RAV4 Still Too Cute-Looking for Guys, But it’s Great for Moms

2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport

model as tested $30,938

Test Drove 3/12/09 – 3/19/09
reviewed by Sara Lacey

What’s the definition of a chick car? More reasonable (read: female) creatures will look at the 2009 Toyota RAV4 and say it’s a sleek, handsome SUV, but what pushes the RAV4 into chick-car territory is the fact that it can be described as “cute” or “small.” Instantly, all masculine street cred is kicked to the adorable pink curb of chick-cardom.

Don’t be alarmed. Chick-cardom doesn’t actually harm the driver, except when, say, a man is driving. In this case, damage to manhood and manly image may be irreparable. However, this is one of those times when being a chick is a good thing, because you can drive a fun SUV without fear or judgment.

Case in point: The RAV4 I tested was manly looking with its Black Forest Pearl (blue-green-black) exterior paint color. It even has some sleek, masculine fenders (notice I didn’t say “curves”). The interior was a Dark Charcoal color, which is the only option in the Sport trim level. Yet several dudes I know claimed it was a chick car, and all conversation about the RAV4 subsided. That’s too bad, because the RAV4 is moderately fun and very flexible — and for crying out loud, it’s not like it was lavender-colored or something.

I’ll admit that its four-cylinder engine might have hurt the RAV4’s attempts at masculinity. While perfect for this girly-girl mom-reviewer’s errand-running, I’m not sure it’s quite burly enough for those Y-chromosomers who need a powerful car to feel good (I’m not saying this about all of you guys out there, of course). There is a V-6 available for more money, if you need more power. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a two-wheel-drive RAV4 is 22/28 mpg city/highway with the four-cylinder and 19/27 mpg with the V-6.

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