The hood does not pop up when you pull the hood release lever. The hood however can be opened with the tips of your fingers but there's not much of an opening. I brought my RAV4 to the Toyota dealer in Auburn, Mass. for the 5000 mile maintenance and reported the problem. When I got the vehicle back they said it was normal and that's the way they are. Funny, but I tried the RAV4 in front of the dealer's showroom and the hood popped up as I expected. I spoke to the service manager about the problem and he said the cable might need adjusting. This manager should be in a different business. He doesn't know what he's talking about. Anyway, I left with a hood that doesn't pop up. Maybe I can find a dealer with smarter techs and service manager. I can't recommend this dealer for purchasing a Toyota. Remember don't buy your Toyota in Auburn, Mass.