I test-drove both. I like to keep my vehicles for 10+ years, so I purchased the Toyota. Its hybrid system has no clutches, whereas the Honda has three. But the Honda rides more 'solid' and feels like it is built better.
Interesting how you claim the CR-V has three clutches. Most people only know about the two multi-plate clutches used (in the CR-V; all other Honda hybrids have only one) to engage what Honda calls Engine Drive. But yes, there is a third. I'm just not sure if you are counting that one, or some other imaginary one. The third clutch is built into the flywheel, and is permanently engaged. It is there in case there is a sudden change in the rpm of just the wheels, or just the engine, but not the other. It is necessary so the other can be brought to the same rpm less suddenly. And the reason why I doubt that you are counting this one correctly, is because all Toyota hybrids have it as well. So your counts should be either: A) Two for the CR-V, one all other Honda hybrids, and none for Toyota hybrids; or... B) Three for the CR-V, two all other Honda hybrids, and *_one_* for Toyota hybrids. And the really ironic thing here is that the one most likely to fail is Toyota's. I'm not saying there is any significant chance, just that it is more likely. As in, you can find examples of its failures on youtube, but you can't for Honda's. If you need to start the ICE while the car is moving, in a Honda it is not connected to the wheels due to the multi-plate clutch(es). In a Toyota, the engine is always connected to the wheels. When the engine is off, MG1 is "free-spinning" at 2.6 times the rpm of MG2 (connected to the wheels). To start the ICE, MG1 has to actually slow down while the wheels force the ICE to spin. This is the kind of change that the flywheel clutch - called a damper - is there to moderate.
The downside for the CRV is the lack of a spare tire. We liked the CRV more but ended up buying the RAV4 because the RAV4 has a spot for the spare tire
I drove a Rav4 and then popped straight into a CRV 10 min later. There was no comparison in overall feel, fit and finish. The CRV made the Rav4 seem cheap even though they are almost exactly the same price in Canada. I am not sure why so many see the lack of spare a deal breaker. In 50 years of driving I have had exactly one flat and that one could have been handled with a flat fixer kit. Maybe the roads in Canada are better than in the US.
Made the dealer buy a full size 18 inch spare kit from Amazon (has a cover and jack that fits inside the wheel and just set it in the cargo area, it is narrower than a regular tire so does not take up much space.
1:50 Chuck E. Cheese jump scare RUclips recommended this video out of the blue, but well done Chad, and kudos to whoever is behind the camera as well. Both these cars look like the smart pick for most people. Personally, I'm Team Honda, but the Toyota is a hell of a car. These 2 are in another tier of value and reliability compared to the rest of the car industry. Keep up the good work
I know. I keep having hard stops every time I go. I favor the crv because of the spacious Comfortable interior, As well as exterior looks.. But Rav 4 for everything else. The young and rational. Person picks the rav 4.. Reliability comma better drive train et cetera. Getting older now and comfort and looks kind of stand out
It's my first time owning a RAV4 hybrid and "I love it" this is my 2nd RAV4 and I would not trade it to anything else. I'm glad I made the right choice owning a RAV4 hybrid XSE
The problem in Canada is cablegate on the RAV4 hybrid. We use a lot of salt on our roads around here. However the Hondas are a lot more expensive than the RAV4 even the XLE Premium. I mean you’re talking 57 grand OTD and an xtra five hundred if you want all weather mats and a trunk liner and no spare tire. At least Toyota will throw in the all weather mats lol.
Tesla owners may (or may not) be surprised to know that their range takes a big hit if they frequently take advantage of quick starts and rapid changes. I'm not sure how many pay as much attention to that, as they would to mpg in the CR-V. I point it out because the CR-V (more so than the RAV4) really is an EV. Not a Battery EV like the Tesla, but a Battery+Generator EV. Except when cruising on the highway, it is propelled exclusively by an electric motor which is powered by the generator and the battery. My point is that the EV operation means it takes the same hit for quick starts. Honda's response to that, since it is an economy-minded vehicle, is to actually build a lag into quick starts. You can get rid of them by changing to SPORT mode, but that can drop mpg. I'm not saying it will become like a sports car, but you will get better acceleration if you choose it. You just need to be attentive to "squeeze" the gas pedal, instead of stomping on it, when you don't need EV-like response. In my Accord Hybrid - 2018, so I can't configure these drive modes - I will switch temporarily to SPORT if I anticipate the need. Like on the ramp to a busy freeway.
I like both and was hoping to hear bad news for one of them, to choose the other one. 😂😂 Nope, I'm still undecided. I'm going to have to test drive both. I owed a 2004 Rav4 that just got flooded. 😢 Man, I loved my little "Lucy". I want a new one, but yes, totally agree with you about Rav4 feel a little rugged while driving. Let's see if the Honda impresses me. Wish me luck!
