Honda CR-V Sets October Record as RAV4 Slips

Toyota's RAV4 sales declined year to date while Honda's CR-V posted a new October high in the United States.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Types

Honda's CR-V posted a record October in U.S. sales with 34,815 units, while Toyota's RAV4 fell 26.2% year to date as hybrid demand reshapes the compact SUV market. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Honda reported 34,815 CR-V sales in October 2026, a new October record and a 9.8% increase from October 2025. Toyota reported 39,888 RAV4 sales in October, up 0.6% year over year, but year-to-date RAV4 sales are down 26.2%.

Why it matters

The shift reflects a sharp change in the U.S. compact SUV market, where buyers are increasingly choosing hybrid models. Toyota's RAV4 slump is tied to its newest-generation model reaching full production slowly.

Every RAV4 sold in October 2026 was a hybrid or PHEV, and roughly 53% of CR-V buyers chose a hybrid. The RAV4 led the Camry by around 5,000 units in October.

The players

Toyota

Toyota is a Japanese automaker whose RAV4 has long been one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States.

Honda

Honda is a Japanese automaker whose CR-V competes directly with the RAV4 in the compact SUV segment.

The details

Toyota moved to a hybrid-only or PHEV lineup with the latest-generation RAV4, but was slow to bring the newest generation into full production, which contributed to a 35% drop in sales in the first half of 2026. Honda's CR-V continued to gain ground, with sales projected to approach 450,000 units in 2026.

2025: Toyota RAV4 sold nearly 480,000 units.
First half of 2026: RAV4 sales were down 35%.
October 2026: Toyota and Honda reported monthly SUV sales figures.

Roadmap

The compact SUV segment is being reshaped by the move toward hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and sales leadership now depends on how quickly manufacturers deliver those lineups. Toyota and Honda are competing directly on that transition.

Buyers comparing compact SUVs now face a clear choice: a RAV4 with hybrid availability or a CR-V where more than half of buyers choose a hybrid. Shoppers should check current hybrid inventory at dealerships before committing.

The takeaway

Hybrid availability is becoming the deciding factor in the compact SUV market. Buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency should compare hybrid trims across both brands before purchasing.