Toyota Vs. Honda SUVs: One Brand Clearly Has The Stronger Lineup

One of these brands has a much more dominant SUV range

Honda and Toyota are two of America’s most trusted brands and both sell thousands of SUVs here each month. Often cross-shopped, buyers appreciate these brands’ practical, value-oriented, and reliable crossovers and SUVs. Their vehicles also have high resale values, which means more to many buyers than flashy design or the latest technologies.

But which brand builds the best SUVs? We’ve compared Honda and Toyota’s current SUV lineup in every size category, from budget-friendly subcompact models to spacious three-row options. We’ve turned to our own driving impressions of these vehicles and manufacturer-supplied specifications to choose the winners, so let’s get straight into it.

1. Best Subcompact SUV: Honda HR-V Vs. Toyota Corolla Cross

Winner: Toyota Corolla Cross

Both automakers have one crossover each in the subcompact segment. These are the most affordable SUVs you can buy from each brand, offering efficient motoring but less space and capability than larger models. Here’s a look at the Toyota vs Honda specs in the subcompact crossover segment.

	2027 Honda HR-V	2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Engine	2.0L I4	2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 Hybrid
Horsepower	158 hp	169 hp (gas) | 196 hp (hybrid)
Torque	138 lb-ft	151 lb-ft (gas)
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD
Base price	$26,600	$25,235
Cargo space	24.4 cubic feet	24 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway/combined)	26/32/28 mpg (FWD)	46/39/42 mpg (hybrid) | 31/33/32 mpg (gas FWD)

These small crossovers both have a decent amount of space for four, solid build quality, and a generous helping of safety and convenience features. The main difference is the option of a hybrid for the Corolla Cross, which gives it much better performance and economy than the HR-V.

In a 2024 match-up between these two, we preferred the HR-V’s interior, rear-seat space, and handling. However, in this segment, value and efficiency are more crucial. For those reasons, the Corolla Cross just about comes out on top.

2. Best Compact SUV: Honda CR-V Vs. Toyota RAV4

Winner: Honda CR-V

This is perhaps the most hard-fought category between Honda and Toyota. The CR-V is the only compact crossover to challenge the RAV4 on the sales charts and both vehicles offer hybrid powertrains. The Honda still comes with a standard non-hybrid powertrain, while the RAV4 is also available as a plug-in hybrid.

	2026 Honda CR-V	2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid	2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV
Engine	1.5L I4 Turbo	2.5L I4 Hybrid	2.0L I4 Hybrid	2.5L I4 PHEV
Horsepower	190 hp	226 hp (FWD)	204 hp	324 hp
Torque	179 lb-ft	163 lb-ft (engine only)	138 lb-ft (engine only)	172 lb-ft (engine only)
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD	AWD
Base price	$30,920	$31,900	$35,630	$41,500
Cargo space	39.3 cubic feet	37.8 cubic feet	36.3 cubic feet	33.5 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway/combined)	28/33/30 mpg (FWD)	47/40/43 mpg (FWD)	43/36/40 mpg (FWD)	43/36/40 mpg (SE, XSE)

Both vehicles have spacious interiors, competitive infotainment tech, and similar starting prices. The RAV4’s powertrains have the edge, as its standard hybrid system delivers quicker acceleration than the non-hybrid CR-V. It’s also more efficient, while the RAV4 PHEV can be driven for up to 52 miles on electric power alone.

But the CR-V has a more premium-feeling interior, a slightly bigger back seat and trunk, and superior handling. It’s nearly $1,000 cheaper, too. It may not be as quick, but the Honda’s driving experience is more engaging. In a tight battle, the CR-V’s spread of attributes edge out the RAV4’s hybrid superiority.

3. Best Two-Row Midsize SUV: Honda Passport Vs. Toyota Crown Signia

Winner: Tie

Honda only has one two-row midsize SUV on sale, that being the Passport. Toyota has three gas models in this category: Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Crown Signia. The first two are especially rugged vehicles, so that leaves the Crown Signia as the closest thing to to the Passport at this price point.

