2019 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4 vs Subaru Forester
Compact SUVs have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to their exceptional versatility, value, and performance capabilities. With increasing demand from buyers, more and more manufacturers have joined the segment. A daunting amount of choices has made choosing the right SUV more difficult than ever before. To help simplify your decision, Germain Honda of Ann Arbor has assembled this competitive comparison in which the CR-V goes up against two of the top rivals in the segment – the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester. Once you see the results, you’ll understand why buyers continue to choose the Honda CR-V.
Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4
| 2019 Honda CR-V LX AWD | VS | 2019 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD |
| $26,795* ✓ | MSRP* (including destination charges) | $28,145 |
| Optional ✓ | Electronic Parking Assist | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| Standard ✓ | Automatic Climate Control | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| Standard ✓ | Automatic On/Off Headlights | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| 39.2 cubic feet ✓ | Cargo Volume | 37.6 cubic feet |
| 40.1 / 41.3 inches ✓ | Front Headroom/Legroom | 39.5 / 41.0 inches |
| 40.4 inches ✓ | Rear Legroom | 37.8 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Alloy Wheels | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles ✓ | Roadside Assistance Coverage | 2 Years / Unlimited Mileage |
First up to challenge the Honda CR-V is one of its most familiar rivals – the Toyota RAV4. Comparing base trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive, the CR-V offers a starting price that’s $1,350 lower than the RAV4* (including destination charges). A closer look reveals how much value you’ll enjoy by choosing Honda over Toyota.
A Rear Electronic Parking Aid with Camera is available on the CR-V LX, helping to add confidence when trying to squeeze in or out of a tight space. You’ll have to step up to a more expensive trim level of the RAV4 to have access to this great feature. Similarly, the CR-V LX comes standard with automatic climate control along with auto on/off headlamps for convenience. Again, both of these features require you to step up to a higher trim level of the RAV4.
Interior space and versatility is another advantage of the Honda CR-V. It offers 1.6 additional cubic feet of cargo volume than the RAV4. Both the driver and front passenger will appreciate the greater headroom and legroom found on the front row of seats inside the CR-V. Back seat passengers can stretch out and relax with 2.6 extra inches of rear legroom.
Standard alloy wheels add a stylish touch to the exterior of the Honda CR-V while you’ll have to settle for steel wheels with covers on the RAV4 LE. Lastly, Honda includes an additional year of roadside assistance coverage for greater peace of mind no matter how far your adventures take you behind the wheel of your CR-V.
Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester
| Honda CR-V LX | VS | Subaru Forester Base |
| $26,745* | MSRP including destination charge* | $25,870 |
| 184 HP / 180 LB-FT ✓ | Horsepower / Torque | 182 HP / 176 LB-FT |
| Standard ✓ | Automatic Climate Control | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| Standard ✓ | Automatic On/Off Headlights | Requires Higher Trim Level |
| 39.2 cubic feet ✓ | Cargo Volume | 35.4 cubic feet |
| 40.4 inches ✓ | Rear Legroom | 39.4 inches |
| Standard ✓ | Alloy Wheels | Optional |
| Light ✓ | Window Tint | Not Available |
Next up to challenge the Honda CR-V is the Subaru Forester. For consistency, we’re still comparing base trim levels equipped with all-wheel drive in this matchup. The Forester does begin with a slight price advantage, although you’ll quickly learn that this initial savings quickly goes away when looking at the advantages of the CR-V LX.
The CR-V has the edge when it comes to performance, giving you greater horsepower and torque than the Forester. Automatic climate control and automatic on/off headlights are two excellent features you’ll enjoy on the CR-V as well. Subaru requires you to step up to a more expensive trim level of the Forester to get this equipment. Standard alloy wheels and light window tint are two other great reasons to choose the CR-V.
As we’ve seen previously, interior space is another strong suit of the Honda CR-V. 3.8 additional cubic feet of cargo volume will help you bring along that extra suitcase or two along for the journey. Back seat occupants will appreciate the greater amount of rear legroom inside the CR-V as well.
Winner – Honda CR-V
Winner — 2019 Honda CR-V
Now that we’ve crunched the numbers, the obvious winner of this competitive comparison is the Honda CR-V. The competition from Toyota and Subaru simply cannot compete with the outstanding value, versatility, and premium features you’ll receive when you choose the Honda CR-V. Don’t just take our word for it. The CR-V has been named a 2019 Best Buy from Kelley Blue Book** and Best SUV in the Edmunds Editors’ Choice Awards for 2019**. Our team at Germain Honda of Ann Arbor is standing by to help you choose the CR-V model that’s perfectly suited for your lifestyle.
DISCLAIMERS:
*MSRP including $1,045 destination charge, but excludes tax, license, registration, and options. Dealer sets own prices.
**Source: Kelley Blue Book 2019 Best Buy Awards – https://www.kbb.com/car-news/best-buy-awards-small-suv-crossover/2000011401/
***Source: Edmunds Editors’ Choice Awards 2019 – https://www.edmunds.com/honda/cr-v/
