22 February 2023
6 Mins read

Toyota RAV4 review

In this review…

The Toyota RAV4 pushes the model forward into a more energy-efficient future with a direct, no-nonsense approach that gets the fundamentals right.

Look at roads around the world, and you’re likely to spot a Toyota RAV4. For nearly three decades, it has been one of the world’s most ubiquitous SUVs. By innovating the SUV to create the compact crossover, Toyota has sold over 10m models worldwide and has become the go-to for large families and rural homeowners. Now, the latest generation has seen Toyota rip up the rulebook on its previously conservative styling, in favour of a hybrid future.

Its main rival is the Nissan Qashqai, which is one of the UK’s most-bought vehicles, SUV or not. The RAV4 is more popular globally, but it has yet to crack into the Qashqai’s stranglehold on British territory. Does the new edition’s move towards hybrid technology make it stand out from the Qashqai’s shadow? We review it from its design and interior to its performance and drive to find out.

Design

By design, the Toyota RAV4 looks more angular than any other car in its class. It’s sharp-edged with square-wheel arches that stand out compared to the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s wide and tall, too, meaning you’ll have access to tonnes of space to use. For instance, the boot feels like an aerodrome and can hold up to 10 carry-on suitcases.

Interior

The interior is nothing you haven’t seen before, but it does offer it in a spacious way. Headroom and leg space are aplenty for all passengers, and the driving seat position gives a commanding view of the road. Other visibility improvements include a panoramic rearview mirror via the eight-inch infotainment system. In addition, with built-in sat nav and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, you won’t feel like you’re missing anything.

Performance and Drive

With the new RAV4, an effort has been made to chop down on its weight, bolstered by the lighter hybrid construction. You’ll be reaching 60mph in around eight seconds as a result, but you’ll like be driving gently more often than not. The RAV4 operates best in this driving style, as its optional four-wheel drive system gives you smooth handling with very little rolling. However, turn on the ‘Sport Mode’ and the car transforms into an attack dog that sprints through country lanes in thrilling fashion. It’s a reminder of what this family SUV can really do when pushes to its full potential.

The Toyota RAV4 excels in its fuel economy. Toyota has added extremely robust hybrid technology that can travel up to 48mpg. Available in both plug-in and self-regenerative ‘i-Hybrid’ versions, the RAV4 price is relatively favourable when factoring in the day-to-day running costs.

Toyota’s RAV4 pushes the model forward into a more energy-efficient future, but the company still spearheads a direct, no-nonsense approach that focuses on getting the fundamentals dead on. The end result is an SUV that you’ll have to bring out a microscope to find faults with.

If you’re convinced to go out and find the Toyota RAV4 deals out there, be aware that you’re already at the right place. cars2buy is the UK’s most comprehensive selection of online lease deals. Our transparent service captures the very best Toyota lease offers from across the web and allows you to search, filter and compare them in one place. Browse our lease collection today and get your hands on a brand-new Toyota RAV4 sooner than you think.

Browse the UK's Best Toyota RAV4 lease deals