There is something majestic about Toyota these days. The #1 manufacturer (in terms of quality) barely has time to pause and listen to the panegyrics. JD Power and Associates may take some credit in facilitating the car giant to post record sales. So can Consumer Reports. Both agencies listed the Camry as the ultimate family sedan. The Avalon, after barely a year on the circuit, has slipped up the ranks nicely and the Corolla is still the standard by which most small vehicles are judged. Now Car and Driver boosted the 4Runner by propping it on top of the SUV heap in a recent shoot-out. Even the exorbitantly marked Land Cruiser does nice business. So what, the question was posed in Tokyo, was the next frontier? Whoever said mini sport-ute that day five years ago might have had the foresight of Nostradamus, for loveaduck, the RAV 4 is here to kick some malnourished hiney. At least it looks like it can. Park it next to a Geo Tracker for a good laugh.

I was met with curious stares as I made my way through some local backroads recently; the purple RAV (Recreational Active Vehicle) was raising more than eyebrows. People ran off the roads following me in their rear-view mirrors.

The RAV's countenance makes it generally impossible to skulk around town. Purchase one of these and await the Tap Taps. Teens of either sex will accost you in a mall parking lot to confound you with impossible riddles, "Like, what is that, man?" So, either dangle a talisman to ward off the inevitable questions, or arm yourself with the right answers else you run the risk of being labeled another misinformed import buyer.

Since its debut last year, the Toyota has spent little time on dealers' lots, a phenomenon that has made a few in that stratum of society wealthy. Numbers are sketchy but the RAV exceeded all sales forecasts, an accomplishment that was greeted with haste on Honda's behalf. As I write, efforts are on to ready its RAV fighter--the CR-V--shipments of which will reach our shores later this year.

Although the RAV4 is a typically plucky Japanese automotive innovation, one wonders, on reflection, what could have possibly delayed its birth. After all, Suzuki was reeling off those Samurais since the beginning of time. So in a sense, the RAV is not a new concept. It is the only concept of its kind to enjoy mass marketing and only Toyota could have pulled off this coup d'état. That is what I mean when I say there is something majestic about Toyota; it takes unusual self-confidence to spring something like the RAV on the public. Styling, particularly, may have been the top concern since it is so easy to miss the mark with a package that finds limited appeal. The designers and the stylists must have looked on with bated breath as they let the RAV loose. Their efforts have resulted in something that lacks the brawny presence of the mighty Land Cruiser, but looks like the love child of the LC and the 4Runner. Not surprisingly, there are only two concrete opinions on the RAV--"Ugly!" and, "Oh sooo cute."

Tagging it "ugly" is perhaps a bit extreme, however, "cute" has its territorial problems. Men, it has been well established, scorch the earth to put distance between self and an object hitherto referred to as being "cute". While lack of adequate statistics hampers an inference, I dare say the RAV finds greater favor with the fairer sex. Which is a shame because I feel any man worth his salt should accept ownership of the mini-SUV with gusto. In fact, the RAV is the ideal vehicle for the male of the species to demonstrate what will, hopefully, be perceived as a unique show of sensitivity. It blends delicacy, refinement of behavior, and a pinch of macho, derring-do--a recipe that is bound to bring the factions together. Surely Mr. Toyoda couldn't have planned this bit.

While the RAV concept took far too long to materialize in real world numbers, its foray into the States, for a reason best known to the brass, followed its Japanese debut after two years. One can only theorize it was to save the Tracker. Which sources an interesting comparison: the RAV is 3.3" longer and 2.2" wider than the Geo, but has 4.1" more hip room up front and an overwhelming 11 more inches rear hip room. It also overpowers the Tracker; the 2.0 liter, 120bhp, inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve powerplant is both modern and trustworthy--an engine that served the previous Camry with distinction. Given its displacement the four banger turns in a champion effort, raking in the academic 60 mph mark in a tad over nine seconds. A V-6 would have been swifter and easier on the ears, but not so light on the wallet. Toyota's four speed auto is limited to the 4-door models.

Ingress and egress is what the mini-SUV is all about, and I chatted with many a thrilled senior citizen who wished the Miata, by Mazda, offered similar promise. Indeed, driving position is that unique level higher than a sedan--enough to execute prudent changes of lane, but not lofty enough to induce vertigo. Those accustomed to the Corolla, or the previous Camry will be pleased with the amiability of the vehicle. Tight turning circles and stowability are part of the parcel and the fluent highway ride is hardly an accident: the all-independent MacPherson strut and double wishbone set up are a light year ahead of the Tracker's. Two subframes sieve surface aberrations and the result is a supple ride reminiscent of a sedan, which, unless your experiences are limited to a Hyundai, is always a good thing. Expect a slightly choppier ride from the 2-doors since they scuttle around on much shorter wheelbases. As with all Toyotas structural integrity is fantastic--nothing short of a landmine can undermine the engineers' efforts.

The interior is clad in high quality materials and several components are common to Toyota's sedans--something that helps in maintaining the car-like ambiance. The dash's right angles are an awkward contrast to the vehicle's rumpiness, however, ergonomics are exquisite. There are a few personal touches that I understand are driving some delirious. Twin removable sunroofs, for example, have been greeted with more than cursory excitement as have the florid seat fabrics and the removable hatch mounted grocery bags. There are also various nooks and crannies, and a surfeit of cup holders.

All RAVs are allowed the option of a Torsen-type limited-slip rear differential that will either shift power to the wheel with the most traction, or split the torque between both wheels. 4WD versions have an air of abandon about them, simply because there are no levers to pull or knobs to push. Unless full time 4WD is imperative, I suggest the 2WD variety since they possess ample oomph to return you back to civilization after trampling the daisies. Save and spend on the smashing aluminum side-rails and the optional upgrade package (tilt, power locks/windows/mirrors, and premium stereo) instead.

So, is the RAV a capable substitute for a sedan? Toyota's Source Book, an informative tome distributed to all its sales associates, tickles the imagination by comparing the RAV to a perennial favorite in its price group, the Honda Civic DX--a collation that isn't fantastic--concluding that the former emerges with more horsepower, torque, head, hip, and cargo room as well as a longer powertrain warranty. While the mini-SUV is theoretically superior to most small sedans, its ultimate` fecundity rests with the buyer. I understand it appears I am merely horsing around the issue, but the gifted Toyota has raised a few exciting possibilities--while blanketing that uneasy niche between a sedan and a full-blown SUV. More choices and, yes, more confusion.

Verdict: Interesting concept lovingly executed.

Rav4 in Numbers:

Engine: 9
Transmission: 9
Acceleration: 8
Braking: 9
Visibility: 9
Handling: 9
Ride: 9
Steering: 9
Ergonomics: 10
Interior Accomodations: 10
Cargo/Utility: 10
Structural Integrity: 10
Styling: 10
Fit and Finish: 10
Safety: 9
Reliability: 10
Value for Money: 10

Copyright©1996, "Ride On", Mesmer Productions. All rights reserved.