In today's automotive market, fuel efficiency and savings at the pump reign supreme. Hybrid technology combines the best features of gas engines with electric motors and batteries to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions while still providing plenty of power and performance. The 2024 versions of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid are two of the top options in the hybrid crossover SUV class. Use this guide to choose between the best hybrid SUVs of 2024.

An Introduction to Hybrid Advantages 
Hybrid vehicles are excellent choices if you want eco-friendly performance and fuel savings. Internal combustion engines combined with electric motors and energy-storing batteries power today's hybrids. These vehicles also have regenerative braking, which captures the energy from the brakes to recharge the car's battery. Regenerative braking not only recycles energy but also reduces wear on brake pads and rotors, saving you even more money in the long run. Other advantages of driving a hybrid include low carbon emissions and superb fuel efficiency.

The RAV4 Hybrid's Powertrain and Efficiency
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provides the perfect blend of power and efficiency among its seven trims. A 219-horsepower gas-electric powertrain and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) propel the vehicle. It comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency is an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, for a combined 40 mpg.
The CR-V Hybrid's Engine Options and Performance
The Honda CR-V Hybrid's engine performance is slightly inferior to that of the RAV4’s, but it still has impressive power and efficiency ratings. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and CVT produce 204 horsepower. The crossover SUV's Sport and Sport-L trims come standard with front-wheel drive and an average of 40 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, which is optional on these two trims and standard on the top Sport Touring, fuel efficiency drops to 37 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid's Cutting-Edge Tech
The RAV4 Hybrid boasts future-forward technology features, including a standard 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. This setup also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, keyless entry, three USB ports, and navigation. Available technologies include push-button start, wireless charging, and a 10.5-inch touch screen with Toyota Audio Multimedia, which includes voice recognition. These features, plus a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system, come standard on higher trims such as the XSE and the Limited.

The CR-V Hybrid's Technological Offerings

The CR-V Hybrid comes standard with an easy-to-use 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that also has tuning and volume knobs. It comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, remote and push-button start, and keyless entry. Optional upgrades include a larger 9-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, and a Bose sound system. These features all come standard on the CR-V's top three trims.

Safety First: Comparing Driver-Assistance Packages

Both the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid come with the latest safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Toyota equips the RAV4 Hybrid with its Safety Sense 2.5 system, which includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional 2024 RAV4 Hybrid safety and technology features that are standard on the higher trims include rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2024 RAV4 Hybrid a perfect five-star safety rating.

Similarly, all CR-V Hybrid trims are equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies. These include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alert. This hybrid crossover SUV earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The RAV4 Hybrid's Interior Comforts 
Depending on the trim level, the RAV4 Hybrid comes with interior features ranging from practical to luxurious. Its standard cabin has ample storage options, cloth upholstery, and adjustable driver and passenger seats. As you move up the trims, you'll get synthetic leather seating, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated seating, and a panoramic sunroof. The RAV4 Hybrid provides plenty of space, with 98.9 cubic feet of passenger room and 37.6 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. This increases to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

The CR-V Hybrid's Approach to Comfort
The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid emphasizes comfort and practicality. Lower trims come standard with cloth seating, a generous center console storage compartment, heated seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. Higher trims boast leather seating, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and driver's seat memory settings. The CR-V has best-in-class cargo space and head, leg, and hip room. You'll enjoy 103.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

FAQs
You may have questions when choosing between the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid.

Is the RAV4 Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid Quieter?
The CR-V's superior sound insulation minimizes road noise and provides a quieter ride than the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 also produces more engine noise.

Is the Honda CR-V Bigger Than the Toyota RAV4?
The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids are similar in size. However, the CR-V is a bit longer than the RAV4 and provides more interior space for passengers and cargo. The RAV4 is slightly taller than the CR-V.

What's the Difference Between the RAV4 Hybrid and the RAV4 Prime?
The RAV4 Prime edition is a plug-in hybrid with a lithium-ion battery, which means it can run on all-electric power and achieves an EPA-estimated 94 MPGe. The RAV4 Hybrid does not have all-electric capability.

Which Hybrid SUV Is Right for You?
It's a close race between these two class-leading hybrid SUVs. Each vehicle offers impressive eco-friendly performance, the latest technological advancements, and high-end comfort features for the price. While the CR-V Hybrid has a fresher design and best-in-class cargo space, the RAV4 Hybrid is more powerful and packed with convenience and safety features. To experience the differences firsthand, make an appointment to test-drive the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in Kirksville. After all, your personal preferences and experience can help you make the most informed vehicle purchase decision.