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Ten Second Review

Hybrid power offers a fresh dimension to ownership of Toyota's RAV4 soft roading compact SUV. Through this car, the brand offers buyers in this segment the most affordable route into frugal petrol electric power with its greater refinement and clean emission tax benefits.

Background

In over two decades on sale, Toyota's RAV compact soft-roading SUV has evolved and changed quite a lot. It launch, it was the sportiest car of its kind and in more recent times has introduced the concept of 2WD into this market segment. The fourth generation version though, first introduced in 2013, hasn't sold as strongly as Toyota hoped it might, hence the comprehensive range refresh that has brought us the option of petrol/electric hybrid power. Unlike some of its rivals, Toyota has chosen not to match this with futuristic Plug-in technology, but the brand does have industry-leading hybrid expertise. Let's see if that comes across with this smarter, safer, more efficient MK4 model RAV4.

Driving Experience

Toyota is offering this car's 2.5-litre four cylinder hybrid powertrain mated either to two or four-wheel drive - and either case, it puts out 197bhp thanks to a boost from two electric motors, a 105kW one on the front axle and a 50kW one on the rear axle. As usual, such a hybrid engine must be mated to automatic transmission and as ever with the brand's petrol/electric systems, there's an 'EV' button that allows you to proceed in pure electric mode for up to a couple of miles. In town, this, the most ecological and powerful RAV4 ever, goes smoothly and offers unexpected agility in traffic. At a cruise, the atmosphere is hushed and, even at highway speeds, it's possible to chat with rear passengers without having to raise your voice. On secondary roads, the RAV4 feels remarkably agile for an SUV. If you are in a hurry, just press the 'Sport' button, crush the pedal to the metal and be surprised by the rewarding response of the power unit which makes 62mph from rest in 8.4s en route to 112mph.

Design and Build

The spacious cockpit is one of the winning virtues of the fourth generation of the RAV4. The atmosphere is airy, not only at the front but also in the rear, where passengers have many centimeters for legs and head and can even adjust the backrest angle. The back seat doesn't slide back and forth as it did on previous generation RAV4s, but in return for that sacrifice, this current model delivers a big boot, though on this hybrid variant, the positioning of the batteries means that you lose 46-litres of space in this part of the car. Still, the 501-litre total should be sufficient for most. This fourth generation model gets a smart front end, with sleek Bi-LED headlamps and a stylish bumper. Standing out at the rear are the taillights with their classy graphics. The cabin benefits from improvements in the quality of materials used, the definition of details and availability of a modern infotainment system. On top models, this item's 7-inch' screen, combined with the Panoramic view monitor, allows a 360 degrees vision of the vehicle from above during maneuvering. It's a big help to avoid running into low obstacles and also a nice gadget to show off to friends.

Market and Model

Expect to pay a premium of around £1,800 to own a petrol/electric Hybrid RAV4, rather than an equivalently-specified 2.0-litre D-4D diesel version. That means you'll need a budget of just over £29,000 for the entry-level 2WD version, with the better-specified 4WD Hybrid model priced from nearly £34,000. If you're looking at the 4WD version, the issue might well be that for this kind of money, you could have more sophisticated Plug-in 4WD Hybrid technology in the form of Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV. Still, the RAV4 is more of a known quantity - and it is very well equipped. All models have LED Headlights, Auto headlamp leveling, a power tailgate, keyless entry and Push-button start. Go for the top 'Excel' version and you get high-quality leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support, plus parking sensors (front and rear) and roof rails.

Cost of Ownership

Toyota declares an combined cycle fuel figure of 56.5mpg for this car, with a peak of 57.6mpg in extra urban use and an excellent 55.4mpg possible in purely urban conditions. The CO2 figure is 115g/km, comparable to a Fiat 500 citycar. This RAV4 2.5 VVT-i Hybrid falls into VED tax band C, so owners will pay nothing for the first year registration. Toyota talks of owners saving around 12% in BIK tax payments over an equivalent diesel model, a saving of £2,287 for a 20% UK tax payer. Plus of course you'll be using cheaper green pump fuel. Servicing should be cheaper too. This RAV4 Hybrid does, after all, have no clutch, no starter motor, no alternator, no timing belt and a longer durability of brakes discs and pads. Plus you get a comprehensive five year / 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty.

Summary

Once upon a time, the RAV4 was the kind of car we might call a 'Crossover' today, with SUV looks unexpectedly matched to a young, sporty demeanour. Today in Toyota's range, that mantle has been passed on to the trendy C-HR model. The RAV4, like its original buyers, has grown up, matured and become more sensible. And what could be more sensible than the installation of a hybrid engine under the bonnet? Perhaps this is, as Toyota assures us, 'a better way' of owning a model of this kind - you decide. One thing's for certain: for many, this car's buying proposition will make family-friendly, real world sense.