Price: $21,500 - $27,810
Fuel economy: 28 highway; 22 city
Test score: 83
The Rav4 nearly lost this spot to the new Subaru Forester, which it just barely outscored, the magazine says. The Rav4 offers comfortable ride, a roomy interior and good handling, it adds.
The test score of 83 is for the V6-powered version. The 4-cylinder version scored 82, but the magazine complimented that engine, which is more powerful for the 2009 model year.
NEXT: Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Last updated February 26 2009: 3:46 PM ET