Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000, with the base Hybrid LE starting at $51,435, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while a front-wheel drive version was available in the U.S. The Highlander Hybrid offered various trims, including the XLE AWD with a Special Edition package and the Limited with a Platinum package. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and lack of quality, with controls and storage areas feeling inexpensive.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid started at $48,909, including destination charges. The CR-V EX-L Hybrid trim was more affordable, with sporty black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint. The CR-V's styling was conservative, with a technical face and tusks framing the lower air intake. The rear quarter view was praised for its upscale appearance. Inside, the Touring trim featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and quality details like metal mesh hiding the dashboard air vents. The CR-V's cabin was noted for its sophistication, with a focus on quality materials and design.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, providing standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, propelling the 2,060-kilogram SUV. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but power was limited, and brakes faded during mountain driving. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The system worked transparently, with low-speed electric vehicle noise and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Hybrid was expected to achieve 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving, but the test vehicle returned 8.7 L/100 km. The CR-V Hybrid Touring offered a quiet ride, predictable handling, and impressive grip. The brakes performed well during heavy use, but the steering effort was unusually heavy. The CR-V was easy to drive, with hints of fun, but not suited for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to handle daily family life, seating seven or eight people depending on the trim. Most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, with the third-row seat best for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. The Platinum package added a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats offered power adjustment, but lacked thigh support. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for rear-facing child seats. The third row was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The CR-V was easy to enter and exit, with wide-opening rear doors and a roomy back seat. The back seat offered excellent leg support and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V provided ample storage, though the glove compartment was small. The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo area measured 1,028 litres, expanding to 2,030 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. The infotainment system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans were standard, with Remote Connect allowing remote access via a smartphone app. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Toyota Audio Multimedia platform was user-friendly, but graphics lacked contrast.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, with prompts appearing on the display. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a walk-away automatic locking feature, providing peace of mind.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with front and rear parking sensors on higher trims. The Highlander received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, rear seat reminder, automatic high beams, and driver monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with front and rear parking sensors on Hybrid trims. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, but lacked NHTSA ratings.