Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV?

I've never driven a RAV4. But, I have a CRV and absolutely love it. My mom has had one for probably close to ten years and she has always loved hers. Mine is a 2009. I cannot say enough good things about it!! LOVE it!!

I have a Pilot and love it, but when you go looking, take carseats with you, the infant too. We have to have the passenger seat all the way forward to fit our infant seat behind it. I have had both Toyotas and Hondas and have loved them all.

We bought at 2007 Rav4. So my knowledge is 3 years old and I know both have changed a few things about their vehicles since then.
We narrowed it down to those two as well. I did tons of homework on the safety and ratings, test drove them both several times and they were so similar that it finally came down to one thing. Comfort. I had a hip injury that made sitting in a vehicle for any length of time painful. The seats in my Rav4 were much more comfortable than the CRV.
Now, three years later that could have changed. I would do my homework on both as they are both excellent vehicles. We have been very happy with our Rav4, have had no problems or complaints with it and hope to have it for a quite a few more years!

Hi there~
Be careful with the Rav . . . there are a lot of recalls currently with the vehicle . . .
Personally, if I could afford it I would go with a Honda. My late brother-in-law was a mechanic and always talked about how well-made honda engines are.
In fact, we bought a Saturn Vue really b/c it has a Honda engine . . . like I said, if we could have afforded a Honda :-)
Good Luck!

You will never regret having a 3rd row. It is essential with children!

I have a Rav4 and I LOVE it! I test drove both the Rav and the CRV. To me, the Rav4 just seemed better quality-wise. Also the V6 engine sold it for me. Very powerful. The CRV didn't have much power. I spoke to the sales guy about the optional 3rd row seat and he actually told me that it was really really tight back there when you put it in. With everything else that accompanies three kids I'm not sure you'd have enough room. And I don't think you could fit three full size car seats in the second row. Maybe two and a booster seat. Hope this helps.

Hi J.,

We were asking ourselves the same question a few years ago and test drove both cars. In the end we went with the CRV--overall it seemed safer, easier to handle on the road, and reliable.

The 3rd row in the Rav-4, at least in the 2009 model was not really substantial. The convertible seat was tiny and I'm not sure how much you could really use it, plus I don't think the back seat had as much room as the CRV?

I love our CRV, but the mileage is not great (21 mpg--I used to get 31 in my Acura) and there is a lot of road noise, at least riding in the back. It drives beautifully, has lots of leg room and storage space in the back and has been great so far. It also has a conversation mirror built in for when your children are old enough to sit face-forward (and you can see them easily w/o turning around).

Those who have small children seem to swear by the CRV, and we would, too. We only have one car seat in the back right now--you could fit one more, but not sure if you could fit three kids with seats back there--definitely something to look into.

I know they are more expensive, but if you are sure that you would like to have room for three kids, maybe you should look into the Pilot or Highlander?

Good luck and hope I've been helpful and have not confused you further!
Take care.

I had a Rav4 and couldn't WAIT to get rid of it. It was great as far as storage, gas mileage etc. but I had 2 major problems that drove me crazy:

1. soooo uncomfortable. I used to get shooting pains up my back on days I spent more time in the car than usual, even with the lumbar support.

2. soooo noisy. It's like it just had poor insulation from the outside world--it sounded like I was inside a wind tunnel and I practically had to yell at my kids/passengers. Very annoying.

I had the first model year, so maybe they've fixed some things since then, but I was really disappointed--I had had a 4 runner before and it was the best car I ever owned.

I know you asked about those specific vehicles, but I have a Mazda 5 which is a 6 passenger. The 3rd row seats flip down. It does not have a lot of storage when you are using back row, but I love it! It's like a mini, mini-van. It gets pretty good gas mileage too. I had never heard of it until I checked consumer reports and it is top rated in the wagon category. Just thought I'd throw it out there. Also, the Rav4 recommendatio was suspended by consumer reports, so you might not want to go that route right now, in light of all the problems toyato has been having. I've never personally owned the Honda CR-V but that is also recommended by CR. Good luck choosing a vehicle. I know it can be a difficult decision!

My family were loyal Toyota owners - Celica, (2) 4 runners and a highlander and if you asked me a couple of years ago .... I would have said Toytoa all the way. That being said, I have a 2 year old son and I wont buy another Toyota until they get their stuff together. And prove for years to come they have recovered. One problem maybe but mulitple issues with huge safety concerns are just not worth risking yours or your childrens lives.

I love my Honda CR-V! I have had NO problems with it- great gas mileage and very comfortable to drive! Great in the snow, too! The only complaint is with two car seats in the back there is no more room (can't fit a third person). I have a small toy box between the two car seats so my boys can reach in and get toys. this works well, but if you are planning on more kids (or want to be able to take three in your car) then you will need something bigger!

I love my 2010 CRV. We came out of an Odyssy for the same reason. I have 2 kids but no carseats so can't help there. Test drove the Rav 4 and it was close. We went with Honda b/c better reputation. If you have specific questions, feel free to mssg me.

I had a CRV and really liked it. It has quite a bit of room in the back for storage and the rear seats fold down. Not sure how it would be with seating for 3 kids though. It is a 5 passenger vehicle.

I loved our Honda CRV. We drove that thing forever! We traded it in at 200,000miles for a newer Honda Pilot (now with 2 car seats) and love that too. Honda's have such a great rep, retain their value so well and are so reliable. Good luck to you!

J.,
I know you asked about the Rav4 and CRV, but if you are looking to save gas there is another option. I went from the third row explorer to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (fold down third row seat). I purchased it used, so it was much less than the new models. When I decided it was time for a new vehicle, it was really important for me to save on gas, but not lose too much space. I am really happy with my choice. I get between double and triple the MPG with the Highlander than the Explorer. Good luck,
C.