No sign of RAV going soft after 25 years

The latest version of Toyota’s pioneering SUV ticks all the boxes, writes Alan Douglas

More than a little dismissively– and unfairly – the Toyota RAV4 was in its early years referred to as a hairdresser’s car.

Quite what that label was down to is lost in the mists of time but was probably because it was the first of the so-called soft-roaders. It had the raised ride height and look of a scaled down SUV but was unlikely to be called upon to do anything more challenging than dodge the trolleys at the local supermarket.

It was the first crossover when it arrived here in 1994 and introduced us to a new kind of car, aiming to combine the rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and the handling ability of a hatchback.

25 years on Toyota have decided the time has come for some big changes in their hugely successful crossover, the first, and still the world’s best-seller in spite of competition from almost every other manufacturer.

At the fifth generation’s heart is an all-new platform with core strength of a low centre of gravity and a lightweight and strong balanced chassis that gives its driver big rewards in exceptional handling and stability.

Every component, from engine to seats has been made lighter and positioned lower down in the vehicle.

It’s longer, wider, with a higher ride height and it’s faster, quieter and more fuel efficient.

It’s still unique in its class with its self-charging, hybrid powertrain now the only propulsion option.

On the road, the car feels confident and happy to provide exactly the power – either conventional petrol or electric – whenever needed although there is a noticeable contrast in sound when alternating between the two. The CVT auto transmission is less whiny than before and is superbly smooth in its delivery.

I spent most of my time in a two-wheel-drive version but managed to squeeze in some off-road in gina four-wheel drive with a new automatic limited-slip differential control. It is impressive and provides greater security for adventurous types.

The new version also looks pretty good with a powerful, beefy front end which emphasises its increased width. On the inside too it feels very spacious.

Rear seat passengers have an extra 40mm width, larger footwells and because of the bigger opening angle of the back doors, getting in and out and seeing to little ones in child seats has been made easier.

The load space behind the rear seats is larger with a reversible double-deck, fully flat longer floor. With the rear seats folded down you can even get in a 29-inch mountain bike without having to take off any wheels.

There’ s a good quality feel to the cabin with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels and the switches and controls come easily to hand. A lot of work has been done to improve visibility.

The RAV4’s role may have changed over the last 25 years but it is still an impressive machine with lower emissions, more power, greater tax savings and higher residual values than its rivals including the VW Tiguan, the Ford Kuga or Honda’s CR-V.