2012 Honda CR-V EX AWD vs.
2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4x4
The 2012 Honda CR-V has been named “2012 Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families” by usnews.com. In addition, KBB.com includes the 2012 CR-V in its list of “10 Best Family Cars of 2012.”
“The 2012 Honda CR-V’s main goal is to be an excellent family vehicle and test drivers say that’s exactly what it is.” Usnews.com
· Even though the 2012 CR-v’s 4 cylinder engine produces more horsepower than the 2012 RAV4’S 4-cylinder for better highway performance, it delivers better fuel economy (one mpg more in city driving and three more mpg in highway driving according to the EPA), saving money with every mile driven.
· The CR-V’s performance and fuel economy are enhanced by its 5-speed automatic transmission. RAV4 comes with a less efficient 4-speed automatic.
2. The 2012 CR-V is more “family friendly”
· According to usnews.com, reviewers say the 2012 CR-V’s rear seats are more comfortable than before and praise CR-V’s front seats “for having plenty of leg-and headroom.” By contrast, ConsumerGuide.com notes about RAV4, “Long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel. Testers are divided on RAV4’s seat comfort and driving position.”
· Edmunds.com compliments CR-V’S “thoughtful mix of family friendly attributes.” And usnews.com notes, “The 2012 RAV4 doesn’t offer too many family-friendly features. The Honda CR-V has a lot, such as a conversation mirror, which helps parents monitor the backseat.”
· CR-V’s rear hatch makes loading and unloading easy and convenient. RAV4’s right-side-hinge cargo door makes it difficult to load –especially from curbside.
3. CR-V has proven itself more reliable in the past.
· The 2011 CR-V has a J.D. Power and Associates Predicted Reliability rating of 9.0 out of 10 (Excellent) based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies.
· The 2011 Toyota RAV-4 has a Predicted Reliability Rating of 8.0 (Very Good).
4. CR-V costs less to drive and own.
· ALG estimates that the 2012 CR-V EX AWD AT will maintain a 56% residual after 36 months and 43% after 60 months. ALG estimates the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4-cylinder 4x4 AT residuals significantly lower at 49% and 37% respectively.[3]
· Edmunds.com has estimates the True Cost to Own ® (TCO®) for the 2012 Honda CR-V EX AWD AT to be $2,300 less over 5 years at 15,000 miles per year than that for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4-cylinder 4x4 AT. That’s $2,300 that could be put to use elsewhere or added to a college fund. (TCO varies by region. Figures used in this comparison are for Zip code 98208.) [3]
Pricing (MSRP) for 2012 CR-V EX AWD AT and 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4x4 AT is shown.
Item/Vehicle
|
2012 Honda CR-V AWD w/AT
|
2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport I4 4x4 w/AT
|
Power Moonroof & Daytime Running Lights
|
Standard
|
Enhanced Value Package $500
|
Rearview Camera
|
Standard Multi-angle Rearview Camera w/Guidelines
|
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/Back-up Monitor $475
|
Floormats
|
Standard
|
Preferred Accessory Package $303
|
Conversation Mirror
|
Standard
|
Not Available
|
Hill Start Assist
|
Standard
|
Not Available
|
Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
|
Standard
|
Nothing Comparable Available
|
Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
|
Standard
|
Nothing Comparable Available
|
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg) (city/highway/combined)
|
22/30/25
|
21/27/24
|
ALG Residual Value (36/60) months
|
56%/43%
|
49%/37%
|
Base Price MSRP
|
$25,645
|
$25,750
|
Destination Charge
|
$810
|
$810
|
Comparably Equipped Price
|
$26,455
|
$27,838
|
[1] Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
[3] Ratings were not available for 2012 models.
