The Toyota RAV4 is the grandfather of compact sport utility vehicles. It was introduced in Europe in 1994 and North American sales began two years later. The success of the “Recreational Active Vehicle” prompted the debut of some competitors the 2009 RAV4 now trails in the crowded SUV segment.

The RAV4 had its best year in 2007 when more than 172,000 units were sold. But the Honda CR-V is now the segment leader with the Ford Escape and RAV4 close runner-up competitors.

With the 2009 edition, the RAV4 has a slightly larger engine and boasts more fuel efficiency. It also features interior and exterior upgrades, not the least of which are an optional navigation system and a redesigned rear door and front grille.

The Weekly Driver’s Ratings

Acceleration (7)
It's not going to win a drag race, unless it's against another SUV. In that case, the weekly driver test was the impressive V6 4WD edition (269 horsepower) which has a 0-60 mph rating of 7.2 seconds. That's quick.

Braking/Steering/Handling (6)
All-wheel-drive is a great way to go in SUVs, and it's the same with the RAV4. It helps keep the vehicle in confident command.

Cargo Room (8)
Flip a lever and the RAV4's spacious (73 cubic feet) cargo area is presented without any additional adjustments. It's a shining point for the vehicle, and if you're seeking prime real estate in an SUV, look no further. With the exception of Honda Element, the RAV4 has no space equal.

Controls (6)
Large and simple to operate and no surprise “bells and whistles.” In an age of way too many car gadgets, the straight-forward approach is practical and preferred.

Details (6)
It's not a luxury car, but the RAV4 upgrades improve the previous budget feel of the interior. There's a lot of storage space and the above-mentioned simple controls add to the overall good picture. You get what you see, so to speak.

Front Seats (6)
Spacious on all accounts, head room to legroom, comfortable and easy entry and exit. Wide rear roof pillars limit visibility, but the front driver and passenger seats have the overall feel of a welcoming and warm family room.

Fuel Economy (6)
It's odd, but in a good way. Estimates for the four-cylinder, front-wheel driver RAV4 are 22 mpg (city), 28 mpg (highway) and 24 mpg combined; the four-wheel drive numbers are 21/27/24 and the V6 averages are 19/27 and 22. That's remarkably consistent.

Quietness (5)
There no such thing as a quiet SUV and the RAV4 falls in the middle of the pack on the noise meter. The tested V6, according to national car publications, is substantially quieter than the four-cylinder offering during acceleration and highway cruising.

Rear Seats (6)
The rear seats recline and can slide forward or backward and efficiently allow passenger space or cargo capacity. With the optional third row, seating capacity is
seven, with back row suitable only for children and children-sized adults.

Ride Quality (6)
A smooth overall ride, with the exception of road and wind noise the RAV4 is on par with much of the SUV segment, but not as quiet as the Honda CR-V.
 
Total (62 out of 100)

Class — Compact sport utility vehicle.

Primary competition — Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester.

Standard equipment —  Exterior: Four-wheel ABS, Brake assist system, Center differential lock, Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs, Electronic brake distribution, Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management, Immobilizer, Fullsize steel rim rear spare carrier spare wheel, Stability control, Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, wishbone rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights, Luxury trim alloy look on doors and alloy look on dashboard, Metallic paint, Fixed rear window with defogger, Roof spoiler, Tinted glass on cabin, rear and side, Underbody protection for transfer case and for engine, Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipers.

Interior: 12v power outlet: cargo and 1, 12v power outlet, Air conditioning, Roof antenna, Audio system with AM/FM and CD player CD player reads MP3 (six speakers), Automatic drive indicator on dashboard, Cargo area light, Clock, Computer with average fuel consumption and instantaneous fuel consumption, Delayed/fade courtesy lights, Cruise control, Front seats, rear seats and 3rd row seats cup holders fixed, Door ajar warning, External temperature, Low tire pressure indicator, Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch, Power steering, Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows, Front reading lights, 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side, Remote fuel filler door release, Plastic multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment, Tachometer, Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror.

Safety: Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment, Front and rear side curtain airbag, Bucket driver seat with height adjustment, bucket passenger seat, Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners, Front seat center armrest, Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats, Headlight control with time delay switch-off, Illuminated entry system.

For more standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.toyota.com/rav4

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price — $26,530.00

Price As Driven — $31,319.00

Mileage Estimates — 19 mpg (city), 26 mpg (hwy)

Warranty —  Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/60,000 miles.

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words — As the “elderstatesmodel” of the SUV segment, the RAV4 has maintained its strong position. It has great cargo space and acceleration — leaders in the class — and it has superior ratings by the National Highway Safety Administration. Yet, as it gets deep into its second decade, RAV4 competitors, most notably the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, now lead the way.