2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$30,920 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Honda CR-V explodes onto the scene with razor-sharp efficiency, boasting an impressive 30 MPG combined from its 190 hp powertrain while maintaining an accessible MSRP of $30,920. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander leans into sheer muscle, wielding 265 hp and a hefty 310 lb-ft of torque for commanding acceleration, though its size demands a thirstier 24 MPG combined. This comparison pits efficiency against raw grunt: the CR-V, at 184.8 inches long, offers a cavernous 39.3 cu ft of cargo space for its efficiency-focused FWD setup. The larger Highlander (194.9 inches long) commands a premium, starting $14,350 more, but delivers superior AWD grip and an 8-speed automatic transmission to manage its superior power, making the choice dependent on whether you prioritize stretching your fuel budget or maximizing towing and performance capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V dominates commuter efficiency with its superior 30 MPG combined rating compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

Despite having less space (16 cu ft vs 39.3 cu ft for the CR-V, noting the CR-V's measurement is likely lower trim specific), the Highlander's larger footprint, 265 hp, and standard AWD provide greater perceived security and capability for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander's substantial advantage in power, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offers a far more engaging driving dynamic than the CR-V's 190 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V provides substantially better fuel economy and a $14,350 lower starting price than the Highlander, making it the clear economic winner.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Your primary goal is maximizing fuel economy, leveraging the 33 MPG highway rating.
You need a practical, budget-friendly vehicle with an accessible MSRP of $30,920.
You prioritize easier maneuverability in tight spots, evidenced by its smaller 184.8-inch length.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require substantial power reserves, benefiting from 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
All-wheel drive capability is non-negotiable for tackling poor weather conditions.
You prefer the smooth control of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

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	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	2.4 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	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/33 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/462.0 mi.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	9.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	1	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	P235/65R V
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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the 2026 Highlander than the 2026 CR-V?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers significantly more performance with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, representing a 75 hp advantage over the 2026 Honda CR-V's 190 hp.

What is the cost difference between these two crossovers?

The Toyota Highlander carries a premium price tag, with a starting MSRP of $45,270 compared to the Honda CR-V's $30,920, resulting in a substantial $14,350 difference in base cost.

Is the CR-V's fuel efficiency much better than the Highlander's?

Yes, the CR-V provides a 6 MPG advantage in combined driving, achieving 30 MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG, which impacts long-term running costs.

Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity for utility?

The Honda CR-V boasts a larger stated cargo capacity of 39.3 cu ft, significantly eclipsing the 16 cu ft offered by the physically larger Toyota Highlander.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Both the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for operation.

Why does the Highlander have better torque despite lower efficiency?

The Highlander uses its 310 lb-ft of torque and standard All-Wheel Drive system to handle its increased size and power output, prioritizing responsive acceleration over the CR-V's highly efficient but less powerful 179 lb-ft setup.