The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranks 9 out of 18 Compact SUVs. Starting at $29,030, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the priciest SUVs in the class, but its abundance of standard features and excellent fuel economy help justify its cost. It comes standard with all-wheel drive plus a host of safety features that cost extra in most rivals, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. Competing SUVs equipped with similar features plus all-wheel drive quickly meet – or exceed – the cost of the RAV4 Hybrid.
Pros Good cargo space More standard features than rivals Exceptional fuel economy
Cons Lackluster cabin styling and materials
New for 2017 is a standard suite of safety systems that Toyota calls Safety Sense. Included are a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high-beam control and adaptive cruise control.
Pros Fuel economy far surpasses that of traditional compact crossovers Small price premium over non-hybrid RAV4 Ample room in both rows and generous cargo capacity Delivers a composed, comfortable ride
Cons Synthetic brake feel isn't very reassuring Some interior controls feel a little flimsy You can't get real leather upholstery
As with many other Toyota models, the 2017 RAV4 now has a long list of active-safety equipment as standard on every model. What the company calls Toyota Safety Sense-P consists of forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Pros Practicality reigns supreme in the RAV4, as this crossover has a spacious and versatile interior that’s well packaged for carrying people and stuff. The rear seat boasts plentiful legroom and headroom, and it also reclines. The RAV4’s cargo area also has a low lift-over height, making it easy to hoist heavy or bulky items into the capacious 38-cubic-foot hold that grows to 73 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat into the floor. Those interested in the more efficient RAV4 hybrid won’t have to give up much room, since its battery pack takes up only two cubic feet of cargo space.
Cons With lifeless, vague steering and a soft suspension, the RAV4 isn’t much fun to drive, even for a small crossover. Neither the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder nor the hybrid powertrain provides responsive acceleration, with the hybrid crawling from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and the RAV4 SE AWD taking 8.4 seconds. While the hybrid at least makes up for its relative sluggishness with an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, the standard four-cylinder’s highest combined rating of 26 mpg falls short of quicker, better-to-drive competitors such as the 2016 Mazda CX-5 and its 29-mpg number.
The Stelvio is now available with rear-wheel drive, but it's only standard on the bottom two models. Every version now can be had with heated rear seats, a premium alarm system, and Imola Titanium metallic paint. Its two new option packages are the Nero Edizione bundle, which includes numerous black exterior accents such as 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-season rubber and backed by red, black, or yellow brake calipers. The Ti Sport Carbon package also adds a set of 20-inch rims along with copious carbon-fiber and dark-colored bits inside and out.
Pros Stunning Italian design, incredible ride and handling, enthralling powertrain.
Cons Nonluxury interior, questionable reliability, only one engine-transmission combination.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, however, prioritizes the driving experience over such plebeian concerns. It strives to be the driver's pick among premium compact crossover SUVs — vehicles that generally aren't known for their dynamic attributes.Rear-wheel-drive base model added.Android Auto/Apple CarPlay is standard on all Stelvios.
Pros Sharp steering and precise handling Powerful and exciting engines Distinctive styling helps it stand out from the crowd
Cons Overly sensitive brake pedal Snug back seat and cargo volume Lower towing capacity than competitors
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio ranked #12 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Alfa Romeo Stelvio has a score of 8.0 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 16 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Engaging handling Powerful engine choices Plenty of standard features
Cons Unimpressive cabin quality Some confusing infotainment features Below-average cargo space High base price
