Out on the road, the new RAV4 doesn’t feel particularly quick, but the little 4-banger does provide plenty of oomph for confident acceleration and stress-free merging and passing.

Toyota, considered one of the founding fathers of the small crossover segment, has attracted buyers with multiple generations of RAV4s built to be economical, family-friendly and versatile. The all-new 2013 model keeps that streak alive, but loses V6 engine and third-row-seat options in the process and continues to be hampered by an interior overrun with hard plastics. With the exception of value, many of the RAV4’s competitors offer shoppers a better overall package.