I've test driven both, but my final decision goes to the RAV4, as the CR-V has only the GDI engine & the RAV4 has the GDI AND Port Injection engine. The difference IS that the RAV4 port injection cleans the engine valves & the CR-4 does not. It will be more prone to carbon build-up which is NOT covered by the warranty. The other major factor is the availability of the spare & extra storage space under the rear cargo area of the RAV4. Although the CR-V is more refined & elegant, & has the electric passenger seats, the RAV4 is way more practical & dependable.
Absolutely right on. And if you really want to drill into the minute details, watch the Car Care Nut's comparison of the 2 cars. But maybe you did. It was very enlightening for me.
I was forced to do that while videoing because the seat belt was causing interference with my Bluetooth microphone. The seatbelt kept rubbing on it and causing issues. I don’t normally drive like that. 😀. You are the second one to point that out.
Toyota Australia is cheating customers on map upgrades. I bought my RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid in 2021. My average annual mileage is around 10,000 km. Given the low mileage there is no great rush on my part to do the annual service which I normally do within a month from each anniversary date. During the service I have the free map upgrade (customers are entitled for 3 map upgrades free). However on my 3rd anniversary service, Toyota refused to give me the 3rd free map upgrade. After a couple of lengthy discussions with Toyota Customer Service I was told that I am not entitled for the 3rd free map upgrade as I have gone pass the 3rd anniversary date by a few weeks. This is gross cheating. Shame on Toyota Australia.
If you enjoy driving at all get the Honda. The Toyota RAV4?is one of the least refined worst driving cars I have ever driven. The Mazda CX5 is better than these two cars to be honest. The seats suck in all three so don’t expect luxury.
The looks are ruined on both of them by black wheels that look naff imho. Black wheels are ok on a wheelbarrow or lawnmower but look terrible on a car.
Sorry Chad you seem a bit bias towards the Honda and you didn't compare apples with apples...You had the CRV Sport but the lower version of the Toyota being the XSE rather than the Cruiser or in your country the Prime which has way more features than the Honda Sport. The Honda doesn't have 360 degree camera....In all a very biased review. I would pick the Rav4 the Honda looks fuddy duddy rather than mature and sophisticated.
Austake…thanks for the comment. I try my best to get vehicles that are similarly equipped and the prices somewhat close. There is no way to truly do apples to apples. That said, I don’t feel any particular leaning toward the CR-V, honestly. They will each be desirable to Toyota or Honda loyalists with the RAV4 appealing to a more rugged-desiring crowd than the CR-V. At least that is my take on it.
@@Chadscarcomps Point taken but comparing a lesser model does skew the review. I'm not a Toyota devotee but we have compared them all as we are looking at buying a hybrid and the Toyota actually offers more bang for buck and don't forget Toyota has been making hybrids since 1996 with the Prius so in my books they have the most experience in producing these cars...Something to consider when buying a hybrid.
@austake - Where are you from? I looked back at the trim levels and they are both 1 level away from the top level. RAV4 hybrid XSE being position 6 out 7 with a starting MSRP of $37,385. The CR-V hybrid Sport L is position 5 out of 6 with a starting MSRP of $37,050. I am not sure I could have more "apples to apples" if I tried. Not trying to argue with you, but I thought I had done that homework prior to visiting my dealers for what they were willing to loan out to me.
@@austakeno wonder the major diff you’re seeing here…you’re from Aussie and this review is for US. Watch reviews from Aussie that should provide much better info and fairer comparisons (if any)
I test-drove both. I like to keep my vehicles for 10+ years, so I purchased the Toyota. Its hybrid system has no clutches, whereas the Honda has three. But the Honda rides more 'solid' and feels like it is built better.
Are the clutches known to fail or do they require maintenance?
Interesting how you claim the CR-V has three clutches. Most people only know about the two multi-plate clutches used (in the CR-V; all other Honda hybrids have only one) to engage what Honda calls Engine Drive. But yes, there is a third. I'm just not sure if you are counting that one, or some other imaginary one.
The third clutch is built into the flywheel, and is permanently engaged. It is there in case there is a sudden change in the rpm of just the wheels, or just the engine, but not the other. It is necessary so the other can be brought to the same rpm less suddenly. And the reason why I doubt that you are counting this one correctly, is because all Toyota hybrids have it as well. So your counts should be either:
A) Two for the CR-V, one all other Honda hybrids, and none for Toyota hybrids; or...
B) Three for the CR-V, two all other Honda hybrids, and *_one_* for Toyota hybrids.
And the really ironic thing here is that the one most likely to fail is Toyota's. I'm not saying there is any significant chance, just that it is more likely. As in, you can find examples of its failures on youtube, but you can't for Honda's.
