2011 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 2011 model: The third generation grew substantially, adding an available small third-row seat and an optional 3.5-liter V6 that made it one of the quickest vehicles in the class. Four-cylinder models used a 2.4-liter engine, replaced by a 2.5-liter for 2009. This generation kept a side-hinged rear cargo door with an externally mounted spare tire, a feature dropped in later redesigns.