As other editors have noted, the Toyota RAV4's interior has a budget feel that's a little hard to get comfortable with given our '06 Limited model's $27,824 price tag. Yet, somehow I find it more acceptable than the random bits of cheapness in our long-term '07 Camry LE V6 ($27,227). Indeed, I'm a hypocrite. I think it's because in the RAV, the evidence of cost-cutting is fairly comprehensive -- it's furnished like a Corolla, so the plastics are all smooth and low in gloss, just of average quality...
It's probably also because the RAV4 is a lot more fun to drive than the Camry. Given the choice between these two, I'd take the sport-ute option. Fuel economy is almost the same (22 city/29 highway for the RAV4 vs. 22/31 for the Camry), curb weight is within 100 lbs, and I actually like going around corners in the RAV. The only thing I don't like (other than the torque steer we discussed in the Introduction) is the brake pedal's somewhat vague feel. Instead of a progressive stroke, it just feels kind of mushy.
Erin Riches, Senior Content Editor
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