Toyota RAV4
When Toyota RAV4 first appeared in 1996, it was a first SUV based on car platform. Timing was perfect - SUVs were becoming more and more popular, yet still most were old-school trucks with lack of refinement and flair.
Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive, a.k.a. RAV4 was the first crossover, first vehicle to combine SUVs looks with car’s comfort.
Even at that time, most SUV owners haven’t gone for serious off-road driving. RAV4’s larger ground clearance was just the right measure for easier winter roads handling and dust roads.
Since then, RAV has gone a long way - its engine is improved to 2.4l, 166hp one, interior has become more stylish with lots of bells and whistles. Even the standard equipment leaves very little to be desired.
Major improvement for 2007 were front-seat mounted airbags and curtain airbags (formerly optional), which became standard. Tad longer than it was, it provides even smoother ride than before … and bit bigger storage area.
Exterior is also more stylish. However, a major problem of all RAVs is the tailgate. It opens to side (opposed to standard, upward opening one), which makes access to the storage area extremely difficult in cities, when parked in front of the other car.
Limited edition has 269hp at 6200rpm - anything but weak. It speeds up to 60mph in 6.9s.