CR-V III vs RAV4 XA30: which is better?
Honda CR-V III (2006–2012) vs Toyota RAV4 XA30 (2005–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda CR-V III
Toyota RAV4 XA30Specifications
| Honda CR-V III | Toyota RAV4 XA30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2005–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 166 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque, up to | 218 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 530 mm | 4 395 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 815 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 560 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 190 mm |
| Fuel tank | 58 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda CR-V III
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda K20/K24 engine: VTC actuator rattle on cold start
Engine (Honda K20/K24): VTC actuator rattle on cold start; oil consumption on the K24Z (2008–2012); crankshaft seal leak.
Toyota RAV4 XA30
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 3ZR-FAE engine (2.0): oil consumption with mileage
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Engine (Toyota 3ZR-FAE (2.0)): oil consumption at higher mileage; Valvematic actuator failure; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- CR-V III — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
- RAV4 XA30 — if you care more about: ground clearance, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: CR-V III or RAV4 XA30?
CR-V III: up to 166 hp, RAV4 XA30: up to 158 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
CR-V III: 185 mm, RAV4 XA30: 190 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CR-V III — about 28 750 ₸, RAV4 XA30 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.