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Honda cr-v vs. toyota highlander: which offers the best bang for your buck?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Highlander, on the other hand, is a better choice for buyers who want a more premium interior, more towing capacity, and a better safety rating.
  • The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Honda CR-V, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the CR-V’s 1,500 pounds.
  • Both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander have excellent safety ratings, but the Highlander has a slight….

When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Honda CR-V and Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular choices on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of cargo space, and a variety of features. But which one is the right choice for you? In this detailed comparison, we’ll put the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander head-to-head to determine which SUV reigns supreme.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Honda CR-V offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. The Highlander, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In terms of power, the Highlander has the edge with 295 horsepower compared to the CR-V’s 190 horsepower. However, the CR-V gets better fuel economy, with up to 28 mpg combined compared to the Highlander’s 24 mpg combined.

Interior Space and Features

Both the CR-V and the Highlander offer spacious interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The CR-V has a slightly larger interior volume than the Highlander, but the Highlander offers more cargo space behind the third row of seats. In terms of features, both vehicles come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Highlander offers more premium features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system.

Safety and Reliability

Both the CR-V and the Highlander have excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CR-V earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. In terms of reliability, both vehicles have a good track record, but the Highlander has a slight edge in this area.

Towing Capacity and Off-Road Performance

The Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. If you need to tow heavy loads, the Highlander is the better choice. However, the CR-V offers better off-road performance thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system.

Pricing and Value

The Honda CR-V has a starting price of $26,400, while the Toyota Highlander starts at $35,085. In terms of value, the CR-V is a better choice for budget-minded shoppers. It offers a lot of the same features as the Highlander at a lower price. However, the Highlander offers more premium features and a higher towing capacity, which may be worth the extra cost for some buyers.

Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?

The Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander are both excellent midsize SUVs with a lot to offer. The CR-V is a great choice for budget-minded shoppers who want a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and off-road capability. The Highlander, on the other hand, is a better choice for buyers who want a more premium interior, more towing capacity, and a better safety rating. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Additional Considerations: Honda CR-V vs. Highlander Hybrid

Both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander offer hybrid versions. The CR-V Hybrid has a starting price of $28,770, while the Highlander Hybrid starts at $38,155. The CR-V Hybrid gets up to 40 mpg combined, while the Highlander Hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined. If fuel economy is a top priority for you, the CR-V Hybrid is the better choice. However, the Highlander Hybrid offers more power and towing capacity.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which SUV has a larger interior?
A: The Honda CR-V has a slightly larger interior volume than the Toyota Highlander.

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Honda CR-V gets better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, with up to 28 mpg combined compared to the Highlander’s 24 mpg combined.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Honda CR-V, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the CR-V’s 1,500 pounds.

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander have excellent safety ratings, but the Highlander has a slight edge in this area.

Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Highlander have a good track record of reliability, but the Highlander has a slight edge in this area.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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