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Welcome to the all new Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 comparison for 2017. We rarely feature a comparison of the RAV4 because one of us owns one and is highly biased so we’re ignoring her input for this review. The current generation RAV4 is a good small SUV now approaching the medium size class, it is comfortable, reasonably powerful, quiet and so forth. It’s a typical Toyota in that it is mostly inoffensive and the more you live with it the more you accept it’s ‘compromises’ and enjoy it. The new Toyota CH-R is clearly a relative to the RAV4 due to the front end styling, although the rear end is basically a Honda Civic clone! They are comparable due to the price overlap and many will definitely cross shop between these two models.
Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 exterior comparison: The refresh to the RAV4 exterior in 2016 was needed as the RAV4 was looking a little outdated compared to it’s competitors like the CX-5 and even the ancient X-Trail or Outlander. With the update the RAV4 is now looking like a prop from Star Wars and we think it’s much better. The updated front end restyle fore shadowed the CH-R as well and more upmarket tail lights. In comparison the CH-R exterior is an even better looking smallish SUV, that’s expected due to the design age gap and that it originates from a show car concept, pity that the rear is a last generation Honda Civic. Regardless if the next RAV4 looks anything like the CH-R it will be a sales winner that’s for sure. For now the CH-R is the better looking car.
Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 interior comparison: First off the RAV4 has a decent interior, but it’s very ‘normal’ and the quality of parts is nice but not particularly impressive , especially when the to range model is just under 55,00 on the road! The hard plastic dashboard top is not as good looking as it should be is one of the obvious problems. Overall the RAV4 continues to have a very Toyota like interior to be in, hence looks Ok and comfortable to be in. The new CH-R definitely ups the ante in the interior design and quality for an affordable Toyota. The interior is dark but nicer materials and modern design make it more upmarket place to be in. The design is not as radical as the current design theme introduced in the Corolla a few years ago and the CH-R is quite different and conservative. Sure there are easily scratched and hard plastics but it all looks good when put together. Regardless of that the CH-R will always be a nice place to be in.
Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 engines and and technology comparison: The CH-R has all the latest safety systems and a trendy fuel efficient small turbo engine but with a CVT but it still does not make much power. The CH-R also lacks a decent stereo system. Yes it can link to your Apple or Android phone but it doesn’t have a digital radio or more importantly does not sound any good. The sound quality is ONLY impressive if you are upgrading from a car over 10 years old else it is not particularly clear. If the Toyota Yaris stereo system sounds just as good at half the price you’d expect something a little better in the RAV4 or CH-R. The RAV4 most of the safety systems but only as options for most of the model range and the options are expensive which is disappointing as the new VW Tiguan and CX-5 have with all that as standard. The CH-R has most of the system as standard which makes it better than the RAV4. And yes the fuel consumption in the RAV4 is high recording around 12 litres per 100km. Both models the the same starting weight which is surprising.
In terms of engines the base engine in the RAV4 is a 2 litre petrol which is clearly unpowered for 2017 even compared to the CH-R which in turn is underpowered from the start despite the ‘turbo’ badge. The CH-R has the CVT transmission which you need to try before you buy but the RAV4 has a regular 6 speed auto so you can guess which one will be faster and nicer to drive. The RAV has the larger 2.5 litre petrol or diesel which are the best choices as they have enough power to be a decent drive.
Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 drive comparison: In terms of ride and handling the RAV4 is a nice ride, nothing to really complain about as it is not marketed as a sports car rather family SUV. It’s not too noisy, not particularly fast or comfortable but good compromise for everything. Expect a family taxi drive experience and that is what you will get. These are not sports cars so don’t expect anything exciting to happen except and when you exceed its handling threshold just after 80km.
The winner of the Toyota CH-R Vs Toyota RAV4 comparison is a draw. As a SUV the RAV4 makes more sense, it is larger but not bloated, it has all the equipment that you expect in a SUV but the options are expensive. The CH-R is smaller but if you don’t need the space or power than this is a great choice. In terms of pricing since the mid range CH-R and base model RAV4 cross over it will be a tough choice to decide between them. Top range CH-R vs mid range RAV4 without options will also be a tough choice. The stand out flaw for both was the stereo sound quality, which is ordinary and disappointing since a Yaris stereo sounds just as good as these models. Out of context of this comparison, if you want a larger SUV with all the gizmos than you need to wait for the new CX-5 or CR-V as they will be a much better package for the price if Toyota all things being as they are. Speaking of price both CH-R and RAV4 are over $30000 on the road in base level trim which is normal in 2017.
| Toyota CH-R | Toyota RAV4 |
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| Engines | |
| IL4 Cylinder Petrol (8NR-FTS) DI DOHC EFI VVT Turbo 1.2 Litre (1197cc) Claimed 86Kw @ 5200RPM Claimed 185Nm @ 1500PM |
IL4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC EFI VVT Turbo 2 Litre (1987cc) Claimed 107Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 187Nm @ 3600PM |
| IL4 Cylinder Petrol (8NR-FTS) DOHC EFI VVT 2.5 Litre (2494cc) Claimed 132Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 233Nm @ 4100PM |
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| IL4 Cylinder Diesel DI DOHC EFI VVT Turbo 2.5 Litre (2494cc) Claimed 110Kw @ 3600RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 2000PM |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1440Kg Towing capacity up to 800Kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1450Kg Towing capacity up to 800Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 50 litres 95 Octane 1.2 litre Petrol 6.5 litres per 100km |
60 litres 91 Octane 2 litre Petrol 10 litres per 100km 2.5 litre Petrol 11.4 litres per 100km 2.2 litre Diesel 6.7 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| CVT or 6 Speed Manual Overall height/width 1565/1795 Overall length/wheelbase 4360/2640 Drive system: On demand AWD or 2WD Tyre size: 225-50-17 inch – 18 inch NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 Speed Auto or 6 Speed Manual Overall height/width 1685/1845 Overall length/wheelbase 4605/2660 Drive system: On demand AWD or 2WD Tyre size: 225-65-17 inch or 235-55-18 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 180 mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| Pricing | |
| 2017 $26,990 – 35,590 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2017 $28,550 – 50,500 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |