I typically hate SUV's but with owning a home I think about getting one more and more. So while I was at the dealership today I decided to give one a try.

First off, this newer version looks so grown up from previous models and you can really tell from the outside and inside. It has some really neat cargo features along with rear seats that fold flat and recline. The seats were very comfortable and supportive. All of the controls fell easily into place and everything was easy to operate.

On the road the ride was very smooth and un-SUV like. The driving position commands a high and wide view out of the greenhouse except for a small blindspot at the rear. The acceleration was very impressive as I was coming onto the interstate to merge. This engine is very high strung and has no problem laying down the power. Even from a stop the V6 was a beast, getting us to 60 mph in no time. I took it up to 90 and it was still pulling. Braking and handling were good and what you would expect out of Toyota.

To sum it up I was very impressed by the little ute and would recomend anyone looking for a smaller SUV with some balls to go check out the RAV4 V6.

im not surprised but i just cant get over it being associated in any way with the older body style

im not surprised but i just cant get over it being associated in any way with the older body style

I know, but with 0-60mph coming in 7 seconds or less and the 1/4 mile at 15 it's real dominating in its class. I think it looks really good now and it has an available third row because of the increase in size.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/biglex400/photo_13.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/biglex400/photo_2.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/biglex400/photo_1.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/biglex400/photo_4.jpg

Sucks that a Toyota cute-ute with a slushbox can beat a few bimmers in acceleration. :(

The Rav4 is good in what it can do, but still a lil too "cute" for me...Id much rather have a FJ w 6spd man...same v6..not sure if it has the same or more hp..hopefully more

The Rav4 is good in what it can do, but still a lil too "cute" for me...Id much rather have a FJ w 6spd man...same v6..not sure if it has the same or more hp..hopefully more

RAV get 28 MPG FJ get 28 GMP:D

I am looking at these as well. I hear even the 4 cyl has some nice pep to it. I am waiting until the end of the year when I really need it and will see what the prices of this vs. a FJ is. The RAV is probably a better fit for what I need it for, but the FJ would at least allow me to use it as a toy once in a while off-road, and won't look so "soccer mom"

The Rav4 is good in what it can do, but still a lil too "cute" for me...Id much rather have a FJ w 6spd man...same v6..not sure if it has the same or more hp..hopefully more

The FJ is based off the 4Runner with a 4.0L V6. THe RAV4 has an optional 3.5L V6 from the Camry, etc family.

I don't consider the RAV4 to be a cute ute anymore with 3rd row seating and a huge V6, bigger than the Highlander. :confused

The Honda CR-V has gotten uglier (I thought the first gen was sharp, 2nd alright).

The Forester though is great. Un SUV like handling. Same motor as the STi, albeit detuned, easy enough to mod. I saw one at NAIAS this year in Rally blue all modded. The thing looked so aggressive and sweet.

My aunt was gonna buy rav4 last month and we tried several different options before she got into one. Honda CRV, New Mitsubishi Outlander and subaru forrester.

Surprisingly, Out of all of them, means including Rav4, Mitsubishi Outlander was hands down winner. Exterior Styling is for each and its own but handling, power, options and value in all catagories I'll take outlander over others any day.

I almost want to lease one for my second car. She got hers for she under $28,000 full option 6-speed AWD (w/low gear lock) w/ HID and bluetooth Navi along with other bells and whistles.

We both hated the experience at the toyota dealer they were trying to sell my aunt v6 rav4 with only 5 speed no HIDs fabric seat POS for $34,000. When I showed up to help her out on dealing, they were saying, " Look, If you really don't want to buy this car, you can go some other place. This is Toyota, we know we can sell these all day long cuz it's best built car in the world." hahahaha what a jack ass.

I was never really into Mitsu cars other than 3000GT and Evo, but this time they did it right with Outlander. CRV don't come w/ 4cyl at all. If you're in the market go test drive the Outlander. I'm glad I did.