2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$30,100 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Honda CR-V bursts onto the scene as the pragmatic champion, delivering an impressive 30 MPG combined efficiency right out of the gate with an accessible MSRP of $30,100. It’s the sensible choice for the daily grind, offering a taut 184.8 inches of length for easy urban navigation. Contrasting this is the robust 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, a larger machine boasting a potent 243 hp system and superior 35 MPG combined efficiency, though its arrival demands a significant $16,920 premium over the Honda. While the CR-V offers a spacious 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, the larger Highlander provides more imposing dimensions (194.9 inches long) and a notable 53 hp advantage, setting the stage for a battle between efficiency-minded accessibility and premium, performance-adjacent capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $30,100 and highly competitive 34 MPG highway rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is better for families despite less cargo space (16 cu ft vs 39.3 cu ft) because its standard AWD and 243 hp provide superior capability and safety assurance.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid clearly takes the enthusiast crown, delivering 243 hp compared to the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V provides exceptional fundamental utility and efficiency for $16,920 less than the Highlander Hybrid.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Your primary concern is minimizing the initial purchase price, with an MSRP starting at only $30,100.
You prioritize easier parking and maneuvering, given its shorter 184.8-inch length compared to the competition.
You want impressive fuel economy (34 MPG highway) without paying the premium associated with the larger hybrid.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

You demand significantly more power, leveraging the 243 hp hybrid powertrain for assertive driving.
All-Wheel Drive capability is non-negotiable for your climate or driving style.
You require the assurance of greater exterior presence afforded by the 194.9-inch length and 76.0-inch width.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.6 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	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	P235/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

What is the main reason for the $16,920 price gap between the two crossovers?

The price difference stems largely from the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid including a more powerful hybrid system, standard All-Wheel Drive, and a significantly larger body style. The CR-V achieves its lower $30,100 MSRP by utilizing a less potent 190 hp setup and standard Front Wheel Drive.

Does the CR-V sacrifice too much power by starting at 190 hp?

While the CR-V’s 190 hp is lower than the Highlander's 243 hp, it offers respectable torque at 179 lb-ft and achieves a very respectable 30 MPG combined. For typical daily commuting, this output should feel adequate, though it lacks the Highlander's outright acceleration punch.

Which vehicle is more efficient in city driving conditions?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid exhibits superior city fuel economy, rating at 35 MPG city, matching its highway rating. The 2025 Honda CR-V trails slightly in urban environments with a 28 MPG city rating.

How much larger is the cargo area in the Honda CR-V?

The 2025 Honda CR-V offers substantially more accessible cargo volume behind the rear seats, providing 39.3 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet. This makes the CR-V a better option for hauling gear when the back seats are in use.

Is the Highlander Hybrid's AWD system worth the extra cost over the CR-V's FWD?

If you frequently navigate slippery conditions, the Highlander Hybrid's standard All-Wheel Drive is a critical advantage over the CR-V's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration. For those in dry, fair-weather climates, the CR-V's FWD keeps running costs lower.

Can both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep operational costs down for both models.