6th Place: 2015 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE, Lesley Wimbush

I can remember when this was one of my least favourite vehicles in the segment. Dorky and pokey, it was the opposite of everything fun, and usually driven by those with character to match.

A few sharp creases and some streamlining have gone a long way towards altering that box on wheels image. And while it would be pushing it to call it “fun”, the RAV4 is a decent little all-rounder and would be most agreeable to live with.

Looks-wise, the little Toyota didn’t really resonate with our group, and came in near the bottom, just below the Forester. Personally, I think it’s kind of cute, in an angry hamster sort of way – especially with this bright copper paint.

I have to admit to a bit of a chuckle over the interior. The highly bolstered sports seats and fat, grippy wheel would do justice to a sports car.

It’s an odd environment, earning comments like: “Interior is a riot, as if it was designed by multiple people that weren’t talking to each other” (Laurance) and “odd ergonomics and confused styling” but “best seats in the bunch” (Jonathan).

Aside from the excellent seats, there’s an abundance of high quality stitched leather, and some interesting faux carbon-fibre trim. But the styling is über-busy, and chopped into multiple different segments. Ergonomically, its biggest blunder is the row of switchgear hidden beneath the jutting centre stack – it takes a concentrated effort to figure out where the seat heaters, rear wiper, Eco and Sport mode buttons and outlets are located.

Comfort wise, the RAV4 scored in the lower mid-pack, with fairly flat rear seats, but they recline and offer decent head and shoulder room. In a three-way tie for last place with the Forester and Rogue, the RAV4’s fiddly child seat installation would’ve earned a blue-streak curse from Jacob. Rear entry isn’t as good as some of the others.

It didn’t score well in content amenities either, which I found surprising. The $2,135 Technology package adds lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, back-up sensors and an 11-speaker sound system, on top of the Limited’s standard navigation, Bluetooth, cruise, smart key, power sunroof, power liftgate, 6.1-inch display, auto headlights, fog lights, heated seats and steering wheel voice controls.

The RAV4’s 1,090 L of cargo space and lowest liftover height put it near the top, and it was mid-pack in terms of flexibility. Jon liked the “interesting” cargo net, but thought it was a bit flimsy.

In terms of driving impressions, the RAV4 didn’t find a whole lot of favour with our group. There were comments of “hollow”, ” harsh suspension” and a “chassis that was easily upset”. It was however, in the upper mid-pack for ease of driving, and some of us found it the most “car-like” of the bunch. In Sport mode, the RAV4 is almost comically peppy, with a frantically responsive throttle response and high-strung transmission.

It’s surprising that the RAV4 scored lower mid-range for ease of parking, since both Laurance and I mentioned that it had possibly the best sightlines of the bunch.

While rich in features, its weaker scores in comfort, functionality, mechanical and driving qualities, worst warranty in the group and a high price drove down its value score, although official and observed fuel economies were respectable.

Again, it’s a reflection of how varied opinions can be from a wide-ranging group of people, and underscores the value of these group comparisons.

Pricing:2015 Toyota RAV4 AWD Limited
Base Price: $24,365
Tested Trim: $33,410
Options: $2,135 Technology Package (JBL audio with 11 speakers, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, back-up sensors, automatic highbeam)
Freight: $1,690
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $37,335

Connect with Autos.ca