Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Compact SUVs Compared

Cross-shopping compact SUVs around Duluth usually comes down to two names: the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. With 2027 CR-V pricing now official and the RAV4 fresh off a redesign, here’s a clear, numbers-first comparison before you spend a Saturday on test drives.

In the Honda CR-V vs. RAV4 matchup near Duluth, GA, the 2027 Honda CR-V offers more rear legroom (41 inches), more cargo space (up to an estimated 76.5 cu ft on 1.5T trims), and a choice of turbo gas or hybrid power from $31,520 MSRP. The hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 counters with up to an estimated 44 mpg combined.

At Gwinnett Place Honda on Satellite Boulevard, our team has spent more than 40 years helping drivers from Duluth, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and greater Atlanta find the right vehicle for their commute and their family. This guide covers price, space, powertrains, fuel economy, towing, and CR-V trim levels, so you can walk in knowing which SUV fits your life.

Key Points: Honda CR-V vs. RAV4 Near Duluth, GA

• The Honda CR-V gives passengers and gear more room. The 2027 CR-V offers 41 inches of rear legroom versus 37.8 in the RAV4, plus up to an estimated 76.5 cubic feet of max cargo space.
• Only the Honda CR-V lets you choose gas or hybrid. Pick a 190-hp turbo or a 204-hp two-motor hybrid; the 2026 Toyota RAV4 is hybrid-only.
• The Toyota RAV4 earns its edge in mpg and towing. The RAV4 reaches up to an estimated 44 mpg combined and 3,500 pounds of towing on select AWD trims; the CR-V Hybrid returns up to an estimated 40 mpg.

2027 Honda CR-V vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4 at a Glance for Duluth Shoppers

Spec sheets get long fast, so we pulled the numbers Duluth shoppers ask us about most. Here’s how the two compare side by side.

Prices are base-trim MSRP and exclude the $1,450 destination charge, taxes, title, registration, and dealer fees. MPG figures are EPA or manufacturer estimates; actual mileage varies. Cargo and towing vary by trim, as equipped. RAV4 figures reflect the 2026 model year. Contact Gwinnett Place Honda for current availability and pricing.

The price row surprises most shoppers. The 2027 CR-V LX starts below the RAV4 LE, and stays ahead with AWD ($33,020 versus $33,300). The 3.2-inch rear legroom advantage is the one you’ll feel on a drive up to the North Georgia mountains. The RAV4 wins on peak mpg and towing, and we cover both below.

Which Compact SUV Has More Room: Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4?

The 2027 Honda CR-V has more passenger and cargo room than the Toyota RAV4. The CR-V offers 41 inches of rear legroom versus 37.8 inches in the RAV4, and CR-V gas trims deliver up to an estimated 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

That space shows up daily. Rear-facing car seats fit with less front-seat squeeze, and teenagers stop complaining about knee room on the ride to Johns Creek. CR-V hybrid trims give up a little room behind the rear seats for the battery, yet the CR-V Hybrid still beats the RAV4 on maximum cargo space at an estimated 71.8 cubic feet.

Why the 2027 CR-V’s Gas and Hybrid Options Matter in Gwinnett Traffic

The 2027 Honda CR-V is the only one of these two SUVs that still offers a gas-only engine. The LX, EX, and EX-L use a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5L with 179 lb-ft of torque from just 1,700 rpm, for confident pull merging onto I-85. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 went hybrid-only, so a simpler, lower-cost gas SUV lives on the CR-V side.

A two-motor hybrid is a powertrain that drives the wheels with an electric motor most of the time, while the gas engine generates electricity and steps in at highway speeds. The CR-V Hybrid’s electric motor delivers 247 lb-ft of torque from a standstill, so stop-and-go traffic on Pleasant Hill Road feels quick and quiet.

Real Time AWD is an all-wheel-drive system that automatically sends power to the rear wheels when sensors detect a need for traction. Real Time AWD is available on every CR-V trim and standard on the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, a real plus in Georgia summer downpours.

How Do the CR-V and RAV4 Compare on Fuel Economy and Towing?

The Toyota RAV4 leads in fuel economy and towing. The 2026 RAV4 earns up to an estimated 44 mpg combined and tows up to 3,500 pounds on select AWD trims. The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid returns up to an estimated 40 mpg combined, and CR-V gas trims tow up to 1,500 pounds.

