The best thing about a compact-utility vehicle is, it doesn't smell like dirty diapers. A small crossover combines carlike size with trucklike utility, but it doesn't post a sign in the rear window that tells everyone you're a breeder in the making. Sure, it's a practical package for couples, but there's every chance that the cargo area contains a beach chair, a bicycle, a gym bag and a furniture box from Ikea.
By our count, there are already 17 compact vehicles in the class of crossover vehicles and more are on the way. It seems as if every manufacturer has taken to converting its small-car platforms to utility use, and the crossovers have been enthusiastically embraced. Honda put 170,028 CR-Vs on the ground in the U.S. in 2006, and Toyota nearly matched it with 152,047 RAV4s.
These small crossovers are evolving into niches just as distinct as you'll find in the car market. There are practical ones, sporting ones, tough ones and comfortable ones. We've brought together the 2007 Honda CR-V, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue and 2007 Toyota RAV4. All share a gestalt of efficiency and social responsibility, yet each has a unique set of qualities and options. We've designed this all-wheel-drive crossover comparison within a frame of affordable enthusiasm, kind of like "gimme all you got for under $30K." Each one delivers a different level of equipment and varying degrees of performance and utility.
4th Place:
Mitsu Outlander
3rd Place:
Honda CR-V
2nd place:
Nissan Rogue
1st place:
Toyota RAV4
Conclusion:
Finally, if you ever find yourself saying, "Sure, I'll take the upgrade," then the 2007 Toyota RAV4 is the best choice for you. It's the benchmark in this segment. It makes a statement with power, but it backs up the message with fuel economy. It rides well, yet goes anywhere. And it combines utility and carlike comfort in a way that fits in your life in every way. The other guys are catching up, but for now, the Toyota RAV4 is still the one to beat.
__________________
-Behind every argument is someone’s ignorance.
-Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
No Edge (2nd best selling CUV)
No '08 Vue (Totally new!!)
No '07 CX7
What gives? The (yet to be released) Rogue is tested, but no brand new Vue or virtually brand new CX-7. . . . . .I'm not saying any of those three would have won, it just would have been nice to have them included in the comparison. . . .
__________________
-Behind every argument is someone’s ignorance.
-Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
The new Rav4s are excellent vehicles, I was considering getting one for my wife when her lease is up but Toyota really needs to put a real 4WD or AWD system in the Rav4. The system they have now where it shuts off at 25mph....not that good around here.
No Edge (2nd best selling CUV)
No '08 Vue (Totally new!!)
No '07 CX7
What gives? The (yet to be released) Rogue is tested, but no brand new Vue or virtually brand new CX-7. . . . . .I'm not saying any of those three would have won, it just would have been nice to have them included in the comparison. . . .
Maybe the VUE but I thought the Edge and CX-7 were midsize utes (I mean they put the CX-7, RDX and Murano in the same category.. despite the fact that the RDX is on the small side)
__________________
2010 Prius Technology Package (Cdn)
OEM Cargo Mat, OEM All-Weather Mat, LED ext/int lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards
The best thing about a compact-utility vehicle is, it doesn't smell like dirty diapers. A small crossover combines carlike size with trucklike utility, but it doesn't post a sign in the rear window that tells everyone you're a breeder in the making. Sure, it's a practical package for couples, but there's every chance that the cargo area contains a beach chair, a bicycle, a gym bag and a furniture box from Ikea.
By our count, there are already 17 compact vehicles in the class of crossover vehicles and more are on the way. It seems as if every manufacturer has taken to converting its small-car platforms to utility use, and the crossovers have been enthusiastically embraced. Honda put 170,028 CR-Vs on the ground in the U.S. in 2006, and Toyota nearly matched it with 152,047 RAV4s.
These small crossovers are evolving into niches just as distinct as you'll find in the car market. There are practical ones, sporting ones, tough ones and comfortable ones. We've brought together the 2007 Honda CR-V, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue and 2007 Toyota RAV4. All share a gestalt of efficiency and social responsibility, yet each has a unique set of qualities and options. We've designed this all-wheel-drive crossover comparison within a frame of affordable enthusiasm, kind of like "gimme all you got for under $30K." Each one delivers a different level of equipment and varying degrees of performance and utility.
4th Place:
Mitsu Outlander
3rd Place:
Honda CR-V
2nd place:
Nissan Rogue
1st place:
Toyota RAV4
Conclusion:
Finally, if you ever find yourself saying, "Sure, I'll take the upgrade," then the 2007 Toyota RAV4 is the best choice for you. It's the benchmark in this segment. It makes a statement with power, but it backs up the message with fuel economy. It rides well, yet goes anywhere. And it combines utility and carlike comfort in a way that fits in your life in every way. The other guys are catching up, but for now, the Toyota RAV4 is still the one to beat.
