg city, 38 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered two engine options across different trims. The LX model featured a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the higher trims (EX, EX-L, Touring) were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Despite similar outputs, the turbocharged engine was more responsive and provided better acceleration.

However, the turbocharged engine had some issues in cold weather, potentially leading to engine misfires due to fuel mixing with engine oil. Additionally, some owners reported battery issues. Despite these concerns, the CR-V performed well with its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, providing a composed ride and capable handling. The dual-pinion electric steering offered a responsive feel, and the brakes performed excellently under various conditions. Fuel economy was decent, though slightly below EPA expectations, averaging 27.7 mpg.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid excelled in practicality. With a cargo volume of 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70 cubic feet with the seats folded, it offered substantial space for luggage and other items. The spare tire beneath the cargo floor was a practical touch. Rear seat legroom was generous, and the air conditioning proved highly efficient even on hot days. The ergonomic design of controls, while the lack of illumination for window, lock, and mirror switches at night was a minor drawback. The infotainment and climate controls, along with a large digital speedometer, made the RAV4 user-friendly.

The 2019 Honda CR-V also impressed with its practicality. It provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, although the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was a notable omission. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power adjustable seat standard on all trims except LX. The rear seats provided ample space, with rear air vents and USB ports enhancing passenger comfort.

In terms of cargo capacity, the CR-V offered 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to an impressive 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, rivaling larger SUVs. The flexible load floor and sizable storage compartments further enhanced its practicality, making it a great choice for families needing generous storage space.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured an intuitive infotainment system with clear menus and convenient swiping and pinching gestures. Customizable home screens and Apple CarPlay integration added to its appeal, although the absence of Android Auto and outdated map graphics were drawbacks. The JBL stereo was deemed adequate, and while Toyota's safety features like lane-keep assist needed refinement, the standard Safety Connect included useful features like automatic crash notifications and SOS assistance.

The 2019 Honda CR-V, from the EX trim upwards, boasted a plethora of technological features, including a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and HondaLink connected services. The infotainment system, while improved, was not without faults. The lack of a tuning knob, small screen size, and distracting interface detracted from its user-friendliness. Voice recognition was also inconsistent. However, the EX-L and Touring trims offered navigation and a premium sound system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received high marks for safety. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall rating, with top scores in side barrier and side pole tests. The IIHS also gave the RAV4 top ratings in all crash tests and a Superior rating for its collision-avoidance system. Standard Toyota Safety Sense included features like forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Unique safety features included a front passenger seat airbag to prevent forward movement in a crash and a driver’s knee airbag. Rear emergency braking was available as an option.

The 2019 Honda CR-V, equipped with Honda Sensing on all trims except LX, offered advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and road-departure mitigation. The EX trim and higher included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems worked adequately, though they lacked the refinement of some competitors’ technology. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with only headlight performance preventing a Top Safety Pick Plus designation.