And for a kid my theory is always go toward good handling but small engines - they can't get into trouble, but learn to love dynamic driving - and kids don't have the money for big gas engines that older people have.

I tested both and liked the CRV better because the interior materials and finish is better and although they're similar in everything, the Rav4 tail gate with the spare out and swinging the opposite side was the turn off.. We bought the CRV and are extremelly satisfied.
The CRV has airbags all around, stability control and ABS all standard!. So I bought the basic one cause it has everything that was important to me.

Rav 4 did win in the last Car and Driver "Best Truck" over the CRV(4 categories of SUV and a truck)

I doubt anyone "needs" an SUV, anywhere. If they think they do, they really should have a truck, and a station wagon with 4 WD