The 2011 Toyota RAV4 is one of the few vehicles its size that manages a third row of seating.
The other one is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Most of the compact crossover vehicles offer a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines, as well as front- or all-wheel drive.
The Honda and Subaru are the only exceptions.
But take a look at styling and interiors and they differ significantly.
The Ford Escape prioritizes boxy styling and a basic, square interior layout that's looking dated but still shows strengths versus sleeker, more rounded rivals.
The Subaru Forester became quite a bit larger with its last redesign; it still emphasizes all-weather handling over third-row utility or overt luxury.
The Honda CR-V is an excellent, very space-efficient design with plenty of room for five, and it's TheCarConnection.com's longtime pick in this class, though it's not much fun to drive, nor does it have any significant off-road ability.
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 2011 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |  2011 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Mitsubishi OutlanderBrowse Used Listings |  2011 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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Don't let appearances mislead; the 2011 Toyota RAV4 is a modern, practical crossover choice and great for frugal families. |
The boxy, old-school appearance might turn you off, but the 2011 Ford Escape still delivers solid crossover and SUV bona fides. |
The 2011 Honda CR-V is homely, as well as unexciting to drive; yet it's a great minivan alternative on many counts—appealing to practical shoppers with a roomy, versatile interior and top safety ratings. |
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The roomy, versatile 2011 Subaru Forester handles better than just about any other small crossover, though the need for a more modern transmission and a little more cabin refinement keep it from greatness. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $22,475 | $21,240 | $21,895 | $21,995 | $20,495 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility |
| Style Name | ||||
| FWD 4-Door 4-cyl 4-Speed AT (GS) | FWD 4-Door XLS | 2WD 5-Door LX | 2WD 4-Door ES | 4-Door Manual 2.5X w/Alloy Wheel Value Pkg |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door | 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Manual | Automatic | Continuously variable ratio | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2011 Ford Escape | 2011 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2011 Honda CR-V | 2011 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2011 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2011 Subaru Forester | |