	2026 Honda Passport	2026 Toyota Crown Signia
Engine	3.5L V6	2.5L I4 Hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp	240 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft	178 lb-ft (engine only)
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Base price	$44,950	$44,690
Towing capacity	5,000 lbs	2,700 lbs
Cargo space	44 cubic feet	25.8 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway/combined)	19/25/21 mpg	39/37/38 mpg

They may both be midsize crossovers at nearly the same price, but the Honda Passport and Toyota Crown Signia are aimed at distinctly different customers. The Passport is a much more rugged vehicle that is better set up for off-roading and towing. The Crown Signia, meanwhile, prioritizes efficiency and a Lexus-like refinement, from the way it rides to its classy interior.

The new Passport has been exceptionally popular, especially the TrailSport models. One of our testers found the Passport to be an ideal replacement for her older Land Rover, which says everything about the Honda’s vibe and positioning. The Crown Signia, meanwhile, is much preferred for everyday commuting due to its exceptional efficiency and refinement. 

These vehicles are simply too different to declare one as better than the other. Choose the Passport if you need to tow or go off-road, but get the Crown Signia if you’re looking for great economy, more luxury features, and a touch of individuality.

4. Best Three-Row Midsize SUV: Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

Winner: Toyota Grand Highlander

We now move on to the two automakers’ top three-row models, the Pilot and Grand Highlander. These vehicles can seat up to eight people in comfort or accommodate a massive amount of cargo. Both excel at doing that, but the Toyota sets itself apart once more by offering the option of two hybrid powertrains.

	2026 Honda Pilot	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max
Engine	3.5L V6	2.4L I4 Turbo	2.5L I4 Hybrid	2.4L I4 Turbo Hybrid
Horsepower	285 hp	265 hp	245 hp	362 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft	310 lb-ft	177 lb-ft (engine only)	400 lb-ft
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD	AWD
Base price	$42,395	$42,260	$45,610	$56,090
Towing capacity	5,000 lbs (AWD)	5,000 lbs	3,500 lbs	5,000 lbs
Cargo space (behind second row)	59.5 cubic feet	57.9 cubic feet	57.9 cubic feet	57.9 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway/combined)	19/27/22 mpg (FWD)	21/28/24 mpg (FWD)	37/34/36 mpg (FWD)	26/27/27 mpg

The Honda Pilot rides smoothly, the V6 provides responsive power, and the handling is sharper than most rivals. The highly versatile interior has adult-friendly third-row space and a huge cargo area when the back seats are folded. There’s now also a TrailSport variant with more ground clearance.

The Grand Highlander is just as capable as a family vehicle. Its four-cylinder engine is a little noisy when extended and it’s not particularly interesting to drive, but more importantly, it’s perfectly settled on the highway. The Toyota’s major trump card is the availability of two hybrids, with the cheaper version getting up to 36 mpg combined—far better than the Pilot’s V6.

In the end, the hybrids swing the final vote in favor of Toyota. It simply offers buyers more choice in this segment than the Honda, which forces you to settle for a single powertrain.

5. Best Midsize Electric SUV: Honda Prologue Vs. Toyota bZ Woodland

Winner: Toyota bZ Woodland

Honda recently announced that the slow-selling Prologue would go out of production after the 2026 model year, but at the time of writing, you can still buy one. Its Toyota rival is the newer bZ Woodland, which offers a particularly potent electric powertrain.

