2025 Honda CR-V vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda CR-V bursts onto the scene as the pragmatic champion, focusing on efficiency with a robust 30 combined MPG and an accessible MSRP of $30,100. It masterfully balances utility, offering a generous 39.3 cu ft of cargo space within its compact 184.8-inch frame. Contrast this with the 2025 Toyota Highlander, a larger machine that screams brute force with 265 horsepower and a massive 310 lb-ft of torque, demanding a $10,220 premium, starting at $40,320. While the Highlander delivers thrilling acceleration thanks to its power advantage (a 75 hp gap), its efficiency dips to 25 combined MPG. The CR-V's CVT is optimized for economy, whereas the Highlander utilizes an 8-speed automatic geared for handling its superior output. This comparison pits nimble, budget-conscious efficiency against substantial, commanding presence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V is superior for commuting due to its class-leading 34 highway MPG.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers significantly more practical cargo space at 39.3 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander provides 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, vastly exceeding the CR-V's 190 hp.
2025 Honda CR-V
The CR-V undercuts the Highlander by $10,220 and saves owners money annually through its 5 MPG fuel economy advantage.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, aiming for 30 combined MPG.
- You need the maximum usable cargo volume, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft.
- Keeping the purchase price under $31,000 is essential, given the $30,100 starting MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You require the commanding thrust provided by 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need the larger exterior footprint for perceived road presence or slightly more headroom (68.1 inches high).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.5" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Toyota Highlander than the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The Highlander offers substantially more performance, boasting 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is a massive 75 hp increase over the CR-V's 190 horsepower.
Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?
Yes, there is a substantial $10,220 difference in starting MSRP, with the Honda CR-V beginning at $30,100 and the Toyota Highlander starting at $40,320.
Which vehicle is better for long, efficient road trips based on MPG?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 34 highway MPG compared to the Highlander's 29 highway MPG, resulting in fewer stops at the pump.
Does the larger Highlander offer better utility for hauling cargo?
Surprisingly, no; the smaller CR-V offers over double the standard cargo capacity, providing 39.3 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft behind the first row.
What transmission type does each crossover use for its power delivery?
The 2025 Honda CR-V utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission focused on smooth efficiency, while the more powerful 2025 Toyota Highlander features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission geared for higher performance.
Are there differences in required fuel type between these two models?
Both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are designed to run happily on standard regular unleaded fuel, offering parity in day-to-day running costs outside of mileage.
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