Toyota RAV4 EV: An Important Precedent For Electric Crossovers
2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV
Official: Tesla And Toyota To Jointly Develop All-Electric RAV4
2010 Geneva Motor Show Preview: Toyota RAV4 Facelift
Most of the compact crossover vehicles now offer a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines, as well as front- or all-wheel drive.
The Honda and Subaru are the only exceptions.
But take a look at styling and interiors and they differ significantly.
The Ford Escape prioritizes boxy styling and a basic, square interior layout that still shows strengths versus sleeker, more rounded rivals.
It performs well, too.
The Subaru Forester became quite a bit larger with its last redesign; it still emphasizes all-weather handling over third-row utility or overt luxury.
The Honda CR-V is an excellent, very space-efficient design with plenty of room for five, and it's TheCarConnection.com's longtime pick in this class, though it's not much fun to drive, nor does it have any significant off-road ability.
Another model worth considering is the 2010 Kia Sorento—fresh off a complete redesign and to be assembled in Georgia.
The new Sorento measures up closely with the RAV4—between compact and mid-size—and promises especially nice interior appointments and a very generous feature list.