2nd place: Toyota RAV4 Base
This is a nice and a great SUV, no mistake. But Toyota's decision to move the RAV4 larger and larger until it reaches Highlander size is not a good idea. There is a third-row seat in the RAV4 for the first time but the catch is that it is only available on the top of the line model Limited (in fact you have to get a package that is only available on the Limited model). Now the RAV4 has a V6 engine making 269 hp. Who needs 269 hp? That's more than 50+ hp over the Highlander. But you can really feel the extra hp on the road. It's smooth, fast and very predictable. The fuel economy is impressive but not enough to make RAV4 owners boast. The exterior and interior looks very nice and looks something from the future. Here comes my dislikes: The spare tire is at the back, the rear door swings right instead of swinging from the top, the cruise control is not for cruising, the scan feature on the radio skips so fast and they are very pricey.
1st: Honda CR-V LX
Make no mistake but the CR-V still is the class best no matter what. Now this comparison came down to the convenience features. The CR-V still has a rear hanging spare tire and a side swinging rear hatch door but the 2007 CR-V will not have them. The CR-V still offers a great value (less than the RAV4 price but has all kinds of standard features like: front, front side, side curtain airbags, ABS, EBD and stability assist). One of the things I don't like on the CR-V is the black bumpers, ugly wheel covers, black door handles, black side moulding and black mirrors makes the CR-V look like it's not worth your money. The performance of the CR-V is really good. It is quiet and is fast. The road noise and the engine noise is less than in the RAV4. The towing capacity is nice but not enough for the average family. The Real Time 4wd is better to use than the RAV4 but is tricky is some areas. The exterior and interior looks nice and I really like the column mounted shifter (not the column mounted but on its side). So the 2007 CR-V is coming and with no doubt it will be better.
The Honda Fit vs. Toyota Yaris, Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna and the Pilot vs. Highlander comparisons will be coming up.......
Stay tuned.....