2023 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4's roots have always been firmly planted in the city, and that's where it's at its best. Its steering is light, making this SUV easy to navigate in tight city streets. We did find that this light steering doesn't have sufficient heft on the highway and can be somewhat vague, which is why road-test reviews of the Toyota RAV4's competitors generally agree that they are more fun to drive than the Toyota - especially the Mazdas. The RAV4 doesn't feel sporty in fast driving but will maintain its composure, even when pushed hard. If it's on-road dynamics you're after, the Mazda CX-5 is a better bet. The off-road-focused models have TRD-tuned suspension, but it doesn't noticeably affect on-road comfort and performs surprisingly well when going off the beaten path, especially when mated to the hybrid powertrain with 302 hp. Don't overestimate the RAV4's off-road abilities though; the off-road accouterments are mostly window dressing. We found the braking system light to the touch and easy to modulate.

The RAV4 continues to be one of the best-selling cars in America, and with good reason, this crossover SUV does most things well. From the outside, it's a good-looking car, and the infotainment upgrade goes a long way toward making this car's interior feel relatively fresh and current, despite its age. Under the hood, the base engine can feel a bit coarse and breathless, but the hybrid versions pick up the slack nicely. Build quality is good, and as a practical family car, this SUV won't disappoint; there's lots of passenger and cargo space on offer. On the road, this car offers a satisfactory drive, but we should make it clear that this is a city-loving machine and not exactly a grand tourer or off-road machine. There are other, more specialized competitors that do both better. Value for money is good, but cheaper rivals offer just as much in terms of tech and features. When it comes to the RAV4, some of your hard-earned dollars are going to the brand name and resale value instead of added features and core value - and this is all many people are looking for.