CR-V -versus- Rav 4

I will be hoping to buy perhaps sometime next year.

Currently leaning towards the Rav 4.

Which is better, the Rav 4 or Honda's CR-V ?

Consumer Reports rates the CR-V better, but the Rav 4 is actually better,
according to Consumer Reports.

That's because CR highly recommends the CR-V even though the Rav 4 is
better.

Confused I am.

 

CRV is bigger inside, has VSA (traction control), airbags all over, rollover
sensor. Only downside are the tires. THey are noisy and no grip. But most
OEM tires are garbage and should be replaced ASAP with good rubber, as it
makes the car.

 

Oliver Obad sez...

Right, that's the purpose of an SUV.

Rollover sensor? What is that?

Can the vehicle be ordered with better tires when negotiating at the dealer?

 

Did you proofread the above before you hit Send?

 

Sparky Spartacus sez...

Yes. Both vehicles are very similar in their respective reviews on Consumer
Reports.

Both have very similar styles, etc.

The decision is very difficult since I have no idea if there are any major
advantages one has over the other.

The Rav 4 has a better "Reliability History".
The CR-V is "Highly Recommended, but the Suspension is not rated as good as
the Rav 4.

Before I go to the respective showrooms to take a look and a test drive, I
am seeking more information than Consumer Reports offers.

I am basically saying that the CR-V is tied with the Rav 4.
Neither one is better.

So I ask for advice, thank you.

 

do not own either one but if both are the same then i would look at the cost
of replacing wear and tear item between the two like brake timing belt etc.

most of us do not think about the cost of ownership.

i am still in disbelieve and shock that domestic vehicle parts are now cost
much more than japanese brand and sometime even more than germans.

my local honda list some of the replacement parts comparision and brand like
hyundai and kia wear and tear item cost more than anyone else.

 

J Oat sez...

When I visit the respective showrooms for more research, I will be sure to
look into that.

 

CR-V and Rav4 both use timing chains.

 

High Tech Misfit sez...

Both are rated very high with Consumer Reports.

 

I'm at that stage also. Have become empty nesters, going to replace
the wifes minivan and have decided on a CR-V. Evaluated other small
SUVs. one of the final deciders was the fact that I never,ever see
them advertised used in my area. They are either kept forever, handed
down, or sold by word of mouth.

I think the CR-V has more room and less rollover propensity than the
Rav 4.

 

CRV IS BIGGER INSIDE THAN THE RAV4.. better?

Very few dealers will deal on tires at purchase without putting a premium.

 

Frank Boettcher sez...

Which model year are you comparing?

From Consumer Reports, the 2006 Rav-4 is bigger with a V6 standard.

I'd like to add that Consumer Reports did not have enough data on the 2006
Rav 4 to compare.

I will visit a Honda and Toyota dealer in a few months.
For now, I am doing as much homework as I can before I listen to those slick
salesmen.

I wish to be armed with knowledge and will bring a notepad and pen to take
allot of notes.

I will (of course) report back here to this informative newsgroup to share
what I have learned and to know what further things I need to know.

When I am ready to buy, I will know just about everything, thus be able to
ignore any salesman B.S.

 

Oliver Obad suggests that.......

I understand (from Consumer Reports) that the new 2006 Rav 4 is bigger with
a 3.5 liter V6 standard.
Am I correct that the CR-V comes with a 2.4 liter 4 as standard?

Like I said, I am doing my homework, months before I visit a showroom.

I am thirsty for knowledge. I want to know I am making the right choice,
like I did 9 years ago with my Saturn (I did research back then and have a
very reliable car), but I can still dream about driving to Home Depot and
buying big items that can easily fit in a small SUV than a small car.

 

I saw that in the Edmunds review. Also not much data. If the MPG
drops as a result of the larger size and the V6, I'm not interested.
I know Toyota is a good brand and they definitely have a good
reputation, however, I've owned seven honda products starting with a
motor bike in the early sixties. never,ever been disappointed. If
the comparison is a push, they have at least earned my loyalty.

Good luck!

Frank

 

Frank Boettcher, your contribution to my research is to be commended when
you said:

Good to know I'm not the only one doing serious homework here.

I hear you! We are both thinking the same about the details.

Wow, that's a big statement!
I am extra impressed with your views, Frank!

Trust me, I am as neutral as I can possibly be!

 

The 2006 RAV4 is a totally new vehicle so any past comparison is no longer
valid. Its base engine is a 166 HP 2.4 L 4-cyl but there is an optional
3.5L , 269 HP V-6. At 3600 lbs its basically a rocket ... sub 15 sec 1/4
mile (Car and Driver). I don't know how the (slower) Lexus RX group is going
to react! The V6 won't be out until January. The 4 cyl comes out Monday.

BTW the mpg only differs by 1 mpg between the 4 and 6 cyl according to EPA.

I have been looking at the CRV, Subaru, and RAV4 and decided to hold off
until I got a look at the new RAV4. When I first heard it was 14" longer I
was turned off.. I didn't want a big SUV but C and D mag gave it such a good
review in the last issue I decided to wait and take a closer look.

rj

 

Ron Jones sez...

I was right. It takes quite an effort with research because of the constant
changes in automotive technology.

Which Subaru model were you researching?

I ask that you report back to this newsgroup after you have test driven the
new RAV4. I would certainly be interested in your valued input. I too will
be taking a test drive, but not before more research.

I heard it was bigger but 14" seems significant.
I realize that competition is everything, so it's good to know that they are
working for our business.
Some companies expect consumer loyalty without delivering a quality product,
hence why I am doing thorough research.

In fact, I am doing much more research than I did 9½ years ago.

Same here. I am looking for something better than a small car so I can
actually buy nice things from Home Depot and not worry about trying to fit
it in my car.

I will point out a purchase I made last year.

I bought a huge model of the Empire State Building. I managed to fit it in
the back seat of my small car.
This model is huge. The top is attachable. When I got it home and attached
the top, it is over 50½ inches tall.

They sell big things in New York.

Imagine buying a huge Statue of Liberty and not being able to drive it home
because it does not fit.

Anyhow, I think you get the point.

I am not looking for a small SUV for off-road driving.

I'm looking for storage so I can shop.

By the way, any SUV that has hideable storage (like a trunk) would be a
plus.

 

You should then compared the RAV4 to a Pilot, and not a CRV. As they will
most likely be priced the same. Both come with 3.5 Litre.

Anyway, the CRV is going to be redesigned for 2007. So what's new for the
RAV4 will be old news with the new CRV.Who knows what engine will be in it?
I would look at the Acura RDX, as the next CRV might share its platform.
It's coming to showrooms soon.

 

CRV 2007 will be also a new car.. i would hold off until September 2006
before going either way.

 

depends on where it is- wheelbase, overall length, or a combination.

scion xB. cheap, durable, and a ton of useable storage.