Compare the2022 Honda HR-VVS 2022 Toyota Rav4

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the HR-V deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The HR-V’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Rav4’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Both the HR-V and the Rav4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes and lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda HR-V is safer than the Toyota Rav4:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda HR-V is safer than the Toyota Rav4:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The engine in the HR-V has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engine in the Rav4 has dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

The HR-V has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Rav4 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The HR-V stops shorter than the Rav4:

The HR-V’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Rav4 LE/XLE’s standard 65 series tires. The HR-V Sport’s tires have a lower 50 series profile than the Rav4 XLE Premium/Adventure/Limited’s 55 series tires.

The HR-V has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Rav4 doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The HR-V EX-L AWD handles at .84 G’s, while the Rav4 Limited 4WD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The HR-V EX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Rav4 Limited (27.8 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .57 average G’s).

The Honda HR-V may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 550 pounds less than the Toyota Rav4.

The HR-V is 10.5 inches shorter than the Rav4, making the HR-V easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The HR-V Sport/EX/EX-L uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Rav4 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the HR-V EX-L AWD is quieter than the Rav4 Limited 4WD (76 vs. 77 dB).

The HR-V has .2 inches more front legroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the Rav4.

The HR-V’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Rav4’s power window (except driver window) and power lock switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Consumer Reports rated the HR-V’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Rav4’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

Insurance will cost less for the HR-V owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the HR-V will cost $235 less than the Rav4 over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the HR-V is less expensive to operate than the Rav4 because it costs $219 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the HR-V than the Rav4, including $5 less for a water pump, $40 less for front brake pads, $146 less for fuel injection, $121 less for a fuel pump and $647 less for a timing belt/chain.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Honda HR-V will be $3061 to $3128 less than for the Toyota Rav4.