2011 Toyota RAV4 SUV Review & Ratings

The RAV4 earns the distinction of being the first compact crossover SUV, released by Toyota first seeing the light of day in Japan in 1994 and arriving in North America for the first time in 1996. Toyota's concept for this ground breaking recreational activity vehicle (RAV) gradually evolved into the sports utility vehicle (SUV) which has become popular world- wide. The RAV four wheel drive continues to play its role as a classic dual purpose vehicle almost twenty years later, providing a comfortable ride, ample cargo space tremendous maneuverability and fuel economy that many smaller car would happily aspire to, it is little wonder that the Toyota RAV4 continues to take its share of the market in the mid size SUV crossover niche despite some fairly strong competition, particularly from Honda and Ford.

In North America , the RAV4 falls comfortably into a niche between the FJ Cruiser and the Land Cruiser with the latest version being a third generation model launched in 2006, with only some exterior and interior trim adjustments to speak of since then.

The Toyota RAV4 SUV crossover comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine delivering 179 horse power and 172 pound-feet of torque paired with a four-speed automatic transmission as a standard package as well as a choice of either front wheel or four wheel drive.

For those who are looking for considerably more under the hood, Toyota provides the option of a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 269 horse power and 246 pounds per foot of torque paired with a five-speed automatic transmission for all three RAV4 trim levels, as well as Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) as standard.

The most recent exterior changes was for the 2009 model year when the Toyota RAV4 SUV crossover was given a minor exterior face lift with the front end completely redesigned and the rear end also getting a new look. The top of the range Limited edition was set apart from the simpler versions with a revamped front grille and bumper cover, while the Sport model is now fitted out with a larger spoiler and distinctive bright red badges.

Despite of or because of its longevity in its niche, the RAV4 remains a leader in the world of compact SUVs, combining saloon car quality comfort with loads of seating, leg and head space aplenty for two back seat passengers with comfort and three at a pinch. Add to that, cargo carrying capacity, which adds up to an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded with access made easier by having a lower than average load floor.