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● TRACKER Updated 10d ago Β· 35 sources tracked

CR-V Is Destroying RAV4 In America, And Honda Is About To Turn Up The Heat

Honda is pressing its advantage in the American compact SUV sector as the CR-V surges against the Toyota RAV4. Third-quarter data shows Honda sold 110,730 CR-V units in the United States, marking a record for the period and a 16.6 percent increase year-over-year. In contrast, Toyota registered 253,664 RAV4 sales from January through September, representing a 29.2 percent decline compared to the same nine months last year. Both manufacturers face hybrid supply constraints this fall, creating extended wait times for buyers.

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  • βœ“ Honda sold 110,730 CR-V units in the United States during the third quarter of 2026.
  • βœ“ Toyota registered 253,664 RAV4 sales from January through September.
πŸ›‘οΈ Source Corroboration: 35 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

New safety analysis and market commentary corroborate the ongoing shift in the compact SUV segment as the CR-V challenges the RAV4.

Live updates

  1. Honda CR-V Challenges Toyota RAV4 Leadership in Compact SUV Market

    Honda is pressing its advantage in the American compact SUV sector as the CR-V surges against the Toyota RAV4. Third-quarter data shows Honda sold 110,730 CR-V units in the United States, marking a record for the period and a 16.6 percent increase year-over-year. In contrast, Toyota registered 253,664 RAV4 sales from January through September, representing a 29.2 percent decline compared to the same nine months last year. Both manufacturers face hybrid supply constraints this fall, creating extended wait times for buyers.

    Why it matters

    The shift in sales figures signals a major realignment at the top of the American compact SUV market. Toyota and Honda continue to battle for dominance while navigating ongoing component and hybrid supply shortages. Safety comparisons between the two top-selling models show closely matched results with a single winner.

    What is confirmed

    • Honda sold 110,730 CR-V units in the United States during the third quarter of 2026.
    • Toyota registered 253,664 RAV4 sales from January through September.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Honda CR-V has permanently bested the Toyota RAV4 for the top spot in the American compact SUV market.

    What to watch next

    • Production and supply updates for hybrid models from Honda and Toyota.
    • Full year-end sales figures for the compact SUV segment.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.slashgear.com β€” The Toyota RAV4 Is Losing Its Top Spot As America's Favorite ...
    2. autos.yahoo.com β€” Honda CR-V Vs. Toyota RAV4 Safety: The Winner Comes With a Catch
    confidence 90%
  2. Honda CR-V Sales Surge Past Struggling Toyota RAV4

    Honda sold 110,730 CR-V units in the United States during the third quarter of 2026, marking a record for the period and a 16.6 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Toyota registered 253,664 RAV4 sales from January through September, representing a 29.2 percent decline compared to the same nine months last year. Both manufacturers face hybrid supply constraints this fall, resulting in extended consumer wait times. Honda continues to leverage its current model success to maintain an advantage in the American compact SUV market.

    Why it matters

    The sales figures reflect a shift in market leadership for the compact SUV segment in the United States. Toyota is dealing with production challenges that have impacted its volume over the first three quarters of the year. Reliability comparisons show the Honda CR-V has accumulated 20,393 NHTSA complaints, while the Toyota RAV4 has recorded 11,883 complaints. Looking ahead, Honda plans to introduce a 2028 model to challenge the RAV4 further.

    What is confirmed

    • Honda sold 110,730 CR-Vs in the United States during the third quarter of 2026, a record for the quarter and 16.6 percent higher than the same period a year earlier.
    • Toyota sold 253,664 RAV4s from January through September, down 29.2 percent from the same nine months of last year.
    • The Honda CR-V has accumulated 20,393 NHTSA complaints, while the Toyota RAV4 has 11,883.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The upcoming 2028 Honda CR-V hybrid SUV will challenge the Toyota RAV4.
    • Toyota is fighting back hard to reclaim its SUV sales throne.

