With their up-for-anything personality, easy-to-park size and sensible appetite for fuel, compact crossovers are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. Versatility is their greatest asset, as you can easily fill them with car seats, groceries, sports equipment or the latest spoils from an antiquing trip and be on your merry way. Among these practical SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 has long been a favorite of savvy shoppers of all ages and tastes. .... All things considered, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is not overwhelmingly strong in any one area, but it shines as a solid, well-rounded entry in a very competitive segment. As such, the RAV4 should easily meet the needs of most shoppers.
pros Roomy interior for people and cargo Strikes a good balance between ride comfort and sure-footed handling.
cons No engine upgrade option Usefulness of available Entune smartphone features is diminished by cumbersome setup process
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a practical crossover with confident handling. Just know that driving enjoyment is not its strong point ... The RAV4 has smoothed away all the former SUV cues; now it's pleasant enough if a little inexpensive inside. ... Mediocre four-cylinder power undercuts the RAV4's solid steering and ride ... Interior space is fine, but the RAV4's rear seat is flat, and there's an ample supply of rubbery trim in base versions ... The RAV4's crash scores are now merely par, in a class with some high standards. ... The RAV4 makes the most sense in value-laden XLE and LE trim levels ...
Pros Clean styling Responsive six-speed automatic Standard rear view camera and Bluetooth AWD that works well on the road
cons No higher-output engine option No third-row seat Back seat feels flat Mismatched trims in Limited
The 2017 RAV4 faces stiff competition in the compact SUV class. It trails several rivals in terms of style and performance, but it has impressive safety features in all trims and one of the most spacious cabins in its class It boasts a generous list of standard features, including more safety features than most in the class The RAV4 is a reliable family hauler that comes with a generous list of features, with a particular focus on safety to keep your mind at ease when carting your family around you may find rival SUVs at lower prices with nicer interiors, but they may not have the long list of standard features or near top-of-the-class cargo space that the RAV4 does.
Pros
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 ups the ante in the fiercely competitive compact SUV class by including advanced safety features for every trim level. Once you factor in the RAV4 reputation for reliability this car link crossover is definitely worth your consideration...Edmund
"Despite the sea of competitors swimming in the compact-SUV pool, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 remains the gold medal champ. The RAV4 succeeds on so many levels because it doesn't try to be too many things. so even well-equipped models remain within reach of the average buyer." -- Kelley Blue Book
Cons There's certainly nothing wrong with the RAV4 as a responsible family vehicle, but there's nothing so right about it that it's an object of desire." -- Consumer Guide (2015)
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 puts handling atop the SUV priority list, but that's not as wrong as it sounds.The Infiniti QX50 has been around, in one form or the other, for a decade. It's still here thanks to strong fundamentals: there are bits and pieces of Q50s and 370Zs under its skin, and that gives it an engaging feel that's still head and shoulders above some its its key rivals. It returns for its 10th model year in just two forms, as the rear-drive QX50 or as the all-wheel-drive QX50 AWD.
Pros Sport-sedan handling Shape's still sleek A richly appointed cabin Supportive front seats Finally, a more usable back seat
Cons Cargo space behind the second row is small Engine noise No paddle shift controls Even with surround-view cameras, visibility isn't great
The 2017 Infiniti QX50 ranks 10 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Infiniti QX50 has a powerful V6 engine, handles more like an agile car than an SUV, and has one of the lowest base prices in the class. Many class rivals have better mpg ratings and more cargo space, however, and the QX50's design is getting a little stale, both inside and out.
Pros Powerful engine Low starting price Agile handling
Cons Poor fuel economy Subpar cargo space Aging design
With the 2017 Infiniti QX50, you get a driving experience that's more sport sedan than sport-utility. But the QX50 falls behind in other areas that are likely more important for a luxury crossover SUV. The QX50's optional 19-inch wheels are now available separately for 2017.
Pros Powerful standard V6 engine Responsive handling more akin to a sport sedan than a sport-utility.
Cons Limited cargo space That standard V6 engine is pretty thirsty All-or-nothing option packages mean you'll probably pay for things you don't want Dated interior controls.
