Tartallini 
2014 Toyota RAV4 SUV XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Road hugging AWD performance
 When my 2003 Toyota 4Runner hit the 197K mark and needed a 4K repair, I started looking at other vehicles and found the 2014 Toyota RAV4 AWD XLE. For me it is the best blend of Toyota styling, performance, reliability and fuel economy, with the perks of fun to drive (SPORT mode), roomy cargo, comfort, optional equipment and good MPG and safety ratings.I purchased a Certified used (newly off lease) which came with a 1 year 12,000 mile warranty and 27K miles on it.Mine has a roof rack with bars, Etune infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth and apps, and sunroof. I added a hitch via Uhaul (installation with lifetime warranty about two-fifty), to use the CURT 18153 Basket Style Cargo Carrier I'd used with my 4Runner.What I like about this vehicle...☆ Drives like a car versus a truck or larger SUV, making it more fun to drive!☆ Excellent head and leg room for all passengers. Driver of 6'3" had no problem with head room to spare!☆ Tight turning radius makes it easy to pull into tight parking spaces.☆ Comfortable seating all around. Rear bench seats even recline!☆ Highest capacity cargo space in the compact SUV class.☆ Fog lights work very well to enhance bad weather driving.☆ SPORT mode (on demand all-wheel-drive mode) makes the vehicle hug the road; cornering with no slippage, and is very peppy!☆ ECO mode for around town where boosts of acceleration isn't really needed is great for sipping fuel.☆ Good visibility despite a smaller back window.☆ Toyota reliability has been very good for me, giving me peace of mind with this purchase.☆ Toyota RAV4's hold their resale value, especially with AWD.☆ Back up camera works well and if you let off the gas while in drive, you can put the transmission into reverse while you're traveling forward (as shown to me by the dealer... I'm not sure I'd trust it to do it myself...) making the backup lights come on IN traffic. Works to get those who are tailgating ease off your bumper!☆ Spare tire is easily accessed by lifting the floor of the cargo area. (Not full-sized.)☆ Backseat has flip down armrest with cup holders, and no center hump on the floor to contend with if you are the 5th passenger seated in the middle of the backseat.☆ Flattening the cargo area is easy to do, and two sets of golf clubs in bags can fit near the opening when placed horizontally.☆ Interior lighting; reading lights for driver and passenger, cabin light overhead, and rear cargo light as well as courtesy lighting that goes on when the car is put into part and doors are opened.☆ Excellent ETune navigation and info-entertainment center. Paired with my iPhone 5S easily to make calls and stream music, and the sound quality from 6 speakers after adjusting treble, bass, mids and fader, was great!☆ Fit and finish of the entire vehicle is very good.☆ Daytime running lights.☆ Setting for AUTO means headlights and external lighting (not running lights) turn on with key, and off when ignition is off. AUTO setting on headlight settings must be left on the 3rd position to engage this feature. (Check page 216 of Owner's Manual for more.)☆ Well placed gas hatch cover release on floor to left of driver seat. Takes unleaded fuel.☆ The lines of the 2014 model (particularly the front grill and back end) are attractive (at least to me) by comparison to the 2016's and 17's.---------------------------------------What I wish was better...➤ XLE model has an adjustable driver's seat, but it's manual; back n' forth, up and down, and seat back - no lumbar support.➤ Storage cubbies exist, but the flip down sunglasses holder I used daily in my 4Runner doesn't exist in the RAV4. I miss it...➤ Recommended roof rack weight limit is only #100.➤ Some wind noise inside the cabin during a particularly blustery drive. (Maybe it's just my vehicle and a door seal that needs attention?)➤ Gas mileage varies widely depending upon what 'mode' you are driving in with an average of 25 for varied highway and in town driving.➤ Takes synthetic oil, which is more expensive to have changed. (Consider buying in bulk and bringing your own when you get it done to save a little money.)➤ Cabin noise is more noticeable than in the Honda CRV of the same year or newer.➤ Can be a bumpy ride, but I think your perception of this will vary based upon what else you have driven.➤ Rear hatch release tough to find (rubbery handle on back at center near camera) - no remote release.➤ Tiered dash means passenger's knees may get bumped when getting in and out.**The model I have has a smart-key, not push button ignition as seen in some newer models. Some of the features on the vehicle (like headlights) act differently as mentioned in the Owner's Manual.I had seriously considered purchasing the newest RAV4's, Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Subaru Outback and Mazda CX5, but chose the 2014 Toyota RAV4 as for me it offered the best driving experience, size, comfort and value.