Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
RAV4
65
out of 100
Executive Summary
Both CR-V and RAV4 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
CR-V
+5 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
RAV4
+2 pts
Practicality
RAV4
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
CR-V
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
12/20
RAV4
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
15/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
CR-V
Pros
More powerful engine output
Cons
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
RAV4
Pros
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
CR-V
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
RAV4
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Ground Clearance
198
195
Wheelbase
2700
2690
Length
4690
4600
Width
1860
1855
Height
1690
1685
Kerb Weight
1580
1590
Gross Vehicle Weight
2100
2140
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
522
580
Towing Capacity
1500
1500
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Engine
1.5L Turbo Petrol
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder DOHC
Displacement
1498
1987
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
190
127
Torque
240
203
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
200
185
0-100 km/h
9.5
9.9
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Transmission
CVT Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Monocoque
LSD Available
Not Available
Electronic
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
None
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Claimed Mileage
14.5
14.9
City Mileage
11
10
Highway Mileage
15
14
Fuel Tank Capacity
57
55
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Optional
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Optional
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
None
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Seat Material
Premium Fabric
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Heated Seats
Not Available
None
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
None
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Standard
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Windows
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
None
Sunroof
Panoramic Sunroof
None
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
None
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Optional
Built-in
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Front
Roof Rails
Standard
Black
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Approach Angle
19
18
Departure Angle
21
20
Wading Depth
400
400
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Normal Eco Sport
Locking Differential
Not Available
None
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Tyre Size
235/60 R18
225/65 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Double Wishbone
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque TNGA
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate to High
Moderate
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Specification
CR-V
RAV4
CO2 Emissions
165
173
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Final Verdict
🏆Honda CR-V
wins this comparison with 67 points
vs 65 points for
RAV4.
In structured scoring, CR-V emerges as the stronger overall package.
However, RAV4 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
