Honda Philippines recently launched the 2024 Honda CR-V. The new generation of the crossover brings turbocharged power to its nameplate in the local market and a new hybrid variant.

The new hybrid CR-V RS e:HEV now puts it in direct competition with the hybrid Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV, especially with the Japanese automaker revising the final pricing of the Honda crossover to make it more competitive. 

That said, we will compare the all-new 2024 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV versus the Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV Hybrid to see which compact crossover will come out on top. 

Also read: Hybrid is back! All-new 2024 Honda CR-V launched in the Philippines, starts at ₱ 2.10M

Exterior: New versus old

As the 2024 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is the newest of the two crossovers, it has the most updated design language. It's an evolutionary step for the Japanese vehicle as it retains some familiar design cues, such as its sharp LED headlights, massive grille, and overall sleeker exterior. 

Honda is taking the Mazda route when styling its vehicle, opting for a more minimalist approach with smooth surfaces rather than angles. 

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV has a more traditional approach to styling with a more angular front with more angles, cuts, and creases. It works well for the design language of Toyota, which goes for a slightly more aggressive look. Like its CR-V rival, the RAV4 has LED headlights and alloy wheels.

As they take two different approaches to styling, it all boils down to your preference. You can’t go wrong with the sleek styling of the CR-V RS e:HEV or the more aggressive looks of the RAV4 LTD HEV. 

Winner: Tie

Interior and technology: Screen sizes and interior styling

On the inside, the all-new Honda CR-V RS e:HEV comes with a similar layout to its Honda Civic sedan counterpart. It has a retro-minimalist interior with the on-dash grille, faux wood trim, and a floating infotainment system. Power adjustable leather seats are available, along with automatic climate controls. It also gets a 9-inch infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV uses a different interior design philosophy with a multi-layered dashboard, a similar floating infotainment system, and automatic climate controls. Just like its CR-V RS e:HEV counterpart, it, too, gets power-adjustable seats. Its infotainment system is smaller than its Honda rival at 7 inches, but it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Honda CR-V RS e:HEV has a newer interior and a bigger infotainment system, so it wins this category. 

Winner: Honda CR-V RS e:HEV

Power: A battle of the hybrids

Under the hood is where the two vehicles are drastically different. Powering the 2024 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Its combined output is 184 PS and 355 Nm of torque, coursed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

It's notable to mention that unlike what is available in other countries, the e:HEV CR-V in the Philippines is only available with front-wheel drive.

The Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV, meanwhile, is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that is mated to an electric motor. It has a maximum output of 218 PS being sent to the front wheels via a CVT. However, Toyota Motor Philippines has yet to release the maximum torque output of the RAV4. What is only available is the torque output for the 2.5-liter gasoline engine which produces 221 Nm. 

Based on the locally available specifications from both Japanese automakers the Toyota RAV4 comes out as the more powerful vehicle with a 28 PS advantage over the new Honda CR-V.

However, as power isn't everything we still have to take torque figures into consideration as it can affect your daily drive just as much as horsepower. Since Honda was the only to provide its total torque output for the Honda CR-V, we will be giving them the point as they are more transparent with the specifications that their vehicles have to offer.

Winner: Honda CR-V RS e:HEV

Safety: Toyota Safety Sense vs. Honda SENSING

Both vehicles are similarly equipped when it comes to their safety features. The Honda CR-V RS e:HEV comes with the brand’s Honda SENSING technology, which gives it access to features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking. 

Moreover, Honda has also equipped the CR-V RS e:HEV with its Honda Connect technology, which lets you access certain vehicle features via your mobile phone. You can now remotely start your vehicle, set service reminders, and even find your car via the mobile application.

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV has similar features via its Toyota Safety Sense suite. Like the CR-V, it gets adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a pre-collision system, and automatic high beams.

The Honda CR-V also has a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating, while its RAV4 counterpart does not have an updated version.

Winner: Tie

Verdict

When it comes to pricing, the difference between the two vehicles becomes clearer.

The Honda CR-V RS e:HEV is priced at ₱2,590,000, while the Toyota RAV4 LTD HEV is priced at ₱2,632,000. It represents a difference of just ₱42,000 between the two, with the Honda coming out as the more affordable vehicle, giving it the advantage.

Not only is the all-new CR-V RS e:HEV priced lower, but it is also the more powerful crossover between the two. As it is similarly equipped to the RAV4 LTD HEV, it gives you more bang for your buck while being the more affordable option.

As you get more for less with the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV, it is our winner for this comparison.