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.
Perhaps one of the most obscure debuts of the Paris Motor Show is the 2017 Ssangyong Rexton, a midsize SUV from a small Korean manufacturer. The vehicle it replaces was a previous generation of the Mercedes-Benz ML, with which Ssangyong had a licensing relationship to build that and an E-Class sedan primarily for consumption on the Korean domestic market.if Ssangyong is looking to grow, the U.S. market is a likely candidate and what better way to enter than through the hot SUV segment. Offered in 2- and 3-row trim levels, the Rexton will offer seating for up to 7 passengers. While many of the vehicles in its class are relying on unit body construction, the Rexton remains on a more truck-based body-on-frame approach. While it’s expected to be offered mainly with a 2.2-liter diesel engine making 179 horsepower and mated to a 7-speed transmission, it’s also expected to have a newer 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged gas engine. A new gasoline engine mated to an 8-speed automatic is expected after the vehicle is launched.
The Rexton is a well-priced SUV that has a lot of boot space for the money and can carry seven people. Reviews are fairly poor though since it’s not good to drive, noisy and has a dull image. It is one of the cheapest ways to move large loads and more people than usual however, so if you’re in that market then it’s worth a look.
Pros Good off-road Practical Long warranty
Cons Poor ride Noisy Outdated
The Rexton’s four-wheel drive system spends most of its life driving the rear wheels only, diverting power to the front when conditions get more slippery. In most of the cars sold in the UK it will be controlled through a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic transmission - but a six-speed manual is likely to be offered on entry-level editions. The dashboard has a clean look - again, with some cues from the Tivoli - but cross-stitched material panels and Nappa leather add a touch of luxury. The equipment on offer will include dual-zone climate control, a powered rear tailgate that opens automatically when the keyholder has been standing behind it for three seconds, and a new level of safety kit for SsangYong, including nine airbags and rear cross-traffic alert.
