There are plenty of compact crossover SUVs out there to pick from, but Toyota's RAV4 is a strong seller and for good reason. While the 2018 RAV4 doesn't shine brightly in any particular area, its well-rounded ability appeals especially to those looking for a family vehicle. The regular RAV4 offers comfort and space to rival the top contenders. It drives well enough to engage without wowing behind the wheel, and the standard 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic work well together. It also provides respectable EPA-estimated fuel economy. But if you want headline-grabbing fuel economy, seek out the RAV4 Hybrid. It combines the same 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a pair of motors driving each axle—making it the only RAV4 that comes with all-wheel drive as standard—to produce significant fuel savings and improve performance, too.
A new Adventure trim that offers slightly more ground clearance and a sharper style joins the 2018 lineup, which stands at LE, XLE, Adventure, SE, Limited, and Platinum. The Hybrid does without the Adventure and the Platinum trim. The XLE is our preferred starting point, not because the LE is too lightly equipped but because the XLE adds alloy wheels, foglights, and a more attractive exterior trim. All RAV4s come with Toyota Safety Sense™, a suite of active driver aids that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 is a strong all-arounder that should be on your shopping list, and likely near the top.
