2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited

The RAV4 is Toyota's compact SUV, the one that helped start the whole small-crossover craze and still competes with the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. It's easy to drive and sits solidly on the road, with responsive steering that makes it feel smaller than it is. The cabin is roomy for its size, and the rear door swings open sideways with a flip-up glass hatch, which makes loading groceries and gear simple. Cargo space is generous, and the rear seats fold flat quickly to haul bulky items. The Limited is the luxury-oriented RAV4, with leather upholstery and a power driver's seat that the Sport skips. This one has the optional 3.5L V6 making 269 horsepower, paired with a five-speed automatic and four-wheel drive that gives it real punch off the line. The trade-off for that V6 power is fuel economy around 21 mpg combined, which is a few mpg behind the four-cylinder Limited.