2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the $11,260 MSRP difference, starting the CR-V at $30,100 versus the Grand Highlander's $41,360. Performance metrics strongly favor the larger Toyota, which produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. Conversely, the CR-V provides superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG, a significant 6 MPG advantage over the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Grand Highlander is substantially larger at 201.4 inches long compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. Interestingly, despite its smaller footprint, the CR-V offers nearly double the cargo space at 39.3 cu ft versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the lower cost and better efficiency of the CR-V against the sheer size and power output of the Grand Highlander.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Grand Highlander's 24.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the choice for families needing maximum physical presence, measuring 201.4 inches long and offering greater vertical space at 70.1 inches high.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is objectively faster, offering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft.
2025 Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V presents better immediate value by costing $11,260 less MSRP and offering significantly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- Your budget requires a starting MSRP under $31,000, as the CR-V begins at $30,100.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, given the CR-V's 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize maneuverability and accessible parking, reflected in the CR-V's shorter 184.8-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require substantially more power, as the Grand Highlander delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Interior volume and passenger capacity are paramount, given the Grand Highlander's larger overall dimensions.
- You prefer the direct feel of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 201.4" |
| Width | 73.5" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.2" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 116.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
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 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 | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/476.0 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.5 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.8 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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much larger is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander physically than the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The Grand Highlander is significantly larger, with a length of 201.4 inches compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. It is also wider (78.3 in vs. 73.5 in) and taller (70.1 in vs. 66.2 in), indicating a greater overall road presence.
What is the primary fuel economy tradeoff between these two crossovers?
The CR-V offers superior efficiency with a combined rating of 30 MPG, netting 6 MPG more than the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. This difference is substantial for annual driving costs.
Does the smaller CR-V have less cargo capacity than the larger Grand Highlander?
Surprisingly, no; the 2025 Honda CR-V has 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 20.6 cu ft offered by the much longer 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the horsepower difference affecting driving dynamics?
The Grand Highlander boasts 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing a 75 hp advantage over the CR-V's 190 hp. This power differential will result in much quicker acceleration for the Toyota.
How do the transmissions differ between the two FWD models?
The CR-V utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, optimized for efficiency. In contrast, the Grand Highlander employs a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission paired with its more powerful engine.
What is the justification for the $11,260 price gap between the base models?
The MSRP difference of $11,260 largely reflects the Grand Highlander's significant increase in physical size, its substantially higher power output (265 hp vs. 190 hp), and its larger overall platform.
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