The 2007 Toyota RAV4 is a small-to-midsize SUV that is capable of seating seven. The RAV4 comes in three trim levels, base, Sport, and Limited and is powered by a standard 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine which offers 166 hp @6000 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. torque @4000 rpm or an optional 3.5 liter V6 which offers 269 hp @6200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. torque @4700 rpm. This year's RAV4 increases in length by about a foot and sports a new safety feature, the Hill-start Assist Control which holds the vehicle for a few seconds while facing uphill, preventing the vehicle from rolling backward. It should be a great help to parallel parking on steep San Francisco hillsides.

The 2007 RAV4 comes standard with fabric-trimmed seats or optional leather on the Limited. In addition, Toyota has installed cruise control, an adjustable steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, a highly visible instrument array, and power windows as standard. We like the stylish rear spoiler and high positioned stop lamp.

Toyota lives up to its commitment to safety by equipping all of its RAV4s with traction control, ABS, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, driver and front passenger airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, side impact door beams, child seat restraint rings, and front crumple zone. The ride is sporty, especially when the RAV4 is equipped with the V6. All driving parameters are optimal, with handling crisp and responsive.

Driving the 2007 Toyota RAV4 will be less of a burden on the environment than some of the larger SUVs Toyota makes, with fuel economy in the good range. The 4-cylinder 2WD RAV4 gets 24 mpg city 30 mpg highway, while the 4-cylinder 4WD RAV4 gets 23 mpg city 30 mpg highway. The 6-cylinder 2WD RAV4 gets 22 mpg city 29 mpg highway while the 6-cylinder 4WD RAV4 gets 21 mpg city 28 mpg highway.