 After driving four other brands in the Rav4 class, we felt it was the best compromise of spacious interior, comfort and mileage. The ability of the back seats to fold flat easily was a factor when compared with Volkswagen. A conventional automatic transmission was our choice over the Subaru and Honda CVT. The ride quality and looks of the VW and Subaru was superior to the Rav4 however.After 5000 miles in the Toyota  I  would recommend driving some additional cars before selecting the Rav4. The cold start up is very annoying, instantly going to 2400 rpm instead of just starting and idling. The dealer says that is "normal". It may be normal, if so,  Toyota needs to change the design. Also the stereo is not intuitive to set up or use. You cannot delete a station, it can only be replaced with another, and occasionally  the touch screen seems to lock up and refuses any command.This is my first automatic transmission car in a very long time, so I've had to make very sure not to use my left foot. If you even touch the brake pedal while accelerating the ecm commands the engine to idle. At least that's what Toyota says I did when attempting to merge into traffic and the throttle had no response. An interesting solution to unintended acceleration!The Rav4 seems to be a dependable, use full automobile that is uninspired in every category so far.As a follow up to the original review, Toyota and the local dealer say that the extremely hi rpm start is working as designed and that here is no way to change the idle. As to the brakes, they to are operating as designed- soft and mushy. I'm impressed with the increasing power the engine has  as it starts to break in. Also the small turning radius of the car is very impressive. So, a great working car that doesn't make me love it.