2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander had a design that was somewhat unremarkable from the side, with a few updates from the previous model year, such as a more slanted tailgate glass and more pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various parts of the vehicle, including the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, headlights, grille, and lower front bumper. Higher trims featured projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, as well as attractive LED running lamps. The Limited and Platinum trims also boasted new 20-inch wheels and appealing paint colors like Blueprint. Inside, the Highlander excelled with high-quality fit and finish, featuring silver-painted accents, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while not particularly distinctive in its exterior design, offered a few unique details like the grille opening and some chromed plastic features. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. While the CR-V's design was not its main selling point, it was functional and comfortable for passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was somewhat loose, and the suspension was soft with too much rebound, leading to a floaty ride. However, the vehicle's muted inputs and outputs made for a calming driving experience, especially on long road trips. The Limited and Platinum trims featured torque vectoring on the rear axle for AWD models and selectable driving modes. Fuel economy was impressive for a large vehicle, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD model achieved 20/27/23.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was powered by a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provided smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.8 seconds. While not particularly engaging, the CR-V's drivetrain was reliable and predictable. The CR-V came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an option. The suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, providing decent handling and ride quality. The CR-V's performance was on par with its competitors, though it lacked the more engaging driving experience offered by some rivals with conventional automatic transmissions.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight passengers or seven with the second-row captain's chairs, which were standard on Limited and Platinum trims and optional on the XLE. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander featured three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet for the rear, side window shades, and a heated second row on upper trims. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also offered eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and convenient storage shelves integrated into the dash.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the base models requiring manual operation, while higher trims featured power and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was designed for practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, was not fully utilized for maps or vehicle options. However, the Highlander did come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle also featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display on upper trims. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, road sign detection, and automatic high beams. The optional JBL audio system had 11 speakers, and the vehicle offered various connectivity options, including WiFi and USB ports.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's infotainment system was user-friendly and provided essential connectivity features.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it did not receive the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, with the Honda Sensing system standard on all trims, including features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps.