MSRP: $28,350Our Pick: $36,880 XSE Hybrid LimitedMPG: 41/38Capacity: five passengersMax Cargo Space: 69.8 cubic feet It should be known, too, that the RAV4, according to J.D. Power, is one of the most reliable cars on this list, and this XSE gets a plethora of safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, advanced cruise control that keeps you at a constant distance from the car you’re following, lane-keeping, and rear cross-traffic braking and cross-traffic alert. The auto-dimming high-beams are also a stand-out feature, making it possible to default to the greater reach of that brighter light for more visibility. If you need to drive on sand or snow, the XSE Hybrid Limited gets a multi-mode setting for its transmission, including settings for sand and snow that help prevent you from getting stuck. On the street, performance won’t quite stir your loins, but it still jets to 60mph in 7.4 seconds — not bad for a hybrid. And with the uprated suspension of the XSE, handling is confident. But let’s be honest: You’re getting it because it’s capable, roomy, pretty dang plush, and blowing (relatively) less carbon into the atmosphere. All good things.
