The beloved RAV4 was strategically reborn as a compact crossover this year, and Toyota is betting on capturing the hearts of SUV-loving Koreans by competing with Honda’s CRV, Volkswagen’s Tiguan and, more importantly, Hyundai’s Santa Fe.

This year’s model is the car’s third facelift, and the Japanese carmaker expects to do some serious damage to its rivals, a pledge conscious of the fact that the RAV4, despite having sold more than 4 million cars elsewhere, has failed to become popular in Korea.

It was with such anticipation that my long test drive began.

I say “long,” because the course snaked throughout the western side of the country ― 400 kilometers in all ― through both on and off-road routes. 

By shifting to “sporty” mode, the car seamlessly accelerated to reach top speed on the highway. A click onto “eco-mode” made all the difference, as it became very difficult to reclaim speed.

But you get to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent in eco-mode. The average fuel economy for the new RAV4 is 11 kilometers per liter.

Steering was just about the most accurate I’ve experienced on an SUV ― I won’t mention the so-called SUVs that were both clumsy and stubborn ― and despite having been redesigned with a standard four-cylinder engine, the power was still there, especially considering that the RAV4 is one of the smallest SUVs. The previous RAV4 offered a choice between the four-cylinder and a V6 engine for those who preferred a more powerful driving experience.

Inside, the cabin was exceptionally spacious, thanks to a well-informed executive decision to eliminate the cramped third row, which really did nothing but paralyze your legs after the ride. The cargo space also was impressive and seemed just right for Koreans who are becoming obsessed with “going camping.”

In terms of design, the new RAV4 is average.

The previous model, despite occasional criticism for lacking pizzazz, possessed a vintage quality. The 2013 model is sleek and sophisticated, but aren’t all SUVs these days?

Getting rid of the spare tire was a smart decision, apparently advocated by the 250 customers who were surveyed by Toyota prior to the makeover, and gives the exterior a smoother silhouette. But in general, the RAV4 has a “safe” look, and failed to turn any heads throughout the drive.

The exterior was also why it was difficult to accept that RAV4 could be competition for the Santa Fe. The two don’t look very different and the Santa Fe is about 10 to 20 percent cheaper than the RAV4.

Speaking of prices, Toyota said it couldn’t afford to slash them for the 2013 RAV4 despite the weakening Japanese currency.

Tommy Nakabayashi, the CEO of Toyota Korea, gently reminded us that the refurbishment cost a packet of money, and that consumers were really getting to enjoy an upgraded version, but with no price increase, which is really a discount in disguise.

The chief executive had a point.

Toyota, despite the hard times it had suffered, has been steady in this regard, refusing to raise the prices of its Lexus lineup even in the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers crisis that drove the yen up.

The RAV4 costs between 32 million and 37 million, depending on the options and the trim ― RAV4 comes in three: LE, XLE and Limited.

They’ll become available to Korean consumers in June, and Toyota hopes to sell 100 vehicles a month.

Going back to the car, despite some of its drawbacks, the RAV4 is really the most conventional and reliable crossover in the market today that is also quite affordable. If you’re looking for an SUV that steers comfortably, is spacious for both passengers and cargo, with an adequately powerful engine and a sophisticated design, the upgraded RAV4 is for you.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)