2014 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that helped define the segment when it arrived in the US for 1996, pairing car-like unibody construction and handling with available all-wheel drive and a practical hatchback body. Over three decades it has grown from a small two- and four-door runabout into a five-seat family crossover, and in recent years it has ranked among the best-selling SUVs in the United States.

Shoppers are drawn to the RAV4 for its reputation for reliability, strong resale value, and broad lineup that spans budget-friendly base trims, off-road-flavored variants, and efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester, and appeals to commuters, small families, and buyers who want a practical daily driver with light-adventure capability.

The 2014 model: The 2013 redesign simplified the lineup: the V6 and third-row seat were dropped, leaving a single 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic, and the side-hinged cargo door was replaced by a conventional liftgate. The RAV4 Hybrid joined the lineup for 2016, the model's first electrified powertrain. A 2016 refresh also brought updated styling, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features became standard for 2017.