Toyota's RAV4 moves the spare but stays nimble

Anyone who pays attention to other vehicles instantly recognizes the Toyota RAV4 from behind. Since the compact SUV was first introduced in 1996, it's always carted its spare tire on the back door.

But as part of its 2013 makeover, Toyota's ditching the exposed tire and tucking it where it belongs: Under the cargo floor. And the side-hinged gate that swings wide and could decapitate a toddler? That's been changed too; to lift up, rather than out.

It's all part of an overhaul of one of the first crossovers -- a category that's seeing more competition in today's value-oriented marketplace, as manufacturers roll out model after new model that marry the cargo space, visibility and four-wheel capability of larger SUVs with the fuel economy and handling of smaller cars.

For its fourth-generation redo, Toyota kicks its Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive into high gear, powering it with a fuel-conscious 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. The V6 option has been discontinued, as has the dated four-speed automatic transmission. That's been upgraded with a long-overdue six-speed, the gearing of which has been optimized to enhance mileage at low and high speeds.

New for 2013 is a drive-mode selector that lets operators switch between an eco option (that makes the accelerator feel as if it was shot with Novocain) and sport (which doesn't quite live up to its name). Toggling between the two modes, I averaged 24.3 miles per gallon -- just shy of the 26 mpg Toyota claims for the base model front-wheel drive version I tested for a day.

Like previous generations, the RAV4 is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the latter of which is equipped with Toyota's new dynamic torque control system and is probably worth the extra cost premium for those who drive aggressively or, less commonly, off-road.

Most RAV4 drivers restrict their four-wheeling to the asphalt, where it felt quiet and smooth, especially for its $23,300 starting price. To help reduce noise, the front windshield is made from acoustic glass that is also designed to absorb solar energy.

Under the screen are three climate-control knobs that are aesthetically appealing but so oversized they seem designed for the sight-impaired. Does Toyota expect RAV4 drivers to be catching air off road? More likely they were designed as a distracted driving antidote, allowing operators to easily grope for the knobs without taking their eyes off the road.

Design wise, the roofline is ever so slightly sloped toward the car's rear, tapering into a mini spoiler that incorporates a bright, LED brake light that highlights the dramatic change to its surgically altered back end, as if to say, "Look, Ma, no tire!"

While the sloped roof creates the illusion of diminished interior space, opening the rear gate instantly dispels the notion. Collapse the second row of this five-door five-seater and there's a satisfying 73.4 cubic feet of space. Even better, from a second-row-passenger perspective, is the amount of leg room. Even with the front seats rolled all the way back, there's a terrific amount of femur space for the gangly.