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Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Which Used SUV Is the Better Choice?

Comparing Two of the Most Popular SUVs for St. Louis Drivers

If you're shopping for a dependable used SUV, two names are almost guaranteed to be at the top of your list: the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Both have built strong reputations for reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and resale value, making them excellent options for families, commuters, and weekend adventurers alike.

Whether you're navigating downtown St. Louis, commuting through St. Charles, or heading to the Lake of the Ozarks, here's how these two SUVs compare.

Performance

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is known for its smooth ride and refined driving experience. Its responsive steering and comfortable suspension make it a great choice for both city driving and long highway trips.

Pros:

  1. Smooth acceleration
  2. Comfortable ride quality
  3. Quiet cabin
  4. Easy handling

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has a slightly firmer ride and feels more rugged. Many drivers appreciate its confident handling and available all-wheel drive for changing weather conditions.

Pros:

  1. Confident handling
  2. Available AWD
  3. Strong acceleration on newer models
  4. Great for road trips

Winner: Tie (CR-V for comfort, RAV4 for a more rugged feel)

Fuel Economy

Both SUVs offer impressive fuel efficiency for their class.

Typical fuel economy varies by model year, but many used models average:

Honda CR-V

  1. Around 28–34 MPG

Toyota RAV4

  1. Around 27–35 MPG

Both are excellent choices if you're looking to save money at the pump.

Winner: Tie

Interior Space

Honda CR-V

One of the CR-V's biggest strengths is its roomy interior.

It offers:

  1. Spacious rear seating
  2. Large cargo area
  3. Comfortable ride for families
  4. Plenty of legroom

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 also provides generous passenger space and versatile cargo storage, though the CR-V typically offers slightly more interior room.

Winner: Honda CR-V

Cargo Capacity

Need space for groceries, sports equipment, camping gear, or luggage?

Both SUVs offer plenty of cargo room, but the Honda CR-V generally provides slightly more usable cargo space behind the second row.

Perfect for:

  1. Family vacations
  2. Home improvement projects
  3. Weekend adventures
  4. Everyday errands

Winner: Honda CR-V

Reliability

Reliability is one of the biggest reasons buyers choose these SUVs.

Both the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are known for:

  1. Long-lasting engines
  2. Low maintenance costs
  3. Excellent resale value
  4. High owner satisfaction

With proper maintenance, it's common for both models to exceed 200,000 miles.

Winner: Tie

Safety Features

Depending on the model year and trim, both SUVs may include:

  1. Backup Camera
  2. Blind Spot Monitoring
  3. Lane Departure Warning
  4. Adaptive Cruise Control
  5. Automatic Emergency Braking
  6. Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Both vehicles consistently receive strong safety ratings.

Winner: Tie

Technology

Many newer used CR-V and RAV4 models include features like:

  1. Apple CarPlay®
  2. Android Autoâ„¢
  3. Bluetooth®
  4. Touchscreen infotainment
  5. USB charging ports
  6. Push-button start
  7. Remote start

Technology offerings are similar, with higher trims adding premium features.

Winner: Tie

Maintenance Costs

Routine maintenance is affordable for both SUVs.

Typical services include:

  1. Oil changes
  2. Tire rotations
  3. Brake service
  4. Air filter replacement
  5. Battery replacement

Parts are widely available, helping keep repair costs reasonable.

Winner: Tie

Which SUV Is Right for You?

Choose the Honda CR-V if you:

  1. Want maximum interior space
  2. Prioritize passenger comfort
  3. Need extra cargo capacity
  4. Spend a lot of time commuting

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you:

  1. Like a slightly sportier, more rugged appearance
  2. Frequently travel on gravel roads or in changing weather
  3. Want available off-road-oriented trims
  4. Appreciate Toyota's reputation for long-term durability

You Can't Go Wrong with Either SUV

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 continue to be two of the best-selling SUVs in America for good reason. Both offer outstanding reliability, excellent fuel economy, strong resale value, and the versatility that Missouri drivers need.

The best choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, driving habits, budget, and the condition of the specific vehicle you're considering.

At 5 Star Auto Plaza, we offer a large selection of quality used cars, pre-owned vehicles, SUVs, and pickup trucks for sale. Whether you're searching for cars under $20K, cars under $30K, or a dependable family SUV with affordable car payments, our team is here to help.

Need financing? We provide flexible car financing options, including used car financing, low down payment cars, guaranteed car financing, second chance auto financing, and no credit car financing. If you've been searching for used cars near me, vehicle financing near me, auto financing near me, or a trusted finance car dealership, visit 5 Star Auto Plaza and let us help you find the SUV that's right for you.

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