Wife and I are car shopping to replace her '96 Toyota Landcruiser. While I may hold onto it for pin transport, I'd like to consider our new 2013/14 SUV finalists for pin-toting capability...

Toyota RAV4: Cargo space looks cavernous, with fold-flat rear seating and plenty of height.
Subaru Forester: Cargo area looks a little bit tighter, but I think a pin would fit okay
Subaru Xv Crosstrek: I think we're pushing it here. Then again I saw that Pinsider that put a pin in a Honda fit!
Subaru Outback: As with the others recently redesigned. A possibility.

Not into the Honda CRV, or larger SUVs. While I know they'd fit a pin or two with ease, it's just more than we need.

Okay then ... crickets. Well we made a decision quicker than expected. Now in the driveway:

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Cargo area was quite large. Haven't tested it with a pin (yet), but I have no doubt there's room for the largest of pins (except a Hercules).

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If all else fails I'm keeping our Landcruiser for now...

My new project vehicle (cuz I need more projects. )

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Combination of past experience, Consumer Reports rating, visits to two dealers (with test drives) and the competition (Subaru).

The LC has 197k and still running strong. It needs some work ... kinda like shopping a pin, just different parts and repair procedures. Hmmm, I'm sure the engine hardware would look nice tumbled!

Oh, and no trade-in ... the dealer won't take a car that old. I'm fine with it. It's still a very cool vehicle ... and becoming quite a cult classic. There's a pretty serious following over at www.ih8mud.com where I'm a member.

Good to know, thanks!

I kinda like the utilitarian look of the tire ...but the 2013/14 is nice.

Holding onto the Landcruiser for now. You'll be surprised how much cargo room the Rav4 has, so no worries either way.

Believe me I can't wait to test it. Right now the garage is getting a workout while I fix my other vehicles ... but when I get a chance I'll be testing the Rav4 out.

MPG on the new Rav4 is 24/31/26 (city/highway/combined)

Standard is FWD, we went with the optional All-Wheel Drive.

The experience at the dealer was excellent (Crestmont Toyota in Wayne, NJ). As it turns out our daughter is now fast-forward into buying replacement for her 2001 Volvo S60 I gave her a while back. She test drove the Corolla and really likes it. Also checked out the Honda Civic - which is real nice too, but a bit more money. Either would be an excellent choice.

I have an aging BMW Z4 Roadster ... and while I love the car I was pretty impressed with both Toyota and Honda offerings. It's going to be hard to say no to them when It's time for me to trade up. I think the value is pretty darn good ... and I'm a staunch follower of Consumer Reports - if they like it, I like it.

The Outback we looked at "seemed" roomy enough. I was concerned about height though ... I'm thinking no based on your experience.

The Forester however looked like it had plenty of room ... one of my few gripes though was just the design ... boring exterior and cheapy-looking interior. I know Subaru's strength is reliability and performance. It really was a nice vehicle, but in comparison the Rav4 won out by a mile.

Yes, just hauled a Flintstones home about a month ago. Easy loading height and plenty of room to spare. I agree with Nexyss on the motor and towing package. We have the Rav4 Limited, plenty of power there..

BTW, my beloved Landcruiser is gone. Sold to a fixer that was shipping it to Africa.

Looked it up, I guess it does. Seems to be plenty of power to me. Really all we need.

Funny thing is I owned a Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser ... both with enough towing capacity pull most anything, but you know I never did actually tow a darn thing. Sure spent a ton on gas with them though.