2012 Toyota RAV4

The third-generation RAV4 is another Toyota product that pioneered its segment and has recently weathered an assault from competitors. However, the RAV4 has something of an ace up its sleeve in that it's large enough to accommodate optional third-row seats--something few of its direct competitors offer. Seating arrangements are flexible, and there's also an underfloor cargo area. With the rear seats folded down, the RAV4's cargo hold will easily swallow an adult-size bicycle. This mid-size crossover's utility doesn't come at the price of efficiency thanks to the fuel-sipping ways of its 166-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder. At the same time, the RAV4 can be had with Toyota's excellent 3.5-liter V-6, which makes 269 hp. That's enough to snap this crossover from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds--something you won't experience in a Chevrolet Equinox. There are areas where the RAV4's age spots show--the all-business interior looks rather drab, for instance, and both engines could benefit from a six-speed automatic transmission (the four-cylinder employs a four-speed, the V-6 gets a five-speed). And like almost all Toyotas not named FJ Cruiser, it could use an injection of impassioned design.