    What to watch next

    • Fourth-quarter sales reports for both automakers
    • Updates on hybrid supply shortages and consumer wait times
    • Further details regarding the upcoming 2028 Honda CR-V
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.motortrend.com β€” 2028 Honda CR-V: The Coming New Hybrid SUV That Could Haunt the RAV4’s Dreams
    2. morningoverview.com β€” Honda’s CR-V sold 110,730 in the third quarter as Toyota’s ...
    3. www.aol.com β€” The Toyota RAV4 Is Hitting Back Hard To Reclaim Its Throne ...
    4. autos.yahoo.com β€” 2028 Honda CR-V - Yahoo Autos
    5. vinitel.com β€” Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 Reliability: Which SUV Is Better?
    confidence 100%
  3. Honda CR-V Outpacing Toyota RAV4 in 2026 US Sales

    The Honda CR-V has overtaken the Toyota RAV4 as the top-selling compact SUV in the United States for 2026. This shift in market leadership comes as Toyota deals with production challenges. While the CR-V currently leads in sales volume, both manufacturers are facing hybrid supply shortages this fall, leading to increased wait times for consumers seeking hybrid versions of either vehicle. Honda continues to leverage the success of its current model to maintain a competitive advantage in the American market.

    Why it matters

    The compact SUV segment is a primary battleground for automotive dominance in North America. Toyota previously held the top spot with the RAV4. This transition reflects broader shifts in production stability and consumer demand.

    What is confirmed

    • The Honda CR-V outsold the Toyota RAV4 in 2026.
    • Toyota and Honda are experiencing hybrid supply shortages this fall.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Honda is delaying next-generation CR-V production until April 2027 due to record sales and low dealer inventory.

    What to watch next

    • Production data for the next-generation CR-V
    • Updates on Toyota production challenges
    • Hybrid inventory recovery timelines for fall 2026
    Sources used for this update (13)
    1. en.wikipedia.org β€” Chromium - Wikipedia
    2. www.youtube.com β€” Crazy Raccoon - YouTube
    3. www.youtube.com β€” Philippines Leader Gets China's 'Bullying' Note On Stage. What He...
    4. vietnamamazingtours.com β€” Build Your Own Trip - Vietnam Amazing Tours
    5. asiaeyestravel.com β€” Asia Eyes Travel DMC Vietnam - Vietnam Inbound Tour Operator
    6. www.yourvietnamtravel.com β€” Best Vietnam Tour for Indian Travelers | Your Vietnam Travel
    7. www.redlotustravel.com β€” VIETNAM TOURS
    8. autopostglobal.com β€” Toyota’s RAV4 Was America’s No. 1 SUVβ€”Now This Honda Is ...
    9. www.wesh.com β€” 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V Buyer's Guide - WESH
    10. www.topspeed.com β€” Toyota, Honda Hybrid Shortage: RAV4, CR-V Wait Times 2026
    11. www.wesh.com β€” Comparing the 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V - WESH
    12. www.aversusb.net β€” 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Full Comparison - A Versus B
    confidence 90%
  4. Honda CR-V Production Delayed to April 2027

    Honda is delaying the production of the next-generation CR-V to April 2027 due to the current model's record sales and low dealer inventory. The CR-V is currently the best-selling SUV in America and is projected to outsell the Toyota RAV4 in 2026 by a significant margin. This delay allows Honda to sustain its competitive edge in the compact SUV segment.

    Why it matters

    The delay in production comes as Honda focuses on hybrid technology and next-generation hybrid models to align with current consumer demand. The CR-V's success is crucial for Honda as it competes against Toyota's RAV4 in the compact SUV market. The current model's popularity has led to low dealer inventory, prompting Honda to reassess its production timeline.

    What is confirmed

    • The current Honda CR-V is the best-selling SUV in America.
    • Honda CR-V production is delayed to April 2027.
    • The delay is due to record sales and low dealer inventory of the current model.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The next-generation CR-V will be hybrid-only.

