CurlyLoo

I know this isn't Travel-specific, but it relates to some degree! I'm in need of a new small SUV, and am close to a decision, but wanted some feedback from anyone who's had experiences with the Honda CRV (2012) or Toyota Rav4 (2010-2012). Positives, negatives, advice, anything would be appreciated!

nytraveler

You should ask the editors to move this to the Lounge.

doug_stallings

I've done that.

Rastaguytoday

The April issue of Consumers Reports is dedicated to the new cars, and repair history of used cars.

Both have excellent reliability, but the CRV is holding its resale value better.

google edmunds (car name and year). Their review is pretty insightful.

enzian

We just bought a CRV last month. We looked at both, but I much prefered the Honda. I can't think of any negatives, other than that I would have preferred manual transmission if that were offered. (It isn't).

Style-wise, I actually prefer the 2011, only because he back window has a smoother line. But the 2012 has the back-up camera, so that trumped looks. DH really wanted that camera!

Challiman

We just bought a CRV last week, a 2011 with 8,000 miles on it. I did the research and could have gone with either car, but when we found the CRV less than a year old with that low mileage i was sold
I think it does edge out the Rav 4 just a bit on holding value and overall ratings.

Challiman

I forgot to say that we got 4 WD, leather seats, navigation, heated seats, moon roof, etc. It really is a nice car and while we didn't set out to get the top of the line model when we found one with that mileage and warranty we went with it. So far we love it!

maribethp

Honda.by far

jill_h

CRV owner for 3 years now. Honda owner for 20+ years. Did own a Toyota once for about 10 years.

basingstoke2

It depends on what you need or want. I test drove them both in looking for a SUV. If you have need for a 3rd seat, then it is the Rav4 - the seat is suitable for a couple of kids. If you value power, the Rav4 has the only 6 cylinder and it is the pocket rocket among the small SUVs. Both handled well but I thought the Rav4 just a bit better. The Rav4 also seemed to be a bit more "civilized" as far as ride and general layout was concerned. I bought neither, finally choosing a KIA because it was also a very nice driver, a much better deal and has a far, far better warranty than either the Honda or Toyota. So far, I have not regretted my choice.

Challiman

Basingstoke, if I had been buying a new car the Kias were very appealing. Still, I just wasn't as familiar with Kia and knew far fewer Kia owners than Honda owners.
The warranty, though, was very good.

KTtravel

We have a RAV4 and have been very happy with it. It is, however, several years old so I can't speak to the newer models.

Grcxx3

When we moved back to the US in 2008, we bought a new Rav4 and a 2006 CRV. I drove the CRV and loved it. DH and the boys (when they started to drive) preferred the Rav4, saying the CRV "drove like a truck" - but I never felt that way.

When we moved back overseas, we kept the Rav4 (because it was newer) and sold the CRV for a decent price. So, when I am in the US now, I drive the Rav4. I like it - but I miss some things about the CRV (bigger trunk area, heated seats, being able to have 6 CDs in the player, etc).

So - I like both cars. (sorry - not real helpful!)

gail

After 20+ years of driving various Toyotas, I drove both 5 years ago and picked CRV - I just did not like the way the RAV4 drove. Plus, I just don't like the spare tire hanging on the back - may be trivial, but it bugs me.

Love the navigation system, heated seats, sun roof. Can't think of anything I don't like and when I need a new car I will likely buy the same.

My husband finds the ride of my CRV too "hard" - but I love it. (He has driven a Camry for 20+ years)

GreenDragon

I have had my 1999 Honda CR-V since 2001 (bought used). I love it! I would definitely get another except for one thing - I need my next car to be able to tow my art show trailer, and the CR-V, as much as I love the poor little devil, just doesn't have that towing capacity.

I love the size, easy to park, to drive, very reliable. Mine has about 230,000 miles on it, and it's a real trooper. I love the table in the back that it came with (it doubles as the floor of the 'trunk' space). I am not crazy about the fact that you have to open the back hatch window before opening the hatch door, but that is a minor annoyance. This is the longest I've owned a car, and it has been a lovely time.

girlonthego

I drive the larger Honda suv, the Pilot. I love it! It is my favorite car I have ever driven. I highly recommend Honda as a good car, that is reliable and runs well. I have never owned a Toyota.

basingstoke2

GreenD - I do not know the size of your trailer, but you may want to check if the 6 cylinder Rav4 or KIA 6 can handle it. Both have good power.

justretired

I looked at both in the early summer along with the Forester. In the end, I eliminated the Rav4 because the hatch door opened to the side in the wrong direction for my garage. I chose the Forester becasue I previously had had a suburu for 14 years and truly liked its reliability. I wanted AWD and the visibility out the back was the best of the 3. So far, I really like it a lot and am getting close to 25 miles a gallon in regular street driving. I chose one with a back up camera and heated seats- truly decadent for me,

mr_go

Ms_go really loves her Rav4, and I think it's a very solid vehicle overall. But to be honest, I'm not sure there is a ton of variance between the Honda & Toyota products in most categories. They are both noted for their reliability and value, and have been for a long while.

zootsi

Have you considered a Forester? We have 112k on ours, still runs like new.