This is the all-new Toyota RAV4!
Mat’s got his hands on this all-new, family-friendly SUV to see if it has what it takes to compete with class leaders like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Jaecoo 8. The RAV4 rolls up with a hefty price rise since the previous iteration, but is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look, starting with the design…
There’s no denying that the RAV4 looks pretty smart on the outside. We’ve got our hands on the mid-level iteration, and your attention is immediately drawn to the angular headlights and bonnet with creases that mimic the Land Cruiser. If you pick the GR version, you have a sportier front bumper than what we have here, but we think it looks more than good enough without upgrading. Along the side there are plastic surrounds on the wheel arches and along the sills, coupled with a load of creases along the length of the car. Around the back there are long taillights, a new RAV4 badge, and as with the front, GR editions come with a sportier bumper. All in all, it’s a good-looking car!
On the inside, there are several nods to the Land Cruiser, although you don’t have to look very far to find that many of the panels are covered in scratchy black plastic. Thankfully, though there are several saving graces, including a large infotainment screen that’s crisp and easy to use, and a whole load of storage throughout the cabin. There’s a digital dial screen which offers ok graphics, but the heads-up display is a nice touch. Ultimately it’s a fairly good cabin, but it doesn’t offer enough to notably stand out against the competition.
All editions of the RAV4 are plug-in hybrids. The car we’re reviewing here comes with the entry-level powertrain - a 2.5-litre petrol engine, coupled with an electric motor, which drives the front wheels to deliver 272hp. It comes with a battery that allows for up to 75 miles driving on electric power alone, and it accelerates to 60mph in 7.5 seconds. The range-topper is a 2.5-litre PHEV that powers all four wheels, and this delivers 309hp.
The RAV4 range starts from £44,195, rising all the way up to £52,045 for the GR Sport edition. But does it offer enough to lead you away from class leaders like the VW Tiguan? Let us know which you’d choose in the comments, then join Mat for this all-new in-depth review!
