Toyota Tops Test Of Small SUVs

By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

Consumer Reports is just out with its latest small SUV tests, and Toyota bumped off Subaru for the top spot.

Story Published: Jun 6, 2006 at 4:51 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 8:27 AM PDT

Toyota Tops Test Of Small SUVs
SEATTLE - Higher gasoline prices have driven a lot of car buyers away from big Sport Utility Vehicles. But small, more fuel-efficient SUVs are still doing ok.

Consumer Reports is just out with its latest SUV tests, which included three small SUVs, and Toyota bumped off Subaru for the top spot.

The re-designed Toyota RAV4 is wider and longer than previous versions, with a roomier rear seat. The editors say it's "agile, rides comfortably, and has a smooth drivetrain." Overall, they rate it "excellent."

The top-of-the-line RAV4 with a V-6 powerplant is about $30,000. The base version, with a 4-cylinder engine, scored slightly lower than the V-6 models, but it still rated "very good" overall. At $23,000, it's also significantly cheaper.

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Toyota RAV4 Tops in Test