    What to watch next

    • 2026 US small SUV sales figures
    • January 2027: Honda's quarterly sales report
    • April 2027: Next-generation CR-V production start
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. carbuzz.com β€” Next-Gen Honda CR-V Could Be Delayed For The Best Possible Reason
    2. www.differ-x.com β€” 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2026 Honda CR-V: The Data-Driven Compact ...
    3. www.goodcarbadcar.net β€” 2026 U.S Small SUV Sales Figures By Model (With Rankings)
    4. www.topspeed.com β€” Honda Delays Next-Gen CR-V Production To April 2027 - Top Speed
    5. autos.yahoo.com β€” Report: Honda Delays Next-Gen CR-V Production to April 2027
    6. autotech-plus.com β€” Honda May Delay The Next CR-V Because The Current Model Is ...
    confidence 93%
  5. Honda CR-V Maintains Lead Over Toyota RAV4 in US Market

    The Honda CR-V is projected to outsell the Toyota RAV4 in the United States for 2026 by 83,000 units. This growth stems from Honda prioritizing hybrid technology and next-generation hybrid models over electric vehicle projects to align with current consumer demand. By focusing on the compact SUV segment, Honda aims to sustain its competitive edge against Toyota.

    Why it matters

    The competition between the CR-V and RAV4 defines the American compact SUV market. Honda's strategic pivot toward hybrids reflects a broader industry tension between rapid EV adoption and steady hybrid growth.

    What is confirmed

    • The Honda CR-V is on track to outsell the Toyota RAV4 in the US market in 2026 by 83,000 units.
    • Honda is prioritizing hybrid models over electric vehicle projects.

    What to watch next

    • Official 2026 sales figures for the CR-V and RAV4
    • Honda announcements regarding future electric vehicle project timelines
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.craigslist.org β€” craigslist > sites
    2. www.google.com β€” Google Chrome - The Fast & Secure Web Browser Built to be Yours
    3. www.consumerreports.org β€” Product Reviews and Ratings, Buying Advice and Consumer Advocacy...
    4. en.wikipedia.org β€” Cristiano Ronaldo - Wikipedia
    5. www.consumerreports.org β€” My CR - Consumer Reports
    6. www.youtube.com β€” Cristiano Ronaldo CR - YouTube
    confidence 100%
  6. Honda CR-V Leads Toyota RAV4 in US Sales

    The Honda CR-V is on track to outsell the Toyota RAV4 in the US market in 2026, with a lead of 83,000 units. Honda's focus on hybrid technology, including the next-generation CR-V hybrid, has contributed to its strong performance. The CR-V's success has prompted Honda to prioritize hybrid models over electric vehicle projects. This shift aims to meet consumer demand and maintain a competitive advantage in the compact SUV segment.

    Why it matters

    The US compact SUV market is highly competitive, with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 being two of the top contenders. The CR-V's potential to outsell the RAV4 marks a significant shift in market dynamics. Honda's emphasis on hybrid technology is seen as a key factor in its success. The company's decision to cancel three electric vehicle projects in favor of hybrid development reflects its response to consumer preferences.

    What is confirmed

    • The Honda CR-V leads the Toyota RAV4 by 83,000 units in US sales in 2026.
    • The Honda CR-V is set to become the best-selling crossover SUV in the United States, surpassing the Toyota RAV4.
    • The Honda CR-V is sure to save buyers money compared to a Toyota RAV4, whether leasing or buying.

