The Toyota RAV4 turns 30 this year, and it is still obvious why the compact crossover regularly ranks as the best-selling non-pickup in the U.S. There’s nothing flashy here; the RAV4’s focus is on getting every job done without a fuss. It is practical, fuel-efficient, and rugged-looking. Available all-wheel-drive systems add a little bite to the stylistic bark of an SUV that’s actually best when tackling familiar suburban tasks. It offers plenty of features and its wide price range suits shoppers of many budgets (Starting at $30.025). A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic delivers restrained acceleration in the name of good fuel economy. Beyond the attractive base price, cargo-friendly interior, and sensible road manners, Toyota also includes a host of driver-assistance tech and desirable infotainment features as standard, two more ways the RAV4 continues to be a challenge for rivals to overcome. A hybrid and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain are also available, but we review those models separately.
