Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Size, Space, Boot Volume & Ground Clearance
When two family-SUV icons go head-to-head
Few rivalries define the family SUV world like Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V. Both have evolved from soft-roaders into global best-sellers, each promising practicality, comfort and a dash of adventure. They’re close on paper — but which actually gives you more space for your people, pets and prams?
Let’s line them up head-to-head (and side-to-side, front and back, see our visual comparison) and see how they really compare.
Cabin space & comfort
Inside, both feel built for families. The RAV4 offers a slightly taller seating position and a firmer, more upright layout — great for outward visibility. The CR-V by contrast feels airier: its slightly longer cabin and lower window line give rear passengers better leg stretch and a more open, relaxed feel.
In practice, kids and adults fit comfortably in the back of either. The CR-V edges it for passenger legroom; the RAV4 counters with more upright seats and a better view of the road for the driver.
Boot space & loading practicality
Both are luggage-friendly, but they use their space differently.
VDA (Global method - litres)
Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid/ICE)
- 580 L seats up (20.5 ft³)
- 1,690 L folded (59.7 ft³)
Toyota RAV4 (PHEV)
- 520 L seats up (18.4 ft³)
- 1,604 L folded (56.6 ft³)
Honda CR-V (Hybrid/ICE)
- 587 L seats up (20.7 ft³)
- 1,634 L folded (57.7 ft³)
Honda CR-V (PHEV)
- 617 L seats up (21.8 ft³)
- 1,710 L folded (60.4 ft³)
SAE/EPA (US cubic feet)
Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid/ICE)
- 37.6 ft³ seats up
- 69.8 ft³ folded
Toyota RAV4 (PHEV)
- 33.5 ft³ seats up
- 69.8 ft³ folded
Honda CR-V (Hybrid/ICE)
- 39.3 ft³ seats up
- 76.5 ft³ folded
Honda CR-V (PHEV)
- 34.7 ft³ seats up
The RAV4’s boot has a square tailgate and low loading lip, making it easier to slide in heavier items or stack suitcases upright.
The boot floor on the CR-V sits slightly higher, but the wider opening means prams, bikes, and bulky boxes slot in with less of a struggle.
Takeaway
On paper, the CR-V has the edge in most setups — slightly more space seats-up in every version, and a bigger maximum in its PHEV form. The RAV4 only pulls ahead in hybrid/ICE models with the seats folded, where its boxier shape and flatter load floor squeeze out a few extra litres.
Ground clearance & visibility
The RAV4’s 20.6–21.3 cm (8.1–8.4 in) clearance gives it genuine kerb-hopping ability — handy for snow, gravel drives or steep drop kerbs — while the CR-V rides lower at 5.9–7.3 in, which makes it easier to step into and steadier on tarmac.
Turning circle: which SUV is easier to park?
The RAV4 turns in 11.0 m (36.1 ft), while the CR-V needs about 11.4 m (37.3 ft). On the road, that translates to fewer back-and-forths in a multi-storey. Both are fine in suburbia, but the Toyota’s tighter circle and slightly shorter overhangs make it the better city choice.
Everyday verdict — which fits your life?
If your world is school runs, errands and light adventure:
The Toyota RAV4 feels chunkier and more confident. Its higher ground clearance, squared cargo area and easy-to-see corners make it a natural for mixed-road families.
If your week’s more about commuting and comfort:
The Honda CR-V’s roomier cabin and softer ride shine. It’s a gentler SUV to live with day-to-day and a better fit if you spend hours in traffic.
FAQs
Which is bigger overall?
They’re virtually the same width; the RAV4 is fractionally higher and sits taller on its suspension, the CR-V is fractionally longer.
Which has more boot space?
The Honda CR-V has slightly more boot space in most versions — both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models offer a bit more capacity with the seats up, and its PHEV also tops the charts when they’re folded. The Toyota RAV4 only pulls ahead in its hybrid/ICE form with the seats down, where its squarer tailgate and flatter load floor give it a touch more usable space.
Which has higher ground clearance?
RAV4 (20.6–21.3 cm / 8.1–8.4 in) vs CR-V (14.9–18.5 cm / 5.9–7.3 in).
Which is easier to park?
RAV4 (11 m / 36.1 ft turning circle) vs CR-V (11.4 m/ 37.4 ft) – Toyota wins by a hair.
