deciding between 2007 Rav4 or CR-V for use with Marathon

crunchierthanthou said:

Have you checked the safety ratings on each vehicle? I think that would trump ease of MA install, as Britax convertibles install somewhat easily in most vehicles.

I believe you are correct that you will have to use the seatbelt for the center postion in both SUVs, but I don't know of any true incompatabilities with the CR-V or Rav4. I don't know that I would base my vehicle decision on the LATCH limit alone, but one thing to note is that the Honda LATCH limit is 40 lbs and Toyota defers to the restraint limit (generally 48 lbs). That's not an issue in the immediate time-frame, but take that into consideration for future use if you prefer to use lower anchors for outboard installations.

The center is safest if you can get a good fit there. I'd choose a great outboard installation over a so-so center one. Have you taken your seat to the car dealerships to play with installs?

edit: safety ratings: NHTSA or IIHS. It looks like they're pretty well equal.

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Unregistered said:

Hi! I'm in the process of getting a new car, and am having trouble deciding between the 2007 Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CR-V. I have an 8 month old son who will be rear facing (obviously!) in his Britax Marathon. I'd prefer to use the middle position- I assume this is safest, even if I have to use the seatbelt and not LATCH, correct? Does anyone know for sure whether a Marathon can be used in the middle seat in either car? Any other input about installation being better in one or the other? I'm hoping the carseat info will help make my car decision easier!

Thanks!!!

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wendytthomas said:

The CRV actually has five LATCH anchors across the back, so it DOES allow center installs with LATCH. I had a lady come through a couple of weeks ago with one and I told her that it didn't and that Honda went to 40 pounds, then looked down and saw the button and double checked her manual. Sure enough. You can't do three across, but you can do a middle install.

But yes, you'll have to switch at 40 pounds to the belt. The Marathon is easy to install with the belt.

Wendy

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brightredmtn said:

I could have written this response except that I have a RF 15 month old. I have all but decided on a RAV-4. Here's what I like better about the RAV-4:

standard rear privacy glass
standard center console
standard digital outside temperature gage

The CRV only has those things in their more expensive models. The RAV-4 is bigger and has better gas mileage and has an optional 3rd row. The CRV did get a 5 star rear impact crash rating while the RAV-4 got a 4. They both got 5s on front and side. I do like the center LATCH option on the CRV but it uses one of the outboard LATCH positions so it's off center and would kind of take up two seating positions in the back seat. Doesn't seem very practical. I had a 07 RAV-4 rental and I couldn't get a good install with center seat belt but now I know I needed to twist the belt stalk.

I much prefer the hatch back of the CRV but you seem to get so much more for your money with the RAV-4 I think that's what we'll get. Maybe if I can find a used 07 Santa Fe I might consider that but I wouldn't buy a new Hyundai.

Keep me posted on what you choose cause my mind still isn't made up.

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prosan98 said:

(I was the unregistered poster, now I'm registered). I will keep you posted. I think I'm leaning toward the RAV... for me, some of the options I like better are auto dual interior climate control and power seats. These aren't available on the Honda at all, except on the 2008 EX-L.

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