The 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ranks 9 out of 18 Compact SUVs. Starting at $29,030, the RAV4 Hybrid is one of the priciest SUVs in the class, but its abundance of standard features and excellent fuel economy help justify its cost. It comes standard with all-wheel drive plus a host of safety features that cost extra in most rivals, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control. Competing SUVs equipped with similar features plus all-wheel drive quickly meet – or exceed – the cost of the RAV4 Hybrid.
Pros Good cargo space More standard features than rivals Exceptional fuel economy
Cons Lackluster cabin styling and materials
New for 2017 is a standard suite of safety systems that Toyota calls Safety Sense. Included are a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high-beam control and adaptive cruise control.
Pros Fuel economy far surpasses that of traditional compact crossovers Small price premium over non-hybrid RAV4 Ample room in both rows and generous cargo capacity Delivers a composed, comfortable ride
Cons Synthetic brake feel isn't very reassuring Some interior controls feel a little flimsy You can't get real leather upholstery
As with many other Toyota models, the 2017 RAV4 now has a long list of active-safety equipment as standard on every model. What the company calls Toyota Safety Sense-P consists of forward-collision warning, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Pros Practicality reigns supreme in the RAV4, as this crossover has a spacious and versatile interior that’s well packaged for carrying people and stuff. The rear seat boasts plentiful legroom and headroom, and it also reclines. The RAV4’s cargo area also has a low lift-over height, making it easy to hoist heavy or bulky items into the capacious 38-cubic-foot hold that grows to 73 cubic feet with the back seats folded flat into the floor. Those interested in the more efficient RAV4 hybrid won’t have to give up much room, since its battery pack takes up only two cubic feet of cargo space.
Cons With lifeless, vague steering and a soft suspension, the RAV4 isn’t much fun to drive, even for a small crossover. Neither the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder nor the hybrid powertrain provides responsive acceleration, with the hybrid crawling from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and the RAV4 SE AWD taking 8.4 seconds. While the hybrid at least makes up for its relative sluggishness with an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, the standard four-cylinder’s highest combined rating of 26 mpg falls short of quicker, better-to-drive competitors such as the 2016 Mazda CX-5 and its 29-mpg number.
Despite being the brand's smallest SUV, the 2017 Audi Q2 has some big shoes to fill, especially considering it costs nearly as much as its slightly bigger brother, the Q3. the new Audi Q2 is a pretty solid all-round package. It looks and (for the most part) feels premium, offers the company's latest infotainment and driver assist technologies, and can be personalised to a far greater extent than its stablemates thanks to the array of bright colours, contrasting body elements, and affordable option packages.
Pros Effortless performance Sporty dynamics Practical cabin All-round ability Quattro grip Bold design inside and out Decent equipment list
Cons Options can get pricey, some features should be standard Tyre roar at higher speeds Firm ride can be harsh over sharper bumps Stingy use of soft-touch plastics Limited cabin storage
Small SUVs have been a thing for a while now, so it seems odd that it's only now Audi has finally brought its take on the idea to market. The Q2 enters the fray in a segment occupied by a gaggle of (cheaper) French and Japanese cars, as well and the new Mini Countryman.
Pros Great looks Good chassis Decent spec list
Cons Rear storage, especially in the 1.4 Some cheap plastics 1.4's ride/handling (relative to 2.0 TDI)
The Audi Q2 is an upmarket crossover that shares its platform with the Audi A3. It is an obvious rival to the Mini Countryman, but the company also hopes its premium badge can tempt buyers away from the likes of the funkily styled Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Citroen Cactus. An elephant in the room comes in the form of the Q3, which can’t match the Q2’s box-fresh appeal but is slightly bigger and also available with larger savings. Audi has given the Q2 distinctive looks that mark it out from the rest of the range, which tends to be conservatively styled.
Pros Great cabin Modern engines Spacious for its size
Cons Gets pricy with options Some rivals are more practical No fast version yet
