When the first Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V appeared in the late 1990s, they were quirky little niche vehicles. They were SUVs built from car platforms, providing more comfortable rides and better gas mileage than traditional models like the Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Sidekick. But while they developed a loyal following, they didn’t take over the heart of the automotive marketplace.
Today, though, the CR-V and RAV4 are two of America’s best-selling vehicles. Each is its own brand’s sales leader, too. Modern compact crossovers are seen as the perfect combination of spaciousness, affordability, and everyday comfort. But which is best? Today, we’ll compare the strengths and weaknesses of the 2020 Toyota RAV4 and the 2020 Honda CR-V and pick a winner.