
With its redesign last year, the Toyota RAV4 became better focused against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester.
By losing the available third-row seat, a V-6 option, and the spare tire hanging off the side-opening hatch, the RAV4 arrived into the mainstream, after years of surprisingly strong sales offering what was essentially a niche layout.
As a four-cylinder five-seater, it's a direct competitor for the likes of the Ford Escape--and it even favors it a little with its athletic stance.
The Escape offers more choice in powertrains, and good EPA-rated fuel economy, and its handling is very sporty, though interior room is on the tight side.
The latest CR-V also pegs the gas-mileage meter and has excellent space and flexibility, with somewhat less engaging styling and civilian handling.
The Subaru Forester was redesigned this past year and has better mileage, a focused XT model with steering-wheel paddle shifters, and a new off-road mode.
There's also a new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that falls into a slightly larger size class; its turbo four option feels energetic, but drops highway fuel economy into the high 20s.
The Mazda CX-5 is perhaps the pick for those who want more driving enjoyment—and the base version of the Mazda returns up to 35 mpg on the highway.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is sensible and spacious; but if driving fun is a priority, you can do better. |
With authentically athletic looks and performance balancing out good passenger space, cargo versatility, and loads of high-tech features, the 2014 Ford Escape is attractive to a wide range of buyers. |
The 2014 Honda CR-V isn't exactly sprightly, but it nails efficiency on a few levels and finally brings more features to the family-wagon fight. |
The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe is a little schizophrenic, but we dig both of its personalities. Those with larger families will want to look at the V-6 Santa Fe, while smaller families will enjoy the turbo-powered Santa Fe Sport. |
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is an attractive, well-designed small crossover with great gas mileage, as well as a light, athletic driving experience. |
The sharp-looking 2014 Subaru Forester gets a lot more comfortable inside, and offers some useful driving aids and safety electronics. |
MSRP From | |||||
$23,550 | $23,100 | $23,120 | $24,950 | $21,395 | $21,995 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door LE (GS) | FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door 2.4 | FWD 4-Door Manual Sport | 4-Door Manual 2.5i PZEV |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2014 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Ford Escape | 2014 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Honda CR-V | 2014 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2014 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 2014 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Subaru Forester |