	2026 Honda Prologue	2026 Toyota bZ Woodland
Powertrain	Single or dual electric motors	Dual electric motors
Horsepower	220 hp (FWD) | 300 hp (AWD)	375 hp
Torque	243 lb-ft (FWD) | 355 lb-ft (AWD)	198/198 lb-ft (front/rear motors)
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD	AWD
Base price	$39,900	$45,300
Range on a full charge	296 miles (FWD)	281 miles
Cargo space (behind second row)	25.2 cubic feet (FWD)	33.8 cubic feet
EPA rating (city/highway/combined)	113/94/104 MPGe	127/107/117 MPGe

Honda jointly developed the Prologue with GM, which hasn’t necessarily made for a better EV. It lacks the responsiveness we enjoy in most other Honda SUVs, even if the AWD version’s acceleration is decent. The Honda’s interior also makes the GM connection too obvious. On a positive note, it has a plush ride and plenty of space.

The bZ Woodland is a more rugged take on electric SUVs. It’s much quicker than the Honda, with a claimed 4.4-second 0-60 time. The Toyota can also tow 2,000 lbs more and boasts greater ground clearance, so it’s the better SUV. There’s also a much bigger trunk here for all your stuff.

The Honda has a small range advantage, but that’s not enough to cancel out the Toyota’s many advantages.

The Outliers

The Honda SUV vs Toyota SUV comparison is won by default in certain segments, where only Toyota has a competitor. The models below don’t have a direct Honda rival but are worth mentioning if you’re looking for a new SUV.

Toyota Highlander

Toyota

The Highlander is closer to the Pilot than any other Honda, but its biggest problem is the Grand Highlander. The latter is newer, more spacious, and cheaper than the Highlander. For that reason, we’d skip the Highlander and get the Grand Highlander if you want a practical three-row crossover.

Toyota C-HR

Cole Attisha

A relatively new addition to Toyota’s lineup, the C-HR is a sporty and surprisingly powerful small electric crossover. The 338-hp powertrain can get this Toyota to 60 in under five seconds, complemented by a competitive 287-mile range. It’s the answer for anyone looking for an electric SUV with some personality and driver appeal.

Toyota bZ

Toyota

Toyota’s original bZ4X underwhelmed, but the bZ is a much better product. The price has gone down and the performance has increased. It can get up to 314 miles on a full charge and the AWD model is speedy, with a 4.9-second 0-60 time. Starting at $34,900, it’s no surprise that sales have increased significantly in 2026.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota

The latest Land Cruiser is now a midsize, two-row model. It can be considered a more premium and capable alternative to the Honda Passport, but it’s much pricier at $57,880 for 2027. Both trims have a 326-hp hybrid powertrain that combines impressive efficiency and performance. Standard 4×4 and good approach/departure angles make for a capable off-roader. 

Toyota 4Runner

Cole Attisha

This is Toyota’s cheapest body-on-frame SUV. It starts at just over $42,000 and has the option of a 326-hp hybrid powertrain. The 4Runner isn’t as comfortable as a Crown Signia, but it’s a proper off-roader, especially in TRD Pro guise. A third row is available, but the Grand Highlander is much better if you want to transport seven people in comfort.

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota

Finally, this is Toyota’s largest SUV in America. Also a three-row SUV with body-on-frame construction, Honda has no alternative to the Sequoia. All variants use a brawny V6 hybrid that produces 437 hp, and there’s also a TRD Pro model here with an uprated suspension. 2026 pricing starts at $65,725, reflecting the Sequoia’s position as Toyota’s flagship SUV.

Final Verdict: Toyota’s SUV Range Is Stronger

Toyota

In the five categories where both automakers have competing models, Toyota emerged with three wins and one joint victory. Honda had one joint victory and was the outright victor in just one segment.

The variety in Toyota’s lineup is what elevates its SUVs above Honda’s. You can have a small, speedy electric crossover or a three-row off-roader from Toyota—and everything in between. Toyota also offers multiple hybrids, while Honda only has a CR-V Hybrid for now.

We would strongly consider one of the Honda SUVs if you prefer a vehicle that’s more enjoyable to drive, without sacrificing comfort. But overall, the Japanese brand here with the more compelling SUV lineup is Toyota.

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