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 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros Generous list of standard features Comfortable and spacious rear seats Lower base price than many competitors
Cons Difficult-to-use infotainment system Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways. Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out. It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros Eye-catching design Refined interior Solid power Available hybrid Standard safety tech
Cons Polarizing looks Expensive with options F-Sport rides very firmly No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
