No longer a cute ute, neither is the RAV4 anywhere near a brute ute. Still, the overall design of the 2007 model is more serious and more substantive than those built a few years ago. There are fewer superfluous curves and less cladding, presenting a more finished appearance.

This latest RAV4's front end contains all the same elements found on older models, but more tautly composed. The rectangular grille is rounder, the slits below more symmetrical. Headlights are more compact, fog lamps smaller and more focused. A wide track gives the RAV4 a more solid stance, which is good news for resisting rollover in emergency maneuvers.

A boxier shape defines the side view, the better to accommodate that third-row seat. From the front quarter oblique, the fatter, more upright C-pillar and taillight housing remind us of the Subaru Tribeca, a larger, seven-passenger SUV priced a notch or two above the RAV4. An understated indent runs along the bottom of the doors, softening the visual impression of bulk. Wheel arches blend smoothly into the fenders.

In back, a single-piece rear bumper cradles the swing-open gate, which, sadly, still opens from the left side, so you have to walk around it when unloading curbside here in America. Taillights are positioned fairly high on the rear fenders. The spare tire bolts into a recess offset to the right in the swing-gate, and doesn't dip below the bumper line. The rear license plate visually balances the spare by bolting into the lower left of the swing-gate, beneath a Toyota logo and RAV4 badge.