Toyota Rav4 (Japan, 2013-present)

Toyota revealed the fourth generation RAV4 at the LA Auto Show. It keeps the four-cylinder engine from the previous generation but drops the old four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 from the previous generation will not be in the new generation.

The new design is far more angular than the previous generation. The front grill has a slight V-shape. While in the rear, the hatch in hinged from the top for the first time as opposed to from the side like the previous ones.

Following current trends the new car is smaller than the one it replaces. It is two inches shorter, width is up 1.1in and wheelbase is the same.

The car uses more high strength steel than previous versions, which reduces weight. However, the fourth generation weighs roughly the same as the previous generation because Toyota added more sound deadening and insullation to make up the weight.

Inside, th...