I would've thought the Outlander would do better. It looks quite stylish in my eyes (a bit conservative in the front end) and looks good on paper. I've gotta read this article and find out why lol.
I wonder if it's because the RAV4 has a V6...
__________________
2010 Prius Technology Package (Cdn)
OEM Cargo Mat, OEM All-Weather Mat, LED ext/int lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards
Rav-4 looks better in every way, when i see it in sport with the rims and that red =O it looks hot plus the power is to die 4....CR-V owner are going to cry with their 0-60 time in like 10 sec ++O
Rav-4 looks better in every way, when i see it in sport with the rims and that red =O it looks hot plus the power is to die 4....CR-V owner are going to cry with their 0-60 time in like 10 sec ++O
which is fairly acceptable I think given the weight of the vehicle. But you're right, the V6 is just that little bit sweeter.
I wonder if Toyota will ever bring the SWB version of the RAV4 (or rather, the standard size lol) with the 4 cylinder. They might if it gets competitive over the next few years and they need a lower price point.
__________________
2010 Prius Technology Package (Cdn)
OEM Cargo Mat, OEM All-Weather Mat, LED ext/int lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards
Yeah, the new CR-V is fugly! Like most new Honda's which is a shame cause its a good company. Anyway the new Outlanders IMO do look great! Certainly better than the outgoing one, yuck! Altough Toyotafanfan said they are coming out with a new CUV so maybe smaller than the RAV4 or about the same size??? Anyway if the RAV4 gets bigger which I'm sure it will with future gens it will defeat the purpose then again it has been getting bigger with each new gen but that's the way the cookie crumbles. I guess your kids have to grow up sometime.
__________________
U.S. media is a systematic censorship on free speech. They don't like what they hear they don't report. Don't want to upset the political and advertising sponsors. Its so corrupted. While they don't have to agree with certain views, its their job to report and let US decide.
No Edge (2nd best selling CUV)
No '08 Vue (Totally new!!)
No '07 CX7
What gives? The (yet to be released) Rogue is tested, but no brand new Vue or virtually brand new CX-7. . . . . .I'm not saying any of those three would have won, it just would have been nice to have them included in the comparison. . . .
Compact CUV Comparo...the Edge and Vue are midsized CUVs which compete against the Highlander, Pilot, Murano, etc.
The new Rav4s are excellent vehicles, I was considering getting one for my wife when her lease is up but Toyota really needs to put a real 4WD or AWD system in the Rav4. The system they have now where it shuts off at 25mph....not that good around here.
The AWD systen doesn't shut off at 25 mph only the 'locking' of the front and rear axels shuts off. The AWD system is always in play whenever the vehicle needs it. In fact those that have had it over the first two winters say that it's great in most situations that don't require a true SUV.
Compact CUV Comparo...the Edge and Vue are midsized CUVs which compete against the Highlander, Pilot, Murano, etc.
I'll give you the Edge and CX-7 are midsize (barely), but the '08 VUE is definitely not a midsize (no matter how the EPA or GM decides to classify it). It is shorter than the RAV4 (by 1"), and is only 1.3" wider. . . . . all other dimensions are nearly identical.
To exclude the VUE (that can currently be purchased), yet include the Rogue (that has yet to be released) is kind of weird. What about the all new Kia Rondo or the all new Jeep Compass. I'm not disagreeing with the winners/losers, just that it's incomplete and practically worthless to a consumer who wants to look at more than these 4 CUV's.
Edmunds was incomplete in it's testing, so who's to say what is truly the best compact CUV?
__________________
-Behind every argument is someone’s ignorance.
-Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
The AWD systen doesn't shut off at 25 mph only the 'locking' of the front and rear axels shuts off. The AWD system is always in play whenever the vehicle needs it. In fact those that have had it over the first two winters say that it's great in most situations that don't require a true SUV.
"Front-wheel-drive versions get a limited-slip differential, while electronically controlled on-demand 4WD is optional. This new system automatically distributes torque to the rear wheels as needed when the fronts lose traction. Manually locking 4WD disengages the automatic mode to maximize torque to the rear wheels below 25 mph. This lock mode disengages at speeds above 25 mph and also during braking to optimize ABS and stability control. "
I thought it didn't have AWD, but 4WD that shuts off completely at 25, reverting to 2WD. My sisters mother-in-law has an 06 and absolutely hated it in the winter, it is unpredictable to drive. I never drove one in the winter, so its heresay.
But I could be wrong, Toyota.com didnt have much info.
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2008 Infiniti G35
Nissan Frontier
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