Rav4

I’m already a fan of the current Toyota RAV4. It’s quite good in both its gas and hybrid versions, and represents a major upgrade over the previous generation, both aesthetically and functionally. So when Toyota announced it was working on a plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 that made 302 horsepower, my curiosity was definitely piqued.

Recently surpassing the Camry as Toyota’s best selling car in the U.S., the RAV4 embodies the shift from sedans and hatches to crossovers and SUVs. It drives like a car, but has a higher profile and the versatility of a bigger vehicle.

I’ve long thought the Toyota RAV4 was a solid and dependable ride for everyday driving. But with the new 5th-generation model due out for the 2019 model year, the RAV4 isn’t just a good vehicle, it’s a great one.