By Neil Moore

While it's often true that "less is more", even in automotive circles, Toyota engineers discovered quite the opposite with the current generation RAV4.

Early models were undersized and lightly powered, with too much cladding and a bobbed, cutesy look that was hard to take seriously.

Later versions inched up in size and power, but it wasn't until 2006 (when the third generation hit showroom floors) that the RAV4 finally grew up.

For starters, this 'sport cute' took on more classic SUV styling to go with its growth spurt and the jump in size was dramatic. Nearly 16 inches were added in length, and over 3 inches in width and height. The result was more cargo room, substantially more legroom in the second row (5.7 inches) and an available third row.

In terms of size, this put the RAV4 squarely among its direct competitors, like Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Tucson. And with an available 3.5 litre V6, the same one that ably powers the larger and much heavier Highlander SUV, it boasted significantly more muscle than most.

The base engine, a 2.4 litre DOHC four cylinder, has since been replaced by a 2.5-litre four that delivers a reasonable179 hp and 172 lb/ft of torque (remember when you needed a V6 to get that kind of power?).

And the 3.5-litre V6, which hasn't changed since '06, ups that by another 90 horses to deliver a whopping 269 hp and 246 lb/ft of torque. For a family hauler, the V6-powered RAV4 is blazingly fast, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds.

I've heard gripes that Toyota has gone a bit overboard with the power. Funny, I haven't witnessed similar complaints about the BMW X3 xDrive 30i (starting at $45,900), the Audi Q5 (starting at $43,500) or even the Acura RDX (starting at $39,900). And the RAV4 4WD V6, which starts at $29,595, offers more horsepower than two of these.

Sure, the more upscale 'utes target a different market segment than the RAV4, but they all serve pretty much the same purpose, that of hauling people and their stuff in comfort, with the added benefit of all-wheel-drive ability. Are middle income earners not entitled to a bit of sizzle and fun?

Which is what my tester for the week, the 2010 RAV4 V6 Sport, provided: plenty of quickness and agility, along with an equal dose of practicality.

The 2010 RAV4 is available in a total of five two-wheel-drive and six 4WD versions: 2WD (four-cylinder) in standard, Sport and Limited trim; 2WD V6 in Sport and Limited; 4WD (four-cylinder or V6) in standard, Sport and Limited.

All are five-passenger models, but you can order the RAV4 4WD V6 with a seven-passenger Package that adds third-row seating.

Aside from passenger and cargo capacity, one of the reasons many buyers opt for an SUV is safety. All 2010 RAV4s come with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. And with winter on the way, vehicle stability control and traction control give an added safety edge on slippery roads.

The V6-powered models also get Hill Start Assist Control (which helps prevent rolling back when starting on an incline) and Downhill Assist Control (to help control speed when descending). Two-wheel-drive models feature an automatic limited slip differential and 4WD RAV4s get Toyota's Active Torque Control System to delegate power to the front and rear wheels as needed.

Driver and passengers are also protected by dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags and roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags, not to mention active front headrests with whiplash protection.

Like many other small SUVs, the RAV4 offers excellent road manners and a very car-like ride. Its longer wheelbase contributes to this, as does the suspension with MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar up front, and double wishbone, coil springs and stabilizer bar in rear.

The suspension has been sport-tuned front and back on the 'Sport' trim levels.

All RAV4s also provide a generous suite of standard features that includes air conditioning; power windows and locks with keyless entry; power heated mirrors with integrated turn signals; six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA capability, an input for portable players and auto sound levelizing; high visibility Optitron gauges that include a fuel economy meter and outside temperature; and tilt/telescoping steering.

Each trim level comes with its own list of additional features, which you can find on the company web site, but here are a few of the highlights from my tester, which in addition to being a 'Sport' edition (V6 Sport 4WD $32,045) was optioned up with the 'Sport Appearance Package,' available on this particular trim level for another $2,590.

The Sport version includes premium cloth seats with manual adjustments in front; power moon roof; full-size spare tire with colour-keyed moulded cover, 18-inch alloys; roof rails with crossbars; fender flares and sport-grade rear spoiler.

The Sport Appearance Package adds a redesigned rear door that eliminates the door-mounted spare tire and instead provides run-flat tires. You also get some additional bling that includes chrome exhaust tip, rear trunk chrome trim and special badging.

Also part of the package are eight-way power adjustable driver's seat; leather seat surfaces (heated in front); simulated leather door trim; chrome inner door handles and interior trim; and a tire pressure monitoring system.

I found the interior both attractive and well laid out. Gauges are well-lit and shrouded to minimize glare, and are attractively ringed in a metallic finish. Knobs and buttons are large enough to adjust with gloved hands and controls are intuitive.

The perforated leather seating is comfortable and supportive, and all materials reflect Toyota's legendary commitment to quality fit and finish.

There's also plenty of storage, including an upper and lower glove box, centre console box (with power outlet), overhead sunglass storage, pockets on the front seat backs, door map pockets and a large storage box under the rear deck. It is carpeted to minimize noises and rattles.

Also in back, you'll find 1.015 cubic metres of cargo space behind the second row, and 2.074 cubic metres when you fold the seats flat. Tie-down rings help keep the load secure.

Pricing for the RAV4 ranges from $24,345 for the 4-cylinder base 2WD to $36,990 for the V6 Limited 4WD with Leather and JBL package. The premium to go from 4-cylinder to V6 is not huge - for example there was only a $1,755 difference between my V6-powered tester and the smaller engine.

And there's not much of a fuel penalty if you choose the V6: 11.1/ 7.7/ 9.6 litres/100km (city/highway/combined) compared with 9.7/ 7.2/ 8.6 (city/highway/combined) for the four.

Which leads me to the conclusion that if you can have your cake and eat it too, why not?

The 2010 RAV4 is both comfortable and roomy for a small SUV, can be optioned up to entry-lux levels, and with the 3.5-litre V6 engine offers an added kick that will put a smile on your face without hurting your pocketbook.

Toyota RAV4 V6 Sport 4WD 2010 at a glance:

BODY STYLE: compact SUV

DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, four-wheel-drive

ENGINE (as tested): 3.5-litre with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (269 hp, 246 lb/ft of torque)

TOWING CAPACITY: 3,500 lbs with V6 engine

FUEL ECONOMY: 11.1/ 7.7/ 9.6 litres/100km (city/highway/combined)

PRICE: $32,045 plus $2,590 for Sport Appearance Package

WEBSITE: www.toyota.ca