Is CR-V faster than RAV4?
In brief, it depends on the powertrain. The fastest option overall is the RAV4 Prime, but among gasoline-only trims the two SUVs are closely matched, and their hybrid variants can close the gap or tilt in favor of one depending on the configuration.
Understanding whether the CR-V is faster than the RAV4 requires looking at current generations (roughly 2023–2025 models) and the powertrains they offer. Both brands provide gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in options, each with distinct performance personalities. The comparison below focuses on typical 0–60 mph times and what that means for real-world acceleration and everyday driving.
Powertrains and the numbers
Below is a breakdown of common current powertrains and their approximate 0–60 mph performance, acknowledging year-to-year variation and optional AWD. Values are representative ranges for standard configurations you’ll find on dealer lots in 2024–2025.
— roughly 7.5–8.0 seconds 0–60; around 190 horsepower. Notes: strong mid-range torque helps the CR-V feel brisk in daily driving, though the CVT can influence the sensation of acceleration. — roughly 7.5–8.0 seconds 0–60; around 203 horsepower. Notes: well-rounded but typically similar to the CR-V in straight-line pace. — roughly 7.4–7.9 seconds 0–60; combined output around 220 horsepower-equivalent. Notes: electric motor assists improve response at low speeds and in hills. — roughly 7.0–7.6 seconds 0–60; combined output around 214–219 horsepower. Notes: typically quicker than the non-hybrid variants, thanks to the electric motor torque. — about 5.0–5.7 seconds 0–60; around 304 horsepower total. Notes: the quickest of the group by a wide margin; requires charging for best efficiency and performance.
These figures show that, in standard gasoline form, the CR-V and RAV4 are often neck-and-neck, with the RAV4 sometimes edging ahead in hybrids and typically delivering stronger performance in hybrids than the CR-V. The RAV4 Prime stands apart as the standout for speed among mainstream compact SUVs.
Practical takeaways for everyday driving
Before you decide based on a stopwatch, consider how these numbers translate to real-world driving and ownership. The following factors influence how fast you feel the vehicle in daily use.
A hybrid or plug-in hybrid generally feels quicker off the line than a base gasoline engine due to torque from electric motors, even if peak horsepower is similar. CVTs (CR-V) can feel different from traditional automatics (RAV4), affecting how immediate the response seems during acceleration. AWD typically adds weight and can slightly slow 0–60 times, but it also improves traction for faster launches on wet or slippery surfaces. Seasonal grip, tire choice, and elevation can shift times by significant margins.
In practice, if you want brisk takeoff without plugging in, a RAV4 Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid are solid choices, with the RAV4 Hybrid typically edging ahead of the CR-V Hybrid in most tests. If you want the outright fastest acceleration in a compact SUV, the RAV4 Prime is the clear leader.
Bottom line
The CR-V is not universally faster than the RAV4; it depends on the powertrain. For pure gasoline-only performance, both models are competitive, with minor differences by year and trim. For hybrid variants, the RAV4 often has the edge, and the RAV4 Prime stands out as the quickest option overall. If speed is a deciding factor, prioritize the RAV4 Prime for the fastest 0–60, followed by hybrids, while the non-hybrid CR-V and RAV4 offer similar everyday acceleration.
Summary
Today’s Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 deliver similar acceleration with their gasoline and hybrid options, but the RAV4 Prime dramatically surpasses them in speed. For most buyers choosing between the two, speed will come down to powertrain—gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid—and not the badge alone. Consider your daily driving, charging opportunities (for hybrids and plugs), and weather/road conditions when weighing which SUV feels faster in real life.
