The Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 has been battling it up in the SUV segment for years. Now, the 2017 Honda CRV had just been announced and awesome reviews are coming because of its redesign exterior and powerful new engine. Does the new CRV have what it takes to beat its main rival? Which one is the best buy? Find out in our car comparison.
In the field of small crossover SUV, the Honda CR-V dominates smoothly. Last August, the compact crossover of Honda was the fourth best-selling vehicle in the United States, surpassed only by the three large pickups of Ford, Chevrolet and Ram vans, dethroning the Toyota Camry, which fell three steps.
That's why no one was surprised that Honda put a special effort in renewing the CRV. The all-new Honda CR-V 2017, whose presentation to the media happened last Wednesday in Detroit, is a vehicle that will be heard incessantly in the coming months.
In terms of style, the new truck does not represent a radical change in relation to the vehicle it replaces. What is obvious is that the CR-V 2017 is larger and bulkier than before. The new CRV increased 1.2 inches in length, its wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer and taller and 1.4 inches wider. Its cargo space with the rear seat folded is now 39.2 cubic feet, two cubic feet wider than its predecessor
The new model eventually leads to the CR-V to the world of Turbocharged S engines. Under its hood is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 1.5 liters displacement that produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbo engine will be present in the entire line except for the entry-level LX, which will remain powered by the same four-cylinder naturally aspirated 2.4-liter displacement produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque.
Among small crossovers, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular models too. It has established its name more than 20 years ago as it is one of the first crossover SUVs to be available in the US market.
And while competitors are working on power, Toyota stick to their territory and let their Rav4 focus on safety and comfort. Toyota continuously improves the Rav4 upgrading its crash protection, giving better space, enhancing infotainment technologies and of course, adding a hybrid version to its lineup.
The trend continues with the 2017 Toyota Rav4. All versions have the new Toyota Safety Sense that includes forward collision warning system, pedestrian detection technology, automatic emergency braking adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights and a lane departure warning system. These safety features are enough for the Rav4 models to earn the most coveted "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
An upgrade to its interior can also be seen on the 2017 Rav4. It easily can serve a family of four where they can enjoy plenty of space, thanks to its taller ride height. The upgraded infotainment system also adds to the overall comfort.
The CRV and Rav4, though main rivals, seem to take different roads when it comes to their goals. While the 2017 Honda CRV aims to impress with its facelifted version and turbocharged engine, the Toyota Rav4, choose to be discreet and focus on safety but it doesn't mean that it is a boring car, it just focuses on what SUVs are supposed to do, which is cater to the family type.
However, the new CRV is as impressive as ever thus winning this battle this year. We look forward to what Toyota can bring into the table when next year comes.
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