Toyota RAV4
Hybrid model mixes smooth petrol power with diesel-like efficiency in a spacious SUV package
THIS latest Toyota RAV4 is only available as a hybrid. Here we’re testing it in basic Icon trim (Dynamic pictured), since it’s closest to the Ford and Skoda on price – but standard equipment is similar.
Design & engineering
TOYOTA’S SUV uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, and as with all other Toyota hybrids, it sends power to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This means it doesn’t have gears as such, and instead changes ratio continuously. It’s not much different in normal use than any other automatic gearbox, but it becomes more obvious when you need more power, because it holds the engine at a certain rpm for maximum acceleration.
The engine and electric motor combined produce 215bhp, which is the most here. As with the Kuga, the RAV4 is front-wheel drive only, despite its SUV shape – but most owners will appreciate the fuel economy gains, and won’t miss having four-wheel drive.
Under the skin is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which also underpins the C-HR, Corolla and Prius models. The RAV4 features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear – a sophisticated arrangement that brings big benefits for ride and handling.
Inside, there are a few cheap-looking materials around the cabin, but build quality is good. The display on the dash looks dated and is a pain to use, but the Toyota is great at the simple things you do every day, such as changing the air-conditioning settings. The chunky buttons are well placed and easy to use when you’re on the move.
Standard kit is good even in the entry-level model. Every RAV4 features cruise control, lane-keep assist, a reversing camera and full smartphone connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) as standard.
Driving
THE RAV4’s suspension layout means that it’s surprisingly good to drive for an eco-focused SUV. It’s not quite as sporty as the Kuga, with a bit more body roll and slightly less precise steering, but it’s far from wayward, and there’s plenty of grip.
Most importantly, it’s comfortable. Rough roads are noticeable in the Toyota but aren’t unpleasant, and it’s very smooth on the motorway. A high driving position means it feels bigger from behind the wheel than its rivals, although it’s no more difficult to manoeuvre around town.
The electric motor means it’s at its best in urban environments; the low noise levels are very relaxing, especially when the engine shuts off while cruising. It’s also silent while waiting in traffic, even if the allelectric running is more limited than we’d like.
When the 2.5-litre engine does come on, it’s a bit noisy. Sometimes it charges the battery up at idle, but it’s mostly because of the CVT gearbox.
If you require faster acceleration and put your foot down, it sends the revs soaring to maximise power. This is because the petrol engine under the bonnet doesn’t have a turbocharger, so its peak power comes quite high in the rev range, at
5,700rpm (the Ford and Skoda’s diesel motors put out their maximum power at 3,500rpm).
It’s an unpleasant noise, but the Toyota is quite quick, so you’re soon up to speed and able to lift off the gas. The RAV4 was faster from 0-60mph in our tests than its rivals, taking 7.8 seconds, while the Kuga and Karoq took 9.3 and 8.4 seconds respectively. It also went from 30-70mph quicker than the others: the Toyota took 6.8 seconds, the Ford took 8.7 seconds, and the Skoda took 8.5 seconds.
Practicality
HYBRID cars need somewhere to store their bulky batteries, but the RAV4’s boxy shape and SUV styling mean it hides them well. The boot floor is a little on the high side, but there’s still lots of room on offer, with 580 litres of space available. It’s bigger than the Kuga and beats the Ford when it comes to total space with the seats folded, too.
Leg and headroom in the back are excellent, and even tall adults will be able to sit comfortably, thanks to the RAV4’s boxy shape and high roofline. However, the Toyota’s rear seat backs are quite reclined, so do check if passengers will be comfortable with this.
The driving position is good, with lots of adjustment and comfortable front seats. Standard-fit parking sensors and a reversing camera are useful for manoeuvring in tight spots, because rear visibility could be better.
Ownership
OTHER standard safety kit on the Toyota includes autonomous braking and lane-keep assist, which are great to see on an entry-level model. Blind-spot assist isn’t available without moving up to a more expensive trim, though, because there aren’t really any options to add here. As with its rivals, the RAV4 scored a five-star rating in its Euro NCAP crash test.
Toyota offers a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty – which includes the battery and hybrid system, and is one of the best around. The brand has a strong reputation for reliability, and our readers reflected this when they placed the brand sixth overall in our 2020 Driver Power survey.
Running costs
HYBRIDS are a great choice for company car drivers because of their low CO2 emissions, which lead to lower tax bills. The RAV4’s 126g/km mean it sits in the 28 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bracket, so standard-rate earners will pay £1,722 a year to tax it. This is a small saving over the Kuga’s £1,727 and the Karoq’s £2,163 for the same earner; those cars cost more because of their diesel engines and higher CO2 figures under the latest WLTP testing system.