Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). They set minds thinking - what is the whole point about these tall, clunky cars? They kill driving joy, and can be loathesome to run in town.
These cars also require better developed fiscal muscle to own (and maintain).
But for the well heeled, no other car has been able to lug goods around town with better charisma (SUVs are definitely a more stylish lot than the usual bread vans).
But one thing is certain - SUVs have become a big hit onboard our shores.
Exterior
As much as taste differs and aesthetic appeal depends on individuals, the Sportage is outstanding in the looks department. The Koreans have been keen in shedding their 'skin', bestowing new models with revolutionary designs and space-age decorations.
Hence, it is of little surprise that the Sportage has a vivid showcase of contemporary styling. And among the trio the Sportage looks adeptly modern, even when it is not the freshest out of the oven.
The RAV4, on the other hand, feels like a new iteration of an old model - one that links the curious present with the fond past.
These cars also require better developed fiscal muscle to own (and maintain).
But for the well heeled, no other car has been able to lug goods around town with better charisma (SUVs are definitely a more stylish lot than the usual bread vans).
But one thing is certain - SUVs have become a big hit onboard our shores.
Exterior
As much as taste differs and aesthetic appeal depends on individuals, the Sportage is outstanding in the looks department. The Koreans have been keen in shedding their 'skin', bestowing new models with revolutionary designs and space-age decorations.
Hence, it is of little surprise that the Sportage has a vivid showcase of contemporary styling. And among the trio the Sportage looks adeptly modern, even when it is not the freshest out of the oven.
The RAV4, on the other hand, feels like a new iteration of an old model - one that links the curious present with the fond past.
History lessons aside, the new RAV4 carries a slight reminisce of the iconic FJ cruiser. The wedge-shaped tail lamps bring back an air of novelty, and a certain degree of eccentricity - both of which in abundance on the FJ.
In comparison, the CR-V's looks can be better described as conservative. It is like the better behaved among a bunch of hyperactive kids.
The CR-V does without the funkiness of the RAV4 or the flashy character of the Sportage. Instead, it exudes maturity and is well groomed amidst the pack, filling in the guardian role.
In comparison, the CR-V's looks can be better described as conservative. It is like the better behaved among a bunch of hyperactive kids.
The CR-V does without the funkiness of the RAV4 or the flashy character of the Sportage. Instead, it exudes maturity and is well groomed amidst the pack, filling in the guardian role.
Interior
The all new RAV4 gets a fully revamped interior. Owing its bragging rights to the new dashboard, the design is genuinely fresh and inviting to look at, while buttons and switches are simple and easy to work with.
The two-tone upholstery may not be to everyone's taste, but it does its part to liven up the ambience. The gear lever is flanked by the handbrake lever, which gives a more intuitive and car-like driving experience.
However, not all is merry in the RAV4. The rump loses precious boot space to its protruding spare cover, and we reckon this is one key area which prospective SUV buyers will be looking into.
The cabin remains as one of the areas which the CR-V excels in. Littered with quality bits, the CR-V charms with genuine quality, though aesthetically it may feel less modernistic than the RAV4.
The rear quarters are also commendable for its all round generous allowances, whereas in the RAV4 there is less shoulder room, while the Sportage is hampered by shorter legroom.
The Sportage, on the other hand, is dulled by its less attractive interior. More often your fingers are met with plastics which are cheap to the feel. Although the interior design is faultless, it would have been more appealing if more quality bits were used.
That said, the Sportage makes up for the slight lack of quality with quantity. It comes with a large array of standard equipments - the only one to sport ventilated seat for the driver and sunroof in this test.
The RAV4's boot measures 506 litres - the smallest in this shootout. The Sportage tugs a respectable 564 litres, but is hampered by its taller boot sill, which makes loading a tad more difficult. On the other hand, standing at 589 litres, the CR-V's boot is the most spacious and usable.
That said, the Sportage makes up for the slight lack of quality with quantity. It comes with a large array of standard equipments - the only one to sport ventilated seat for the driver and sunroof in this test.
The RAV4's boot measures 506 litres - the smallest in this shootout. The Sportage tugs a respectable 564 litres, but is hampered by its taller boot sill, which makes loading a tad more difficult. On the other hand, standing at 589 litres, the CR-V's boot is the most spacious and usable.
The Drive
It is no secret that bigger and taller cars take away a wee bit of driving fun. In piloting these trio around town, we realised the usual suspects may have taken a slight swop - it is the Korean that has more linearity in its get-up-and-go.
The law of physics cannot simply be outwitted. The Japanese are heavyweights among the trio (pardon the pun), with the CR-V tipping the scales at just over 1.5 tonne and the RAV4 a good 50kg more at 1,565kg.
On the other hand, the Sportage weighs a dietary 1.4 tonne. This has no doubt helped the Korean to get off the line in a more sprightly manner.
In terms of drive, however, it is the Honda which gets our vote. While all three cars drive have lesser involvement as expected from their taller height and clumsier chassis, the CR-V has a more solid steering feel, making it a better drive.
During our stint with the cars, the RAV4 achieved 11.8km/L. The CR-V, though the heaviest, was the most frugal at 13km/L while the Sportage managed 10.5km/L.
It is no secret that bigger and taller cars take away a wee bit of driving fun. In piloting these trio around town, we realised the usual suspects may have taken a slight swop - it is the Korean that has more linearity in its get-up-and-go.
The law of physics cannot simply be outwitted. The Japanese are heavyweights among the trio (pardon the pun), with the CR-V tipping the scales at just over 1.5 tonne and the RAV4 a good 50kg more at 1,565kg.
On the other hand, the Sportage weighs a dietary 1.4 tonne. This has no doubt helped the Korean to get off the line in a more sprightly manner.
In terms of drive, however, it is the Honda which gets our vote. While all three cars drive have lesser involvement as expected from their taller height and clumsier chassis, the CR-V has a more solid steering feel, making it a better drive.
During our stint with the cars, the RAV4 achieved 11.8km/L. The CR-V, though the heaviest, was the most frugal at 13km/L while the Sportage managed 10.5km/L.
Conclusion
If you think any of these would be a clear choice for practicality and driving fun, we will have to rewind, and start all over. Then again, these cars have been hugely popular on our shores.
The CR-V will still be the choice for more discerning drivers. It also carries the best utility, with a commodious interior and big boot that put the others to shy. That said, the CR-V will set you back $165,900 (as of 15th May 2013) - a pricely $30k more than the Sportage.
The RAV4, on the other hand, retails at a rather steep $174,988 (our test car came with a $9,000 premium package which includes two-tone interior trim, memory power tailgate and chrome bumper plating among others).
There is a general feel good quotient about the RAV4, which we reckon has much credits to its more distinctive styling and good overall package. Unfortunately, the boot size may be its Achilles heel for drivers who are looking for an SUV.
Last, but not least, the Sportage has looks that are easy to fall for. Matched with an equally potent drivetrain and ample gadgets that come with a relatively small tag of $129,999, it's surprisingly hard to ignore the Sportage's appeal.
For that, the keen Korean truely deserves our vote.