If you need to start the ICE while the car is moving, in a Honda it is not connected to the wheels due to the multi-plate clutch(es). In a Toyota, the engine is always connected to the wheels. When the engine is off, MG1 is "free-spinning" at 2.6 times the rpm of MG2 (connected to the wheels). To start the ICE, MG1 has to actually slow down while the wheels force the ICE to spin. This is the kind of change that the flywheel clutch - called a damper - is there to moderate.
Only 10 years+ .You should have gotten the Honda
The downside for the CRV is the lack of a spare tire. We liked the CRV more but ended up buying the RAV4 because the RAV4 has a spot for the spare tire
You bought the RAV because of the spare tire. Was that the only reason?
@@markg6605 well, I bought the car for my daughter. She told me she also liked the driving experience with the RAV4 more than the CRV.
@@markg6605 Having a place for a spare tire is pretty important, don't you think?
I drove a Rav4 and then popped straight into a CRV 10 min later. There was no comparison in overall feel, fit and finish. The CRV made the Rav4 seem cheap even though they are almost exactly the same price in Canada. I am not sure why so many see the lack of spare a deal breaker. In 50 years of driving I have had exactly one flat and that one could have been handled with a flat fixer kit. Maybe the roads in Canada are better than in the US.
Made the dealer buy a full size 18 inch spare kit from Amazon (has a cover and jack that fits inside the wheel and just set it in the cargo area, it is narrower than a regular tire so does not take up much space.
Where did you get your CR-V, in my area, CRV hybrid start from CAD$49000 and RAV 4 hybrid start from CAD$ 35000
I can't believe this channel only has 9 videos, yet the presentation is already so good. This guy knows his stuff.
Not really... the channel The Mechenic is excellent
This guy is just telling us MOST OBVIOUS THINGS
1:50 Chuck E. Cheese jump scare
RUclips recommended this video out of the blue, but well done Chad, and kudos to whoever is behind the camera as well.
Both these cars look like the smart pick for most people. Personally, I'm Team Honda, but the Toyota is a hell of a car. These 2 are in
another tier of value and reliability compared to the rest of the car industry.
Keep up the good work
You forgot to mention that the rear seats in the CRV recline and the back door opens 90 degrees for better access to the back seat.
The wheels on the rav 4 in your video look identical to my 2025 crv hybrid wheels. (With exception to the Toyota emblem in the middle)
Good review! Still hard to choose between these two. Like the smooth characteristics of the Honda and the proven, simpler powertrain of the Toyota.
I know. I keep having hard stops every time I go. I favor the crv because of the spacious Comfortable interior, As well as exterior looks.. But Rav 4 for everything else.
The young and rational.
Person picks the rav 4.. Reliability comma better drive train et cetera. Getting older now and comfort and looks kind of stand out
@@miragexl007if you like to drive at all you get the CRV. The RAV4 is terrible to drive. Very unrefined.
It's my first time owning a RAV4 hybrid and "I love it" this is my 2nd RAV4 and I would not trade it to anything else. I'm glad I made the right choice owning a RAV4 hybrid XSE
I'm glad I made the right choice buying the crv hybrid. It's awesome!
I prefer the Honda styling , MPG's & overall standard features
12:56 you can change the background to all black under settings. It’s easier to see with a dark background.
The problem in Canada is cablegate on the RAV4 hybrid. We use a lot of salt on our roads around here. However the Hondas are a lot more expensive than the RAV4 even the XLE Premium. I mean you’re talking 57 grand OTD and an xtra five hundred if you want all weather mats and a trunk liner and no spare tire. At least Toyota will throw in the all weather mats lol.
Does this cable gate issue still persist on the newer Rav4 ? I have mine coming soon, but I have heard that they fixed this issue in 2023+ models.
@@christin_sunnyit’s been fixed.
Honda is always the top notch. More expensive but if you dirve them both you just see the difference
Tesla owners may (or may not) be surprised to know that their range takes a big hit if they frequently take advantage of quick starts and rapid changes. I'm not sure how many pay as much attention to that, as they would to mpg in the CR-V. I point it out because the CR-V (more so than the RAV4) really is an EV. Not a Battery EV like the Tesla, but a Battery+Generator EV. Except when cruising on the highway, it is propelled exclusively by an electric motor which is powered by the generator and the battery.
My point is that the EV operation means it takes the same hit for quick starts.
Honda's response to that, since it is an economy-minded vehicle, is to actually build a lag into quick starts. You can get rid of them by changing to SPORT mode, but that can drop mpg. I'm not saying it will become like a sports car, but you will get better acceleration if you choose it. You just need to be attentive to "squeeze" the gas pedal, instead of stomping on it, when you don't need EV-like response.
