Subaru Crosstrek vs. Toyota RAV4: Best Compact SUV for New Mexico
Choosing an SUV in New Mexico is a little different from choosing one somewhere that stays flat and predictable. Around Albuquerque and near Rio Rancho, a normal week can include highway commuting, rough pavement, summer heat, sudden monsoon rain, and a weekend trip into the mountains. Add camping, skiing, hiking, or exploring forest roads, and all-wheel drive and ground clearance start to matter just as much as touchscreen size. That brings us to two popular choices: the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4. They’re not identical in size, the Toyota RAV4 is the larger vehicle, but there’s enough overlap in price, capability, and everyday usefulness that many shoppers will reasonably consider both. For New Mexico drivers, we give the overall advantage to the Subaru Crosstrek . The Toyota RAV4 counters with more cargo room and excellent hybrid efficiency, but the Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, compact dimensions, and available Wilderness mo...