Rav 4 or a Honda CRV?

[Rikster]

We have decided to change our car before our trip to France at the end of August and have narrowed our choice down to these two wagons. I'm hoping we can stretch the budget to either a 2013/14 AWD 2.2 Rav 4 and possibly a 2013 2.2CRV.
I have had a wee drive in both models and am seriously impressed by both but have very little info on towing, especially with the Toyota-can anyone offer any advice? I know the Honda is a great tug but, even though it's a Honda, I'm a little put off by the 3 year warranty as opposed to the Rav 4's generous 5 years.
We are towing a Compass with a loaded weight of 1515kg and the Honda fares best on the weight ratio but I reckon either would be more than stable.
Any thoughts anyone?

 

[craigstaiano]

Hi

I suggest having a look at www.whattowcar.com to get compatibility information.

Having said that, I looked at a Honda CRV and thought it was superb and loved the styling over the Rav4 but that was my taste. However I read about Honda's being one of the most reliable car brands.

Personally I went for a Subaru Forester. Such an under rated car. It is superb

 

[TonyH1]

My vote is for the Honda. I'm on my 4th and (shouldn't really be saying this so I'm touching wood!) and none of them have let me down. They've had a few niggles, some more annoying than others but have by and large all been sorted by the main dealer.

 

[Rikster]

Following much diliberation, test driving, research-and checking of bank balance v's what is available, I have bought the new shape Hyundai Santa Fe!
With what was available over here in N.I. And what I could afford, it was a close call between a 2013 CRV and the Santa Fe-but the extra 2 years warranty and the fact that it already came with a tow bar swung the deal for the Hyundai-and the fact that I think it looks fantastic!
Here's hoping for happy motoring!

 

[scurry76]

Nice choice, we was in the same place as you this year. Couldn't decide on the Rav4, CR-v or Santa-Fe

We ended up going for the cr-v only because maybe :silly: badge snop and brand, again touch wood that no niggles so far as taking our 1st trip abroad to Spain in 3 weeks!!

 

[rmason00]

Opted for the Rav 4 myself towing a Bailey unicorn Seville 2. Touch wood cant fault it yet holds the van in line brilliantly and plenty of power the only down side is fuel returns but cant have everything can we.

 

[Rikster]

Just back from our first weekend towing with the Santa Fe and can report that it is great!
Where the Mondeo became unstable approaching 60mph, meaning I had to sit at an indicated 58mph, the Santa Fe felt perfectly stable sitting at an indicated 65-I didn't go any higher! The engine is very torquey, so is relaxing and sits comfortably at 60 in 6th gear and has plenty of power for pulling away and pulling up hills-it also has a massive, well thought out boot so I think I have chosen well.
Can't comment on fuel consumption yet as we were only 40 miles away but I'll certainly know all about it by the time I return from France-though the on board computer indicated around 28/30 mpg for most of our short trip.
All in all I'm very happy-it looks fantastic in white with the chrome grill and privacy glass and should make our big trip much more pleasurable!

 

[TonyH1]

Glad you're pleased with your choice. They certainly get excellent reviews and that warranty is very good. Happy motoring!

 

[NSP24]

My Rav 4 2.2 D4D broke down on my last trip looks like a new gear box, full main dealer servicing and only done 65K