Back about 15 years ago, the crossover was in its infancy. One of those infants, arguably the originator of the breed, was the Toyota RAV4, which became an instant hit. For 2012, this 5- or 7-passenger smallish midsize veteran crossover is now in its third generation. With the exception of some upgraded audio features, little is expected to change from 2011 editions. Once again, three trims, the Base RAV4, the agile Sport and the high-end Limited, grace the RAV4 lineup. All trims will again be delivered in standard front-wheel drive (FWD), but each is available with on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD) as well. Each of the three trims comes with the standard two rows of seating, but all are available with three passenger rows, though the third row is decidedly adult-challenged. Finally, all trims come with a standard inline 4-cylinder engine (I4), but can be delivered with an available V6 powerplant. In a spirit of contrariness, Toyota still refuses to relinquish the original RAV4’s retro-styled rear-mounted spare tire and swing-out cargo door. For the modernist, however, that somewhat controversial rear-mounted spare is deleted in favor of run-flat tires when the unique Sport Package is selected with the Sport trim. The third-row seating option is also unavailable in the Sport Package.

Traditional competition to the 2012 RAV4 includes Honda’s refined CR-V, Chevy’s elegant Equinox, Kia’s nimble Sorento and Subaru’s turbo-optional Forester. Toyota’s mini-ute, however, seems to have combined a hefty slug of the better attributes of its rivals to produce a versatile and rugged, yet comfy family hauler that looks good, performs well and packs 73 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats down. Those same second-row seats are easily folded with the simple flip of a conveniently located lever, and a handy stowage compartment lies beneath the cargo area.

Standard power for the 2012 RAV4 lineup is a 179-hp 2.5-liter I4 engine that mates with a 4-speed automatic transmission for 172 lb-ft of torque. The 4-speed boasts an uphill-downhill shift-control feature for negotiating winding, hilly roads, with the four-banger capable of towing a maximum of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Expect 22 mpg city/28 highway out of the variable-valve-timed (VVT) I4 in FWD mode, 21/27 in 4WD-equipped trims.

All three trims are additionally available with a peppy 3.5-liter V6 powertrain that combines with a 5-speed automatic transmission for 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. Max towing capacity is increased to 3,500 pounds with the V6, again, when properly equipped, while fuel efficiency, despite VVT, drops a bit to 19/27 in FWD versions and 19/26 in 4WD trims. And by the way, the available 4WD is an on-demand system that automatically sends power from the wheels that slip to those that grip, with the added benefit of driver-selectable full-time 4WD in semi-hostile terrain. Bear in mind, though, that while the RAV4 might look like it’ll tackle the backwoods, it's decidedly more pavement-friendly.

Not exactly a paragon of flashy standard features, the 2012 RAV4 does come endowed with at least the more common appearance, comfort and convenience goodies. The base RAV4, for example, sports such standard appearance accoutrements as 16-inch steel wheels in its I4 configuration, with 17-inch styled steel wheels adorning the available V6 version. Other standard appearance goodies include a rear spoiler, power-adjustable mirrors and side-opening rear cargo hatch. Comfort features include cloth upholstery and reclining rear seats, while convenience amenities include remote power door locks, power windows and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Cruise control and air conditioning are each standard in the base RAV4, while the new-for-2102 audio system sports an MP3-capable single-CD player and 6 speakers, complemented by standard Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free communications technology. The RAV4 Sport trim, meantime, adds a larger rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and premium cloth upholstery to the list.

The flagship Limited boasts such extra standard niceties as a roof rack, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors and the Smart Key System with push-button start, as well as dual-zone climate control, a 6-CD changer, satellite radio and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob. Toyota’s Entune multimedia interface services are now standard in the Limited and include a dash-mounted display, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free smartphone communications that sports apps for accessing mobile phone directories, movie tickets, sports scores, vehicle information and more.

Options for the 2012 RAV4 Base and Sport trims include many features found standard on the Limited, while all trims are eligible for third-row seating, a power moonroof, rear-view camera system, upgraded wheels and leather-trimmed upholstery either as standalone options or in various packages. Further, all V6-equipped trims can be delivered with a Class III Tow Prep Package, while the Sport and Limited trims are each eligible for an available DVD-enabled touchscreen navigation system.

Safety-wise, the 2012 RAV4 lineup sports 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Smart Stop Technology and traction and stability control, all under the auspices of Toyota’s unique Star Safety System. Additionally, all trims feature two- or three-row head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection, with daytime running lights available throughout the lineup in certain options packages.

Owners complain of excessive road noise in the 2011 RAV4 trims, as well as some build-quality issues, uncomfortable seats, a cramped third row and an especially unyielding steering wheel that taxes hands and forearms. Gas mileage is a matter of owner opinion and driving habits, with some owners raving about mileage in both the I4 and V6 trims and others left a bit disappointed with each. The rear-mounted spare tire, meanwhile, appeals to traditionalists, but turns off many new owners, who feel it to be an unnecessary ostentation. On the other hand, owners are uncompromising in their praise of this midsize crossover’s bold look, under-floor rear stowage compartment and roomy front- and second-rows, as well as its supple ride, surprisingly adept handling and overall drivetrain performance.