I am looking at these two cars (2007/08); which has the more reliable engine - they are both similar in cost.

The RAV-4 since the CR-V does not offer a V-6 engine.

That is a fairly easy question to answer. The Toyota RAV4 has the better V-6 engine since Honda does not offer a V-6 in the CR-V, just an I-4.

If you're looking at compact, 6-Cylinder SUVs, also consider these:

Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Nitro
Ford Escape
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Tuscon
Jeep Liberty
Kia Sportage
Land Rover LR2
Mazda CX-7
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Pontiac Torrent
Saturn Vue
Subaru Forester
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Volkswagen Tiguan

All of the above SUVs r compact SUVs that offer V-6 engines. In fact, the only compact SUVs nowadays that do not r the Honda CR-V, Honda Element, & Jeep Patriot, which r 4-Cylinder only.

As for reliability, the top marks for the type of vehicle you're looking for go to the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Torrent, Subaru Forester, & Toyota RAV4, which all scored well above the class average. Outright win, though, goes to the Subaru, which beat the Mitsubishi & the Toyota for the top spot. As far as l know, there is not any data out yet on the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Mazda CX-7, & Volkswagen Tiguan yet, so they could also be reliable.

l hope this has answered ur question. If u have any more, please feel free to ask.

the CRV doesnt have an optional V6.

l personally would recommend the Rav4 if you need more seats because the model that year could seat up to 7 people.