A 269-HP Toyota RAV4: The Affordable Sleeper SUV Gearheads Overlook

The Toyota RAV4 is known as a sensible family choice, but the third-generation model hid some real muscle. 5-liter V6 good for 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. 3 seconds. The V6 cost only about $2,000 more than the four-cylinder on each trim level.

At the time, rivals couldn't match it. The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester each made 180 hp, while the VW Tiguan managed 200 hp. The RAV4's power-to-weight ratio of 151.1 hp per ton easily beat the Tiguan's 116.9, the CR-V's 105.2, and the Forester's 101.1.

Used prices make the V6 RAV4 even more appealing. A tidy example with decent mileage can be found for around $10,000, while about $15,000 is the sweet spot for a well-kept later Sport or Limited. The 2GR-FE engine is known to reach 250,000 miles with proper maintenance. Early 2006-2008 models can suffer from excessive oil consumption, and water pumps and ignition coils may need replacement around 30,000-40,000 miles.

RepairPal estimates annual repair costs at about $419, compared with $676 for a Forester and $909 for a Tiguan. For a family-friendly SUV with real personality, the third-gen RAV4 V6 is tough to beat.