Toyota pioneered the fast-growing segment now known as "crossover utility vehicles" (CUVs) with its original car-based RAV4 ("Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4-wheel drive") in 1996. Critics quickly dubbed it "cute" and competitors followed with a variety of CUVs built on car-based unibody platforms instead of rougher and tougher full-frame compact trucks. Toyota wisely gambled that a lot of small utility vehicle buyers, not having heavy duty hauling, towing or off-roading needs, might prefer a somewhat softer, more civilized ride married to the cargo capacity and image of an SUV. A decade and two RAV4 generations later, Toyota grows it to near mid-size proportions and adds a powerful optional V6 and an available third-row seat.