A lot is expected from the all-new Toyota RAV4.  Aside from being the newest offering in the compact SUV segment, this model was responsible for popularizing the concept of the “cute-ute” way back in the 1990s.  The second iteration caused an equal amount of awe with Toyota pushing the RAV4’s styling to a new direction.  Compared to its perennial rival, the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 looked more advanced with its rakish design and exaggerated features be it the Mk. I or Mk. II models.  Having found the right success recipe though, Toyota decided to play it safe with the Mk. III.  Designers and engineers toyed around with the standards set by its predecessor—a good starting point, considering RAV4s were always handsome and always driver-oriented.

The resulting SUV is more evolution than revolution.  Although the new RAV4 looks undeniably good, it carries a similar angular motif set by the previous model.  As a whole, it’s as if Toyota engineers had an enlarging ray and increased the proportions by 20 percent.  The overall shape especially the lamps, grille and side mirrors will look familiar to anyone who’s spent time with the older RAV4 model.  With clamors for more interior room though, Toyota extended the RAV4 from the B-Pillar backward.  The extended rear doors and longer greenhouse made the once cute SUV into somewhat a mid-sized mutant thing.  It looks modern—echoing designs now seen in some JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) model Toyotas.  It may be overcritical, but there’s a lack of surface detail especially at the doors making the RAV4 look too long, too tall and too narrow.

But while the shape is all too predictable from Toyota, it’s inside where the RAV4 has made the most leaps and bounds.  For the most part, it looks Lexus with the new “wing” shaped design.  The symmetry between left and right sides present a very grown up flavor while retaining a lot of the sporty characteristics associated with the RAV4.  The 3-spoke steering wheel is covered with leather and features adjustment for both tilt and reach.  The three-cluster instrumentation is pure eye candy (personally, one of the best gauges I’ve ever seen).  The ventilation controls look as if they operate by the use of dials, but upon closer inspection, it’s actually a push button affair.  Since this is a 4WD model, it also comes with black leather seats too.  The interior material quality has been upped too, but there are some areas where there’s a lack of texture.  It’ solid, tough and durable though.  However, there are some natty bits such as the push-button convenience box just above the glove box, which feel clunky and will undoubtedly be one of the first trim pieces to break off.

While the Toyota RAV4 changed a lot from the Mk. I and Mk. II models, the Mk. III is basically an enlarged Mk. II design. Not bad, but it's not exactly the most innovative shape out there.