The Honda CRV cannot be neglected when discussing the best all-round SUV vehicles. This is one of the most practical vehicles you can get under $25,000. It rides on a car-derived chassis even with its SUV build. As a result, the driving experience is unrivaled. It is subtly powerful, yet the fuel economy on this car is insane. This is why cars like Honda CRV will remain best-sellers in the car market. You get to enjoy top-class comfort and not go broke.
The CRV drives on a powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps 190 horsepower. The CRV delivers combined EPA-estimated gas mileage of 31 and 38 MPG with the 2WD and Hybrid trims, respectively. This is a reflection of the name Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.
The Best Cars Like Honda CRV
There is just so much to love about cars like Honda CRV. Considering the great qualities packed in these compact SUVs, it’s no surprise why drivers prefer them. We have reviewed many impressive alternatives to the CRV in this post. If you want the CRV thrill, but for some reason, you cannot go for the CRV itself, check this list for something that suits you better.
1. Toyota RAV4
First on our list of cars like Honda CRV is Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 shares a common fanbase with the Honda CRV, as both vehicles are similar in many ways. This compact SUV is known for reliability and longevity. Many old RAV4 models from over twenty years ago still serve reliably today.
The 2WD Toyota RAV4 trim is powered by a stalwart 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps up to 176 horsepower. This engine delivers 27 and 35 MPG in the city and highway, respectively. For better fuel economy, you can also opt for the gas-electric hybrid trim with an estimated 40 MPG combined gas mileage. Though the RAV4 has a traditional SUV build, it offers a responsive driving experience similar to Honda’s CRV.
Over the years, the exterior build gets more handsome with continuously increasing additional features. Newer RAV4 models sport impressive tech features like roof rails, a backup camera, Bluetooth/USB integration, and a 6-inch touchscreen-operated audio system. The most recent models offer an AWD ‘Adventure Trim,’ which is more powerful and expensive than others. A new 2024 Toyota RAV4 starts around $24,300 and goes up to $34,670, depending on the trim and features.
2. Ford Escape
Ford Escape is one of the top cars, like Honda CRV, with four trim levels that suit different preferences and budget levels. The Escape lineup offers a calm base model, all-wheel drive, and turbocharged engine options to spice things up.
For the base model, you get a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 181 horsepower. This engine is estimated to deliver up to 30 MPG for city and highway combined. The more powerful turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder also takes the power figure to 250 horsepower. For this engine, you get gas mileage at 26 MPG combined.
The Hybrid 2.5-liter trim smashes about 40 MPG for FWD and AWD configurations. All trims feature a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic headlights, LED tail lights, split-folding/reclining rear seats, and Bluetooth smartphone integration. The Escape Titanium trim driving on the 2.0-liter engine offers additional features like a navigation system, enhanced active parking assistance, and high-intensity discharge headlights.
The starting price for a new Ford Escape is around $30,990. You can get advanced trims offering additional features for higher prices.
3. Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s 5-seater crossover, Rogue, is one of the cars like Honda CRV. It has impressive user reviews and offers a similar driving experience and handling to most on this list. Recent versions of the Rogue boast the innovative EZ Flex seating system and Divide-N-Hide cargo system. This improves passenger and cargo flexibility in the compact SUV. Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist technology started in the 2018 Rogue SL trim and improves yearly. This feature aids steering, braking, and acceleration during single-lane highway driving.
All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine propped on the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (X-CVT), offering Sport and Eco modes. This engine produces up to 170 horsepower. The X-CVT delivers an estimated gas mileage of 26 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The price for a new Nissan Rogue starts at $29,810 and can get as high as $40,090. Depending on the option and added features.
4. Kia Sportage
Kia vehicles are appreciated for being durable and having an exceptional warranty package. The Sportage is one of the most popular Kia lineups, offering fantastic qualities. Drivers have enjoyed top-notch qualities like blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert in the most recent models.
Like the Honda CRV, the Sportage is a five-seater compact SUV offering top-class responsiveness, among other good qualities.
The base model is driven by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and is configured to FWD. This engine delivers an estimated city and highway gas mileage of 28 MPG. You can go for the hybrid trims for better fuel economy. The hybrid gas mileage is 38 and 43 MPG for the AWD and FWD options. If you are more interested in engine power, opt for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine option that produces up to 240 horsepower. This trim drives in an AWD layout with 25 MPG combined city and highway gas mileage.
On all trims, you can enjoy alloy wheels, automatic headlights, power-operated side mirrors, heated front seats, and more. The Sportage gets more beautiful yearly and sports great acceleration on all engine trims. The price range for a new Kia Sportage starts at $27,000 and goes up to $38,000.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the cheapest SUVs to maintain and repair. This car has three rows of seats for carrying extra passengers. It’s a little longer than the Honda CR-V but still easy to drive in the city.
