My girlfriend is looking for a new car. She really wants one of the two. She doesn't care for all the high tech gadgets and wants to stay below 25k. So which would you pick for longevity, standard technology, resale value, performance (in snow as well), etc

 

Neither, Ford Escape is better.

 

I'd take an Escape or either of those two any day!

 

I have a toyota and they do make really nice cars, but you really cannot compare a Rav4 or CRV with an Escape. IMO Honda and Toyota should stick to making small cars and Minivans. Buy the Escape.

 

I mentioned the Escape to her. Its worth a test drive to see how she like it when the time comes. She loves the sync in my GT so I think she would enjoy it in an escape.

Shes always loved the Rav4 though. Apparently a couple of her cousins have them and she can't get it out of her head. In the end I think they're all really reliable and good looking inside and out. (the escape has a better interior IMO)

 

Another vote for Escape.

Or Mercury Mariner; since Mercury just went out of business they should be pretty cheap.

 

I should have known better than to ask this question on a Ford forum

 

True, but my mom has owned a CRV and a Rav4 and the Escapes are much better. Now my mom drives a '11 Explorer btw.

 

We compaired the two you mention and bought the CRV for my wife. We didn't like how the back (5th) door opens. Many more advantages with ones that opens upward, compaired to one that swings out, in our opinion.
And yes I tried to get my wife to buy a Ford. But, this is the one, and first time, I let here have full range over choice of HER car.

 

Any other advantages you saw the CRV had over the Rav4?

 

Road noise!!!! Check out both on highway, no radio, and hopefully a little cross wind. The CRV is know to be niosey, and I can a test to that 1st hand. I don't remember the RAV, it's been a few years ago. But, it didn't really matter as I said before, 100% wife's choice. I personally wouldn't have picked either.

* Side note: Last week I helped my neighbor get a 2011 Nisson Rugue crossover. About same price range and a way nicer veicle all around. She got a totally load, all-wheel, leather heated seats, moonroof, NAV, everything $29K out the door.
It's quiet, smooth and nicer than both you have mentioned.