
Engines
Both the 2020 Honda CR-V and 2020 Toyota RAV4 come with one standard engine. The CR-V features a 1.5T in-line 4-cylinder gas engine with a turbocharger. This engine utilizes its turbocharger to produce 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. It also features Honda’s Eco Assist system to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder DOHC with dual variable valve timing with intelligence. It can produce up to 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. All of the trims on the 2020 RAV4 except the base LE feature the stop and start engine system to reduce emissions and improve overall fuel economy.
Transmissions
The 2020 Honda CR-V pairs its engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode. This replaces standard engine gear speeds with a transmission that continuously adjusts engine speed to driving conditions. In this way, a CVT will improve overall engine efficiency and performance. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 utilizes a direct shift 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence and sequential shift mode. This is also a solid transmission that will give you control over your engine’s performance in a RAV4. However, it will not be as efficient as a CVT.
Fuel Economy
Both the 2020 CR-V and RAV4 provide solid fuel economy. The 2020 Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive will provide an EPA estimated 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and a combined 30 MPG. If you opt for an all-wheel drivetrain on your CR-V, you will get an estimated 27 MPG in city driving, 32 MPG on the highway, and 29 MPG combined. 2
This is similar to the figures on the 2020 Toyota RAV4. A RAV4 with front-wheel drive will provide an estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and a combined 30 MPG.4 If the RAV4 is equipped with all-wheel drive, the figures will drop slightly to 27 MPG in city driving, 33 MPG in highway driving, and 29 MPG combined.4
Towing and Handling
The 2020 Honda CR-V has a wheelbase of 104.8 inches, giving it a relatively tight turning radius. It rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension. This provides a very soft ride, especially for rear-seat passengers. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 105.9 inches, giving it a little less maneuverability than the CR-V. The RAV4 also features independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar, giving it a smooth and comfortable ride as well.
Drivers will find that the CR-V and RAV4 with all-wheel drive provide greater traction in inclement weather, especially snow and ice. Both vehicles have a solid pickup, although the RAV4 with the start and stop technology can take a little work to get used to, as the engine shuts off when you stop at a traffic light and doesn’t restart until you release the brake. Also, both the 2020 Honda CR-V and 2020 Toyota RAV4 are rated to provide a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.