The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market right now. In fact, only the Ford Escape is a better seller in this segment. More importantly, since 2005, the little Toyota has been enjoying a steady rise in sales while its arch nemesis, the Honda CR-V (third on sales charts) has been experiencing a slight decline over the past year.

Toyota offers nine -- that's right, nine -- different models with the 2009 RAV4.

The sustained popularity of the RAV4 is certainly the result of its wide range of available models. Unlike the CR-V, which only comes as a 5-passenger, 4-cylinder SUV, the RAV4 offers 5- or 7-passenger seating as well as a fuel-efficient four-banger or a powerful V6.

Let’s go with the powerful V6
The latest generation of this compact ute, introduced for 2006, received some notable changes under the hood as part of its 2009 mid-cycle update. First, the 4-cylinder engine now displaces 2.5 litres (instead of 2.4) and produces 179 horsepower (instead of 166). That’s 13 horsepower more than a comparable CR-V.

This thrifty performer, which averages 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres according to the automaker, has won over many consumers since the beginning of the year. Insider sources claim that the demand for the smaller mill has increased by 40 percent, most likely due to the economic crisis.

One of the highlights of the Toyota RAV4 used to be its potent, Avalon-derived 3.5-litre V6. Mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, it still generates an impressive 269 horsepower which, given the vehicle’s 1,600 kilos or so, makes for an equally impressive power-to-weight ratio.

When clocked, the RAV4 V6 reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in less than 8 seconds… with an autobox, mind you! Meanwhile, the 4-cylinder model (with 4-speed transmission) takes a little over 10 seconds to get to the same speed. No manual gearbox is available.

Is all that power justified in a family-oriented vehicle? I’m not so sure. Of course, some will use this argument to fuel conversations and impress their neighbors.

Unlike its arch nemesis, the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 can be powered by a potent V6.

Sure enough, from a practical standpoint, the V6-powered RAV4 allows owners to tow up to 1,587 kilos -- like a trailer carrying two personal watercraft or snowmobiles -- whereas the 4-cylinder equivalent tops out at 680 kilos. Now that’s pretty interesting for a V6 that burns as little as 10.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in real-world driving conditions (9.4 L/100 km according to Toyota).

Depending on the trim level, the 2009 RAV4 V6 4WD rides on 17- or 18-inch wheels.

4WD makes things even more interesting!
As mentioned earlier, the model range is quite diversified. There are five front-wheel drive (FWD) and six 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations to choose from. The latter feature Active Torque 4WD technology with manual 4-wheel lock. Electronically-controlled coupling at the front and rear differentials controls torque between the front and rear wheels, which enables the RAV4 to continuously switch from FWD to 4WD depending on driving conditions.

In normal use, including low-speed cornering manoeuvres, very little torque is transferred to the rear wheels. However, as soon as the system detects wheelspin, torque is distributed to the other wheels with grip.

The manual 4-wheel lock comes in handy when the vehicle sinks. Simply push the big button to the right of the steering wheel and the system will lock the differential in a 55/45 torque split. Applying the brakes or accelerating beyond 40 km/h will deactivate the system.

Comprehensive equipment
The 2009 Toyota RAV4 boasts surprising size. Longer and taller than the Escape, it also offers class-leading cargo room. The passenger compartment, meanwhile, will easily accommodate four adults -- five if need be.

The bucket seats are as comfortable and supportive as one could wish for. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seat is mounted on rails. Finally, the 50-50 split-folding third-row seat (as found in my RAV4 Base V6 4WD tester) is essentially suited for young kids -- definitely not adults or teenagers. I’d say it’s a questionable option, especially at about $1,500. If you really need 7-passenger seating, go for a Toyota Highlander (even a used one).

I should also tell you that the cargo floor in my tester was covered with a pale grey carpet. If that’s the case of your RAV4, you’d be wise to select the vinyl liner in the accessory menu to ensure a long-lasting cargo area.

The light tone of the lower dashboard makes the whole interior feel roomier.

If the RAV4 manages to offer class-leading cargo room, it’s because of the fact that the full-size spare tire is mounted on the rear hatch instead of underneath the trunk. That’s great, but it also makes the hatch heavier, so much so that it can close all by itself as a simple result of gravity. Plus, it opens sideways… to the right. That’s not a problem in Japan, a country with left-hand traffic, but in Canada, the rear door of the RAV4 blocks access to the sidewalk and exposes you to traffic. What’s more, you need about a full meter of clearance behind the vehicle to open it. Bear that in mind when parking in an underground lot!

The usually ultra-accommodating trunk of the RAV4 is partly handicapped by the optional 2-passenger third-row seat. Yet, the latter is only suitable for small kids.

Pleasant driving dynamics
Aside from its eminently functional interior, the Toyota RAV4 appeals to a lot of consumers with its on-road behavior. The fully-independent suspension ensures both a smooth ride and limited body roll while offering a nice amount of travel on rough, bumpy surfaces.

At low speeds, the steering feels light, maybe a bit too light if you ask me. On the other hand, the power assist system delivers a more accurate feel of the road at higher speeds. Braking is taken care of by four disc brakes, the action of which is progressive and easy to modulate. This undeniably makes the driving experience more pleasant, as does the short turning radius for parking manoeuvres.

My tester featured Toyota’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Both can be deactivated by the driver at any time. Also included were Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). These systems are exclusive to V6 4WD models and boost the RAV4’s off-road agility.

That’s right: the 2009 Toyota RAV4 can also tackle dirt roads and mountain trails. Of course, it’s nowhere near a Jeep Wrangler, which is a good thing when you think about it. After all, the farther you go off the beaten path, the harder it is to come back on if you happen to get stuck.