From the moment I first saw the unveil of the new Rav4, I didn't like the polarizing style. It's not as bad as I first thought, but I definitely don't like it. Styling is subjective though, but I'd rather take something boring than something I hate. Chalk one up to the CRV.
I think the problem is that these 'utes are sticking to an old category they created almost 15 years ago. Whereas others are using high tech solutions, the drivetrains in these two are just remaining a boring, 'adequate' constant. It's not to say they're terrible...just to say that they can do better. We know they both can. And as an aside, the Rav4's V6 was amazing, though it did throw off the weight balance big time.
The drivetrains in the '13 Rav4 and CRV are unremarkable in every way. Same as the Forester's 2.5i, the Equinox's 4-banger, etc. In comes the Koreans with a 2.4L and a weight loss regimen that actually makes sense. But to the Japanese - where's the direct injection? Where's the downsized/turbo combo? Where are the performance hybrids (hint to possibly upcoming Rav4)? These two sell only because of their versatility that suburbanites love, but they don't warrant the $30k price tag they come with in current form...that's why I'm happy about the Rav4's pricing (lowered, and better packaging). Still, I think Honda gets the win because it includes the backup camera and heated seats as standard equipment.
Once you up into the Forester XT, Escape 2.0T, Santa Fe 2.0T, or even the '12 Rav4 V6, the CRV and '13 Rav4 just don't match up. They'll continue to sell because of brand recognition, but that will fail if they don't keep up (hint hint - Blackberry...). Can't wait for the CX-5 Diesel.
The days of resting on "Japanese quality" laurels are coming to an end, thankfully...if only that end could come sooner. Viva la diesels (、マツダに感謝), viva la Koreans for changing the game (감사합니다), and viva la standard backup cameras for preventing the 300 deaths a year (don't any of you dare tell me that preventing ANY of those 300 deaths isn't worth making backup cameras mandatory)!