Road Test: RAV4
The RAV4 was never designed to be an off-road warrior. Tuned more for city and highway excursions, its fuel-friendly 4-cylinder is more than adequate for most peoples needs - except towing. That said, some competitive manufacturers offer their small SUVs with V6 power, a popular option for those who value torque over fuel efficiency. Although the high-revving engine is smoother than some of its competitor's 4-cylinder units, it makes for a noisier cabin than a V6 would, sounding more like a sports car than a sport utility.
The sporty engine isn't the only thing that makes it feel more like a sports car than the little truck it appears to be, as the RAV rides comfortably and handles commendably for this class. In slippery conditions and on gravel roads, the full-time 4-wheel drive kept us on track even a thigh speeds, while the responsive suspension soaked up the bumps and ruts that inevitably crossed our path. Although the RAV4 is capable of light off-road expeditions, don't push it unless you know what you're doing. While driving on some logging roads around the Whistler area, its limited ground clearance and lack of low range caused us to scrape the front and rear overhangs while traversing water run-off ditches. Of course, most owners will rarely take their RAV4s into anything more treacherous than rush-hour traffic - which is probably more damaging in the long run.
All said, Toyota has one of the most extensive lines of light trucks and sport utility vehicles available. Add to this, best-in-class build quality, a superb record of reliability and pricing that stays competitive in a heated market, and it's no wonder Toyota owners keep coming back over and over again. The addition of the Sequoia and redesigned RAV4 to the fleet should add an entirely new flock to the faithful - a scenario Toyota is counting on.