Does a hybrid Rav4 make sense? finds out

Acres Paul

Space? It’s a big car. One of the biggest in its class. You can easily accommodate five adults in reasonable comfort although the usual caveat applies to the poor soul stuck in the middle of the rear bench.

You get an excellent view of the road ahead. Visibility in general is, in fact, excellent.

The biggest change has arrived under the bonnet, and floor, of the Rav4 because that’s where you’ll find the drivetrain from the Lexus NX300h. Under the bonnet then, is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine while under the floor is an electric motor, CVT transmission and a rather antiquated nickel metal hydride battery pack.

The entry level Business Edition models are front-wheel drive only but other versions get all-wheel drive courtesy of a second electric motor driving the back axle.

As is usually the case with hybrids, the starter button appears to serve no purpose other than to illuminate the dashboard but in reality, one press and you’re good to go. The Rav4 pulls away silently on electric power alone – if you’re judicious with the throttle – but the engine will quickly kick in if your demands increase.

The battery pack has a range of about a mile at speeds up to 40mph after which, again, the engine takes over with the motors simply supplying a little extra grunt should you need it.

That additional assistance does little to improve refinement, however, because as soon as you ask for more the engine revs rocket and the cabin is filled with the coarse howl of four cylinders begging for mercy.

The ride and handling are compromised by the additional weight, too. The tyres struggle to keep the extra mass in check through the corners and the hybrid Rav4 quickly runs out of grip. Sharp ridges and potholes reveal a lack of composure meaning that it’s really only at home on major roads where the surfaces are smoother and, you’ll find, refinement is excellent.

It’s hard to make a case for hybrids, particularly when there are some excellent diesel options available, and this particular effort is no exception. The extra weight