    What to watch next

    • Honda's next-generation CR-V hybrid launch
    • US sales figures for the remainder of 2026
    • Toyota's response to the CR-V's market lead
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.topspeed.com β€” Honda CR-V Set To Beat Toyota RAV4 In Sales For First Time ...
    2. newestcarsusa.com β€” Honda CR-V Set to Overtake Toyota RAV4 in 2026
    3. carbuzz.com β€” Honda Is Making Life Even More Difficult For The Toyota RAV4 ...
    4. jawawa.id β€” Honda poised to overtake Toyota in US SUV segment - jawawa
    confidence 90%
  7. Honda CR-V outperforms Toyota RAV4 in US sales

    The Honda CR-V is currently leading the Toyota RAV4 in US sales with three months left in the year, and Honda is accelerating development of its next-generation CR-V hybrid. The CR-V's strong performance has prompted Honda to focus on hybrid technology, canceling three electric vehicle projects. The move aims to meet consumer demand and maintain a competitive advantage in the compact SUV segment.

    Why it matters

    The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V being two of the best-selling vehicles in the US. The CR-V's success has significant implications for Honda's market share and strategy. The company's focus on hybrid technology reflects shifting consumer preferences and increasing competition in the market.

    What is confirmed

    • The Honda CR-V is outperforming the Toyota RAV4 in US sales with three months left in the year.
    • The Toyota RAV4 has held its value better than the Honda CR-V after five years, according to an iSeeCars study.
    • The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are two of the best-selling vehicles in the US.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The next CR-V Hybrid may start production in February 2027.
    • A 10% MPG gain in the next CR-V Hybrid would only match the RAV4.

    What to watch next

    • February 2027 production start of the next CR-V Hybrid
    • US sales figures for the CR-V and RAV4 at year-end
    • Details on Honda's future electric vehicle plans
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. carbuzz.com β€” Honda Will Crush Toyota To Become America's New SUV Champion
    2. www.torquenews.com β€” CR-V Hybrid Owners Have 3 Questions Before the Next Model ...
    3. newestcarsusa.com β€” Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V: Which Holds Value Better?
    4. carreviewsnow.com β€” All-New 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. The Competition: How It Stacks ...
    5. www.bigcarplayers.com β€” Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4: 2024 comparison – Big Car Players
    confidence 90%
  8. Honda Fast-Tracks Next CR-V Hybrid Following EV Project Cancellations

    Honda is accelerating the development of its next-generation CR-V hybrid and expanding its hybrid vehicle lineup. This strategic shift follows the company's decision to cancel three electric vehicle projects. Industry reports indicate that the CR-V is currently performing strongly in the American market against competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Honda is choosing to focus its resources on hybrid technology to meet consumer demand and maintain its competitive advantage in the compact SUV segment rather than pursuing the canceled electric vehicle initiatives immediately.

    Why it matters

    The compact SUV segment in America remains fiercely competitive, with top models driving massive sales volumes for automakers. Shifting investment from purely electric vehicles back toward hybrids reflects broader industry adjustments to consumer adoption rates and profitability. Honda aims to capitalize on the existing market momentum of the CR-V by bringing the next-generation hybrid version to market sooner than initially planned.

    What is confirmed

    • Honda is fast-tracking its next CR-V hybrid and additional hybrids after canceling three EV projects.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The CR-V is destroying the RAV4 in America, according to automotive publication reports.

    What to watch next

    • Official automaker announcements detailing revised production timelines for the next-generation CR-V hybrid
    • Further disclosures regarding the specific electric vehicle projects canceled by Honda
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. CarBuzz β€” CR-V Is Destroying RAV4 In America, And Honda Is About To Turn Up The Heat
    2. Autoblog β€” Honda Fast-Tracks Next CR-V Hybrid After Canceling 3 EV Projects
    3. Cars.com β€” Is the 2026 Honda CR-V a Good Compact SUV? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
    4. Road & Track β€” Honda Reportedly Fast-Tracks Next-Gen CR-V, More Hybrids After Killing EVs
    5. Motor Illustrated β€” Honda’s Hybrid Push Speeds Up, with the CR-V a Top Priority
    6. thetruthaboutcars.com β€” CR-V Laps The RAV4, And Honda Isn't Coasting
    7. carbuzz.com β€” CR-V Is Destroying RAV4 In America, And Honda Is About To Turn Up The Heat
    confidence 90%
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