The base model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display audio unit that has Bluetooth. The SEL and GT trims have a Touring package, which includes features like forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
The Outlander comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower or a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 224 horsepower. The car has dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a rearview camera to make it more comfortable. The Mitsubishi Outlander is a great value, starting at $28,395.
6. Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox is one of the best-selling compact crossovers. It comes in three engine trims, offering buyers options for their budget and needs. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can produce up to 175 horsepower, with a 28 MPG combined gas mileage. If you want more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers up to 252 horsepower with a combined 25 MPG estimated gas mileage.
Finally, the 1.6-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder produces up to 137 horsepower. This trim delivers an estimated gas mileage of 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway to make up for strength.
The Equinox offers a wealth of standard features, including heated/power-operated side mirrors, LED running lights, automatic xenon headlamps, remote entry/starting, backup cameras, alloy wheels, stop-start systems, and six-speaker audio systems that can be navigated on the infotainment touchscreen. Some additional features that increase the starting price include leather upholstery, a switchable AWD layout, heated rear seats, and rear parking sensors.
The optional AWD system is switchable to boost efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when its power and torque are not needed. You also get to enjoy advanced safety features in newer models. These include a safety alert seat, low-speed forward automatic braking, and Surround Vision. A new Chevrolet Equinox costs between $30,000 and $35,000.
7. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a viable alternative to the Honda CRV. It is known for being dependable, according to user reviews. The interior has heated front seats and a 7-inch audio display system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The two engine trims available are 1.6-liter and 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engines, with power output up to 164 and 187 horsepower, respectively. The Tucson also delivers an average gas mileage of 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway across all trims. The FWD options offer better fuel economy than the AWD.
The Tucson interior has LED daytime running lights and accent lights, an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar support, and power windows. The 7-inch touchscreen display audio system also comes standard. Additional tech features include a proximity-key entry with a push-button start and a hands-free liftgate. Like Honda CRV, the cost of this SUV is also under $25,000.
8. Subaru Forester
Unlike most cars on this list, the Subaru Forester has a symmetrical AWD layout. The five-seater SUV offers good head and leg room for drivers and passengers. The 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower with an estimated gas mileage of 29 MPG combined for city and highway driving.
The more powerful 2.0XT model features the turbocharged 2.0-liter, a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The engine produces 250 horsepower with 25 and 28 MPG city and highway gas mileage, respectively. This 2.0XT model also sports the Subaru Intelligent Drive powertrain performance management system, allowing access to Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp driving modes.
Safety features like the EyeSight driver assist technology make the Forester stand out among top-class compact SUVs. This feature comes standard in all Forester trims. In addition, you can benefit from the adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane-departure/sway warning. The rear cross-traffic alert comes as an optional feature for premium trims. Subaru Forester’s pricing starts at $29,095 and goes up $38,095.
9. Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee lineup has consistently delivered power with exciting handling and driving experience over three decades. The Cherokee is also packed with many great qualities similar to Honda CRV. This is the most powerful vehicle in our list of cars, like Honda CRV.
The Cherokee’s base model drives on a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing up to 170 horsepower. The gas mileage on this engine is estimated to be around 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Alternatively, you can get the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine trim with a nine-speed automatic transmission for more power but less mileage. This engine produces 270 horsepower. The lineup also offers a 3.2-liter V6, which produces 271 horsepower and delivers a tow rating of 4,500 pounds. Like all Jeep cars, the Cherokee features three distinct 4×4 systems for extra traction in challenging conditions. The price for a Jeep Cherokee starts at around $39,830, which is fair for a vehicle with this much power.
10. GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain has recently improved the exterior build to deliver a practical compact SUV. Thanks to its durability and responsiveness, it is featured on our list of cars like Honda CRV.
The GMC Terrain has three engine options to choose from. The first is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can deliver up to 175 horsepower and an estimated combined gas mileage of 28 MPG. Furthermore, the second 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces up to 252 horsepower and an estimated combined 25 MPG gas mileage.
Finally, the third engine option is a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that can provide up to 137 horsepower. Although less powerful than the other engines, it has an estimated gas mileage of 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway.
Additionally, GMC has had great success with its Denali top-level trim packages across the line, and the Terrain Denali features a unique grille, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, and the availability of a very sophisticated safety package that includes automatic parking assist and surround vision.
Let’s Wrap It Up…
The Honda CRV lineup has earned its best-seller status through years of consistent effectiveness. Cars like Honda CRV are big players in today’s market. Suppose you want a small SUV with excellent performance but not the CRV. Each CRV alternative we’ve reviewed also offers outstanding performance and versatility.
