1999 Toyota RAV4 Review: Exterior

An aggressively styled grille and front fascia coupled with bold wheel treatments lend a ready-for-action look to the RAV4. Two-door versions come with a swing-open window on the rear driver's side, and all versions offer privacy glass. Our all-wheel-drive model sported four built-in tow hooks, ready for a tug off the tundra.

New this year for the RAV4L Special Edition models is the option of a sport leather interior in addition to color-keyed body cladding (as opposed to standard charcoal) for three new exterior hues.

With the split-folding rear seat folded flush, it can handle 57.9 cubic feet of goods. Rear seat leg space is the same as the two-door, which isn't that bad for the vehicle's size. The only complaint from our testers was getting in and out through the small rear doors.