A Toyota SUV, so it has an aggressive face. But at least all of the parts form a coherent whole. The new RAV4 appears much more rugged than the previous one. It also appears larger, but isn't.
Note how the upper surface of the front fender mirrors that of the rear fender. The previous RAV4 had an odd, much less cohesive exterior design. A car or a truck? A cute toy?
Toyota has made challenging proportions work. Busy front end disguises amount of overhang. The Forester appears much taller and boxier, and with more visual mass ahead of the front wheel.
Character lines in the rear pillar form an arrow. The 2013-2018 RAV4 looked much more like a cheap economy car.
The new interior has a much more cohesive design. Interesting rubber touch points. The new Forester's interior looks and feels more refined and upscale, but less rugged.
The previous RAV4's interior also had padded surfaces, but the design was a hodgepodge. Interior angles resemble those on the exterior.
Well-designed controls, with knobs for major functions. Bronze stitching on light gray upholstery...an interesting choice.
Seat initially felt comfortable and supportive--but my rear became sore on a long drive. Not quite the roomiest rear seat in a compact crossover, but close.
40 inches of floor behind the second-row seat. 74 inches of floor behind the driver seat--among the class leaders.
The orange wiring harness cover indicates that this is a hybrid. Much improved mpg: 41/38. 176-hp gas engine and 118-hp electric motor combine for 219 peak horsepower, vs. 203 in non-hybrid.