The Toyota RAV4 offers seating for seven and cargo capacity comparable to mid-size SUVs in a compact package. It's quick, relatively easy to maneuver, and comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Among the best of the compact SUVs, the RAV4 excels at convenience and ease of use. Getting in and out of the driver's seat is easy. It can move lots of people or lots of gear on a moment's notice. And it comes standard with a long list of safety equipment. We prefer the five-passenger configuration.

We found the RAV4 smooth and stable underway. The Sport model has a harder ride due to its suspension tuning. RAV4's available four-wheel-drive system works very well in wintry conditions as well as on rain-soaked roads.

The four-cylinder is responsive and gets an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg when equipped with four-wheel drive, slightly better with two-wheel drive. Ordered with the optional V6, the RAV4 really scoots, boasting 269 horsepower.

For 2010 the RAV4 is unchanged except for feature packaging.