The compact crossover SUV segment is one of the hottest sectors in the American auto market. With many new shoppers looking to lease a new compact SUV, many auto brands have come to offer a wide range of models and trims in this booming segment. Even though this category is overflowing with options, the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4 have always been the best compact SUVs to lease. These two Japanese SUVs, for many years, have shown how to create a top-ranking compact SUV that is reliable, fun to drive, and well-rounded.
Looking for a compact SUV to lease? The 2022 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Toyota Rav4 should definitely be at the top of your lease sheet. These two are the best-selling compact SUV models in the US for all the right reasons. But is leasing the 2022 Honda CR-V better than going with the 2022 Toyota Rav4 lease deal? Which of these top compact SUVs is better for leasing?
To help you make the best decision, here’s what you need to know about the 2022 CR-V and the 2022 Rav4.
What’s New
The 2022 Honda CR-V debuted as an all-new model, the fifth CR-V generation in 2017. Since then, we are yet to see something new in the CR-V, besides minor updates and fresh upgrades. Even after going for years without a redesign, the CR-V is still a very compelling small crossover, one of the best in the segment.
Although this Honda compact crossover is the oldest in its segment, this is bound to change soon. Honda has announced that the segment-leading Honda CR-V will get a full redesign for the 2023 model year. However, for 2022, the CR-V sees no significant changes, only minor adjustments, which is not pretty bad. For 2022, the Touring trim level gets a standard all-wheel-drive system.
Besides the CR-V, the Toyota Rav4 is another top pick in the small crossover segment. It is now in its fifth generation that debuted in 2019. This Toyota’s small SUV offers many trim levels to make leasing the 2022 Toyota Rav4 a worthy adventure.
For 2022, the Rav4 gets only minor updates. All 2022 Rav4 gets fresh styled headlamps and Calvary Blue color except for the base models. Some upper trim levels now get standard LED fog lamps. The SE hybrid trim now comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and an available 9.0-inch touchscreen. Finally, the Limited trim now affords an eight-way power passenger seat with height adjustability, while the XLE trim level and above gets an illuminated interior switch. Toyota has equipped all 2022 Rav4 with a locking glove.
Powertrain And Transmission
The 2022 CR-V and the 2022 Rav4 boasts gas-powered and hybrid powertrains (there’s also a plug-in hybrid model, exclusively in the Toyota Rav4). However, leasing the 2022 Toyota Rav4 offers you a small crossover with a stronger engine.
The CR-V comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 190 hp and 179 pound-feet of torque. This turbo-four combines with an electric motor to deliver 212 hp in the CR-V hybrid models. All 2022 CR-V models are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Rav4, on the other hand, boasts a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that coughs out 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Rav4 hybrid model utilizes this 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor to deliver 219 hp. The Toyota Rav4 powertrain is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that helps it get one of the class-leading accelerations.
Handling And Performance
While both the 2022 Rav4 and the 2022 CR-V sports robust powertrains with ample powers for both daily commute and getting on the freeway, the 2022 CR-V can’t beat the Rav4’s acceleration. However, the CR-V is a little more refined than the Rav4. The Toyota Rav4 isn’t as much fun to drive as the CR-V. While the Toyota’s small SUV is composed around turns, it’s not as confident as the CR-V. The 2022 CR-V handles well for a family compact SUV. If you want to lease a fun-to-drive family SUV, leasing the 2022 Honda CR-V is the deal.
Fuel Economy
Although the fuel economy numbers a closely similar, the Rav4 is a more fuel-efficient option of the two.
While the 2022 CR-V earns an EPA estimated rating of 28 mpg city and 34 highway with the FWD and 27/32 mpg with the AWD, the 2022 Rav4 earns 35 mpg on the highway with the FWD.
Interior
One of the clearly defining places between the 2022 CR-V and the 2022 Rav4 is the interior. The CR-V’s ability to blend innovative styling with practical and comfy cabin and entertaining driving dynamics makes it one of the best picks in its class. Inside, the CR-V boasts a well-built and comfy cabin with spacious seats. Its cargo hold is the best in class, beating the Rav4.
While the CR-V offers more cargo capacity than the Rav4, the Rav4 delivers a more well-equipped cabin. The 2022 Toyota Rav4 offers a more modern cabin. Its simple and well-detailed cabin sports soft touch and durable materials, as well as a longer list of standard features. The Rav4 boasts a more user-friendly infotainment system and a slew of standard safety features to keep it ahead of close rivals, including the CR-V.
Cost
With an estimated starting MSRP of $25,750 for the 2022 CR-V, while the 2022 Rav4 gets an estimated starting MSRP of $27,500, leasing the 2022 CR-V proves to offer you a much lower rate, making this Honda’s small crossover a much well-rounded option.
The 2022 Honda CR-V and the 2022 Toyota Rav4 are the most compelling SUVs to lease. If you want to lease a small SUV, there’s every chance that these two will be on your shortlist as they are the most well-rounded options out there.
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