The RAV4 deserves that credit, but the real-world gap is small. On a 25-mile commute each way from Duluth to Midtown Atlanta, 22 workdays a month, 40 versus 44 mpg works out to about 2.5 gallons a month, based on EPA estimates.

CR-V gas trims handle a small utility trailer or a single personal watercraft for a Lake Lanier weekend, and hybrid trims are rated for up to 1,000 pounds. If you regularly tow a small camper, the RAV4’s rating is worth weighing.

What Are the 2027 Honda CR-V Trim Levels?

The 2027 Honda CR-V comes in seven trims, starting at $31,520 MSRP for the LX and topping out at $42,950 for the Sport Touring Hybrid. The LX, EX, and EX-L use the 190-hp turbocharged engine, while four hybrid trims use the 204-hp two-motor system.

• LX ($31,520): The LX is the most affordable way into a new Honda CR-V, and it doesn’t feel stripped down. You get the 190-hp turbocharged engine, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Honda Sensing safety suite. Real Time AWD adds $1,500, and an LX AWD still starts below an AWD RAV4 LE.
• EX ($33,550): The EX adds the upgrades Duluth shoppers ask about first: heated front seats and a power moonroof. For many buyers, the EX is the sweet spot of the gas lineup.
• EX-L ($35,800): The EX-L brings leather-trimmed seats and a power tailgate, plus a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The EX-L is the most upscale gas-powered CR-V and keeps the full 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
• Sport Hybrid ($36,030): The Sport Hybrid is the entry point to the 204-hp two-motor hybrid, rated up to an estimated 43 mpg city in 2WD form. Sporty exterior styling sets it apart, and instant electric torque shines in stop-and-go Gwinnett traffic.
• Sport-L Hybrid ($39,125): The Sport-L Hybrid pairs hybrid efficiency with leather-trimmed seats, a power tailgate, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Sport-L is the pick for drivers who want EX-L comfort and hybrid mpg in one package.
• TrailSport Hybrid ($39,200): The TrailSport Hybrid comes with standard Real Time AWD, all-terrain tires, and 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The TrailSport is built for gravel roads and trailheads in the North Georgia mountains, at an estimated 35 mpg combined.
• Sport Touring Hybrid ($42,950): The Sport Touring Hybrid tops the lineup with standard AWD, a Bose premium audio system, a hands-free power tailgate, and Google built-in. The Sport Touring is the CR-V for drivers who want the most features in the lineup.

2WD MSRP where offered; AWD adds $1,500. Excludes destination, taxes, and fees.

Honda Sensing is a suite of driver-assistive safety technologies that includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. Every 2027 Honda CR-V includes Honda Sensing as standard, from the LX up.

CR-V or RAV4: Which Compact SUV Fits Your Drive?

For most Duluth-area families, the 2027 Honda CR-V is the stronger all-around compact SUV, thanks to more rear legroom, more cargo space, and a choice of gas or hybrid power. The Toyota RAV4 makes more sense for drivers who put maximum fuel economy or 3,500-pound towing first.

• Growing family with car seats: The Honda CR-V, for 41 inches of rear legroom.
• Lowest starting price: The Honda CR-V LX, starting at $31,520 MSRP.
• Prefer a gas-only engine: The Honda CR-V 1.5T trims, the only non-hybrid option here.
• Long I-85 commute plus weekend cargo: The Honda CR-V Hybrid, up to an estimated 40 mpg combined and 71.8 cubic feet of max cargo.
• Gravel roads toward Blue Ridge: The Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, with standard AWD and all-terrain tires.
• Highest mpg or towing a small camper: The Toyota RAV4, up to an estimated 44 mpg combined and 3,500 pounds on select AWD trims.

Still deciding? Browse new Honda SUVs and crossovers or compare Honda hybrid and electric models.

Test Drive the 2027 Honda CR-V at Gwinnett Place Honda in Duluth

Gwinnett Place Honda is located at 3325 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096, a short drive from Johns Creek and Lawrenceville and a trusted stop for drivers across Atlanta. Browse our new Honda CR-V inventory online, or contact our team to set up a CR-V and CR-V Hybrid test drive back to back.

The best way to find your match is behind the wheel. Bring the car seats and your questions.