I'm planning to buy a new car. Which is better?

If you're looking at 2005 models, get the CRV. It is roomier and has a five speed automatic which improves performance and economy. It also has standard side curtain airbags and stability + traction control.

In 2006, the RAV4 gets a significant upgrade. The car is all new and signficantly nicer without a big increase in price. The V6 model gets a monster 268 hp engine which makes the car as fast as many sports cars, while getting 28 mpg on the highway. The 4 cylinder model remains a good value. There is also a new option for a fold down third row seat, which is useful for children or short trips, and it closes the gap for safety features. The RAV4 should range from 20-26K. The 4 cylinder model should be hitting dealers now, whereas the V6 should be out in February.

Of course, this is only my opinion, you should test drive as much as you can before making a decision.