Toyota RAV4 has a decidedly eye-catching price for the sporty ride it provides drivers with. It lineup starts at a reasonable $24,485 and includes such standard niceties as 16-inch wheels and tires; tumble forward and removable rear seats; CD/MP3 player; and power windows and door locks. There are three differentials in the RAV: a viscous coupling center differential and an open differential at each axle. The viscous coupling directs power front-to-rear as required and each axle's differential controls side-to-side power. Brakes and suspension are fairly typical for this class: front discs and MacPherson struts in front, with rear drums and an independent wishbone setup maximizing control in the rear. It is stylish and useful, and comes with Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. Toyota RAV4 handles well and feels stable out on the open road.

2004 Toyota RAV4 is offered in one base model. It is a four-door wagon with seating for five. When you add everything up, the compact SUV provides 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It retains 4-cyl power, but swaps a 148-hp 2.0 for a 161-hp 2.4. It comes with manual transmission or extra-cost automatic and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. An antiskid/traction-control system is new for '04. The new engine is a 2.4-liter I4. It pumps out 161 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 165 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2004 Toytoa RAV4 can be had with 5-speed manual transmission or an extra-cost 4-speed automatic transmission. It's bigger, faster, safer, smoother riding and better handling.

Compare this RAV4 with the new 2004 Element.

2004 Element

2004 Honda Element is expected to attain the highest rank for front and side impact protection in upcoming crash tests. It features such as dual-stage front airbags and 3-point seat belts. Once you close the reinforced side cargo doors, vertical beams add to the reinforced frame. The front seats have acres of headroom and there's no center tunnel between the front seats to get in the way. The rear seats are roomy as well. They are raised off the floor a couple of inches higher than the front seats so that rear seat passengers can look over the front seats for better visibility. One of the most talked-about features on the Element is its pillarless rear-hinged doors. With no B-pillars to get in the way, there's easy access to the rear. The floor is covered in a urethane-coated material that resists water, dirt and scratches, and is easily cleaned. The front seats are coated in a waterproof material designed for easy cleaning as well. It has caused a storm of excitement and enthusiasm.

Compare the Toyota's new RAV4 with the Element, Escape hybrid and last years 2003 Equinox.

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