I test drove the Sport and Limited models; the Limited and the standard models would have similar handling characteristics. I found the Limited handling and its drivability poor. The Limited’s suspension is more forgiving than the Sport, but it seems to want to roll when driving around a corner. I found the Limited very disconcerting overall. I strongly recommend the Sport model for the better handling, drivability, and enjoyment. The 3rd row seat option, though, is not available on the Sport, which I find useless anyway after having seen the 3rd row seats. I think children would be uncomfortable on long trips. Seriously consider a small van if you need room for more than four passengers.

I have the RAV4 Sport with the 3.5 L V-6, four wheel drive, and the towing package. The towing package required me to purchase the upgraded stereo and the moon roof. The stereo is worthwhile, with multi speakers, 6 disc CD player, and Bluetooth capabilities. The moon roof, although nice, is unnecessary in my opinion. The items that should have been included in the towing package but were not are the wiring harness and the trailer hitch; Toyota should automatically install these items when the towing package is ordered (instead of the moon roof). The RAV handles nice and is a pleasure to drive. It is very roomy. It will seat four people very comfortably; the back seat will accommodate 6 ft 2 in individuals in great comfort on long trips. I use the four wheel drive with enough frequency, in bad weather and the occasional, light duty, off road adventures. It has proven to be very capable in every situation I encountered. However, for those who receive a lot of snow, purchasing snow tires for the winter is a must.

Gas mileage varies for me. For most of the driving I do, I average 25 MPG. This is a mixed use of highway and around town driving. I do not have a heavy foot unless needed. I averaged 18 to 22 MPG when I towed my small, fully loaded trailer (a Worthington 5 by 8 ft. aluminum trailer, which can accommodate plenty of wood and weight). (When towing, adhere to Toyota’s recommendations they have in their secret book called the owner’s manual.) On the open road, driving the interstate, my wife and I loaded the RAV with two dog cages and our smaller dogs, our belongings, and food, and drove from Maryland to North Carolina using the air conditioning the entire trip. We averaged 28 MPG. This vehicle, for all of its capabilities, has very decent fuel mileage.

The only recommendations I would have for Toyota is to automatically include the wiring harness and trailer hitch when the towing package is ordered. Also, two tie downs near and next the seat would be a nice addition. And maybe the Sport suspension on all RAVs. I would like more fuel efficient engines that do not compromise on power and torque, such as the diesel that is available in Europe. (I also would like to see the government coming to its senses and have better and less stringent tests on diesels so they can come into the country and stop overtaxing diesel fuel—unlikely that any of this will happen.) I also recommend that Toyota not change the overall dimensions in future RAVs (they redesign vehicles every five years or so). This is a perfectly sized vehicle that will accommodate most small family’s needs. It has ample useful storage and hauling capabilities and is very comfortable. The Sport model is a pleasure to drive. I’m very pleased with the RAV. It was a wise purchase and would purchase another in the future (maybe when I pass the 1 million mile mark on the odometer perhaps?).