In my Accord Hybrid - 2018, so I can't configure these drive modes - I will switch temporarily to SPORT if I anticipate the need. Like on the ramp to a busy freeway.
We need the looks of the CR-V And the spacious comfortable interior And then the rest toyota as far as drive train etc..
I like both and was hoping to hear bad news for one of them, to choose the other one. 😂😂 Nope, I'm still undecided. I'm going to have to test drive both. I owed a 2004 Rav4 that just got flooded. 😢 Man, I loved my little "Lucy". I want a new one, but yes, totally agree with you about Rav4 feel a little rugged while driving. Let's see if the Honda impresses me. Wish me luck!
I've test driven both, but my final decision goes to the RAV4, as the CR-V has only the GDI engine & the RAV4 has the GDI AND Port Injection engine. The difference IS that the RAV4 port injection cleans the engine valves & the CR-4 does not. It will be more prone to carbon build-up which is NOT covered by the warranty. The other major factor is the availability of the spare & extra storage space under the rear cargo area of the RAV4. Although the CR-V is more refined & elegant, & has the electric passenger seats, the RAV4 is way more practical & dependable.
Absolutely right on. And if you really want to drill into the minute details, watch the Car Care Nut's comparison of the 2 cars. But maybe you did. It was very enlightening for me.
I notice you drive wth the seat shoulder belt under your arm...why is that? is that a new safety method?
I was forced to do that while videoing because the seat belt was causing interference with my Bluetooth microphone. The seatbelt kept rubbing on it and causing issues. I don’t normally drive like that. 😀. You are the second one to point that out.
Toyota Australia is cheating customers on map upgrades. I bought my RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid in 2021. My average annual mileage is around 10,000 km. Given the low mileage there is no great rush on my part to do the annual service which I normally do within a month from each anniversary date. During the service I have the free map upgrade (customers are entitled for 3 map upgrades free). However on my 3rd anniversary service, Toyota refused to give me the 3rd free map upgrade. After a couple of lengthy discussions with Toyota Customer Service I was told that I am not entitled for the 3rd free map upgrade as I have gone pass the 3rd anniversary date by a few weeks. This is gross cheating. Shame on Toyota Australia.
I would have been livid. A few weeks? Ugh
I drove both of these vehicles. The CRV is much better.
Yes and very expensive though I am really considering it.
The honda cr v feels and ride like a mercedes toyota dosen’t have that feel.
Rav 4 seat goes back further for leg room. In my experience
only new thing is usb and the little screen. They are 2004 mods
If you enjoy driving at all get the Honda. The Toyota RAV4?is one of the least refined worst driving cars I have ever driven. The Mazda CX5 is better than these two cars to be honest. The seats suck in all three so don’t expect luxury.
No spare tire, old infotainment and non-locking gas door is a fail for the CRV for me.
The looks are ruined on both of them by black wheels that look naff imho. Black wheels are ok on a wheelbarrow or lawnmower but look terrible on a car.
Sorry Chad you seem a bit bias towards the Honda and you didn't compare apples with apples...You had the CRV Sport but the lower version of the Toyota being the XSE rather than the Cruiser or in your country the Prime which has way more features than the Honda Sport. The Honda doesn't have 360 degree camera....In all a very biased review. I would pick the Rav4 the Honda looks fuddy duddy rather than mature and sophisticated.
Austake…thanks for the comment. I try my best to get vehicles that are similarly equipped and the prices somewhat close. There is no way to truly do apples to apples. That said, I don’t feel any particular leaning toward the CR-V, honestly. They will each be desirable to Toyota or Honda loyalists with the RAV4 appealing to a more rugged-desiring crowd than the CR-V. At least that is my take on it.
@@Chadscarcomps Point taken but comparing a lesser model does skew the review. I'm not a Toyota devotee but we have compared them all as we are looking at buying a hybrid and the Toyota actually offers more bang for buck and don't forget Toyota has been making hybrids since 1996 with the Prius so in my books they have the most experience in producing these cars...Something to consider when buying a hybrid.
@austake - Where are you from? I looked back at the trim levels and they are both 1 level away from the top level. RAV4 hybrid XSE being position 6 out 7 with a starting MSRP of $37,385. The CR-V hybrid Sport L is position 5 out of 6 with a starting MSRP of $37,050. I am not sure I could have more "apples to apples" if I tried. Not trying to argue with you, but I thought I had done that homework prior to visiting my dealers for what they were willing to loan out to me.
Australia and the Cruiser is next one down from Edge which is the premium model
@@austakeno wonder the major diff you’re seeing here…you’re from Aussie and this review is for US. Watch reviews from Aussie that should provide much better info and fairer comparisons (if any)