Toyota’s Rav 4 was the first compact SUV when it arrived 22 years ago and became a UK favourite. But a weakness was poor fuel consumption, so Toyota’s attempt to correct this as the car enters its fourth generation involves a new four-wheel-drive system.
The range-topper is a hybrid, with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, one front, one rear. This means no heavy prop shaft and dispenses with much of the weighty mechanicals needed in conventional all-wheel-drive systems.
The rear motor cuts in only when needed, such as going up a steep gradient or in slippery conditions, so it’s like a conventional two-wheel-drive hybrid most of the time. This is a decent-looking car, although rear styling is bland. Overall, it is not a great step forward from the outgoing model. The ride can be bouncy and you feel the effect of crosswinds. With its CVT gearbox, the engine is thrashy under hard acceleration.
Toyota intends the Rav 4 to feel more premium than before, but it doesn’t, and instead of delivering the claimed combined fuel consumption of 55.4mpg our test car managed only 35mpg.
The two-wheel-drive version has a two-litre petrol or diesel engine and is cheaper (the range starts at £23,695), but the towing capacity drops from 1,650kg to 800kg.
Like so many Toyotas, it is not an exciting car, but it is well-made and should be a reliable workhorse for years to come.
Toyota Rav 4 2.5 Hybrid Excel
Top speed: 112mph; 0-62mph: 8.4 secs;
CO2: 118g/km;
Price: £30,795
