Which Honda or Toyota SUV should my wife buy?

I think we are pretty set that it will be a Honda, and maybe a Toyota if the deal is really good.

She has about $21,000 saved up and wants to get an SUV. I’m not sure if it’s better to go with a 2017 CRV or RAV4, which are listed around $19k with 50k, or get a 2021 HRV EX that is listed at $20k and has 50k miles.

We are trying to keep it under $21000 to avoid having a car payment, is there any downside to paying in cash? Is there anything I should avoid, like telling them I am paying cash?

I am in between Dayton, Ohio and Fairfield, Ohio if that helps anyone with recommendations as far as legit dealerships or deals.