The top-selling non-truck in America, and No. 4-selling vehicle overall is Toyota’s RAV4 with nearly 450,000 units sold in 2019. RAV4 launched in the United States 23 years ago, creating a niche that became the compact crossover SUV segment. It has always been hip, trendy and sporty, and was named for being a “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive” (RAV4), although not all RAV4s have four-wheel drive.

Remaining true to its roots, the fifth-generation RAV4 was fully redesigned last year and receives minimum tweaks this year. The major upgrade for 2020 is the introduction of RAV4’s TRD Off-Road model. One negative for 23 years was that RAV4 was soft-road, but that all changes with the new TRD Off-Road version, and its tough Off-Road suspension kit with red coil springs, TRD’s unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires and TRD badges inside and out.

Also new for 2020, all RAV4 models expand multimedia capability with Android Auto™ added to the Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The LE and XLE grades, both gas and Hybrid, gain standard SiriusXM® with a three-month trial, which was already standard on the higher grades. There are also multimedia enhancements, an augmented weather package on the XLE trim and full leather inside the Adventure model. A Hybrid is available and a plug-in Hybrid is set to be added for 2021.

Toyota’s Global Architecture platform forms a solid foundation and good driving dynamics, comfort, and safety. RAV4’s chiseled good looks combine sportiness, style and athleticism and a demeanor that tackles urban, suburban and outdoor adventures with equal aplomb. RAV4 accomplishes this in compact dimensions of 180.9 inches long, 73.0 inches wide and 67.2 inches high, on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.4 inches to 8.6 depending on trim, and RAV4 weighs in at a range of 3380 to 3655 pounds depending on trim.

RAV4 retains its efficient 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine that delivers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, for a sufficiently steady, but not overpowering amount of muscle. The AWD versions are rated, depending on trim and extras, at 27mpg/city and up to 35mpg/hwy, with some estimated at 33mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid is also powered by a 2.5, assisted with an electric motor on the rear axle. The combined system output is 219 hp, and 400 lb-ft, and backed by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, is EPA-rated at 41/38 with a combined average of 40mpg. My naturally aspirated test ride averaged 29.2mpg in mixed-use driving in town, on the highway and some soft-road fun. The Independent MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar levels most pavement irregularities and soft-roaded adequately.

Response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion set-up was attentive for the niche, with acceptable understeer, rear sway and minor top-wobble in tight turns.

RAV4 is not a speed deliverer, but at the track, my RAV4 shaved a tenth off last year’s  8-second-flat zero-to-60 run at 7.9 seconds, and finished a 16.1-second quarter-mile.

With seating for five, The RAV4 cabin is quiet and sporty, and my Limited trim was luxurious and filled with connectivity, tech, and featured a front-row moonroof, heated 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, 2-way lumbar support, and 7-inch Multi-Information Display.

Front headroom is a bit tight, but expected for the niche, at 37.7 inches, with 39.5 in row two. Legroom is accommodating at 41.0 inches in row one, with 37.8 inches for second-seat passengers and there is a wide-body 57.8 inches of shoulder room in front and  56.4 inches in row two.

From a safety perspective, RAV4 is on point with the Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which includes, as expected, pedestrian detection, along with Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and Steering Assist. RAV4 also has Star Safety System™ with Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. Eight standard airbags consist of dual stage advanced driver and front passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; first and second row side curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

The base 2020 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $27,850 plus a delivery fee of $1120, and gas-only models start with the 2020 RAV4 LE basing at $25,950, the XLE at $27,245, the XLE Premium at $29,950, the sporty Adventure at $33,055, the Limited at $34,480, loaded with standard tech, safety and cosmetics, and the new TRD Off-Road at $35,280. My test RAV4 Limited in Silver Sky Metallic exterior paint mated to a Black Softex interior, added Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for $1400; the Limited Grade Advanced Technology Package added Smart Key system, hands-free power liftgate with jam protection, Bird’s Eye View camera with Perimeter Scan, overhead 360-degree view and curb view, wireless Smartphone charging and more, for $1025; Bodyside moldings for $209; mudguards added $129; a running board added $549; roof rack cross bars added $315; and delivery, processing and handling added $1120 for a sticker-as-tested of $39,326.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

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