Reviews of the Toyota Rav4

Sitting between the C-HR and the Land Cruiser in the Toyota line-up, the RAV4 is a mid-sized SUV and one of the most efficient cars in its class.

The latest generation model is a welcome step forward over the old RAV4 model when it comes to unique styling, comfort, and practicality, giving rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 5008, and Skoda Kodiaq a run for their money.

• Daring exterior design with bold lines and new projector LED headlights
• Smart cabin with Touch 2 infotainment system
• 500 litre boot with 60/40 split rear seats
• 2.5-litre petrol engine with a combination of electric motors and front or four-wheel drive
• Four trims are available, including the Icon, Design, Excel and Dynamic

Refreshed in 2019, the fifth generation RAV4 boasts a new daring exterior design with bold lines and chiselled features. Design features include new projector LED headlights, an arrowhead radiator grille, squared-off wheel arches and a new alloy wheel design. 

Inside, the RAV4's wide interior offers plenty of room for the driver and up to five occupants. Taller adults will find it comfortable at the back, but if you're looking for extra space, the CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento make for better class choices.  

At the rear, the RAV4 has a bigger boot than most rivals at an impressive 500 litres. Space increases to 1600 litres with the rear seats folded, but unlike rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 or Peugeot 5008, they only split in 60/40 configuration, which doesn't offer the greatest flexibility. 

The RA4's smart cabin feels relatively plush, with rubberised finishes on the controls and dashboard switches. It competes well against the CR-V but doesn't beat the striking interior of the Peugeot 5008.

The RA4's Touch 2 infotainment unfortunately lags behind key rivals, particularly regarding visuals. That said, it's fairly easy to navigate and does offer smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android phones.

Four trims are available, including the Icon, Design, Excel and Dynamic.

The entry-level Icon brings an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors, rear camera, automatic headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Step up to Design, and you get a built-in sat nav, keyless entry and ignition, a powered tailgate, front parking sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Excel adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting and headlight washers.

The top-of-the-range Dynamic gets a contrast gloss-black roof colour, sports seats, projection LED headlights and black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Under the bonnet, the RAV4 comes with a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and a combination of electric motors with front- or four-wheel drive. 

Power comes in the form of 215bhp for front-wheel-drive models, accelerating from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, or 219bhp in 4x4 versions for a fractionally quicker 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds. 

A PHEV version is also available, combining the same 2.5-litre petrol engine with a more powerful electric motor for 302bhp, delivering a 0-62mph time of just 6 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. 

Out on the road, the RAV4's range of driver assistance features makes for a relaxing drive, but its weight causes it to roll into corners, and it doesn't offer a great deal of grip compared with rivals. 

That said, the RAV4 is still worth considering if you’re in the market for a stylish and safe SUV, with its efficient engine options making it a popular family car leasing choice. 

Prices for the new Toyota RAV4 start from £35,099.00 OTR* or to lease from £395.54 per month.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic car lease deals on the Toyota RAV4, which could make car leasing cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance. 

All our lease deals include road tax, breakdown cover, manufacturer's warranty, and free mainland GB delivery. We also work with the Toyota UK franchised dealer network, meaning you can benefit from a great lease price and the trust and reliability of a main dealership.

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.