A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.5
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.6
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable family SUV that won’t let you down? The Toyota RAV4 has been setting the standard in the compact SUV segment for decades. This practical crossover combines Toyota’s legendary reliability with modern safety technology and impressive fuel economy. The RAV4 stands out from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V with its robust build quality and excellent resale values. Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading off on family adventures, the RAV4 offers the versatility and peace of mind that busy families need. With spacious seating for five, generous boot space, and Toyota’s reputation for dependability, this SUV delivers exactly what you’d expect from Japan’s most trusted car manufacturer. The latest models feature hybrid powertrains that provide excellent fuel economy without compromising on performance. For drivers who prioritise reliability above all else, the RAV4 represents one of the smartest choices in the competitive family SUV market.
What's the Toyota RAV4 Like to Drive?
The Toyota RAV4 delivers the kind of smooth, refined performance that makes daily driving a pleasure. The engine lineup focuses on efficiency and reliability rather than outright speed. The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces around 173 horsepower, providing adequate power for most situations. It handles motorway cruising with ease and has enough grunt for safe overtaking. The hybrid versions, combining petrol and electric power, offer impressive fuel economy while maintaining strong performance.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Petrol / 2.5L Hybrid
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Power Output
173 - 219 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.4 - 10.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
34 - 55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 580 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Toyota RAV4?
Step inside the RAV4 and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both spacious and premium. The dashboard design is clean and functional, with Toyota’s latest infotainment system taking centre stage. Build quality is excellent throughout, with soft touch materials where you’d expect them and robust plastics that feel like they’ll stand up to family life. The driving position is commanding without being too high, and there’s plenty of adjustment to help drivers of all sizes get comfortable.
The RAV4 remains a benchmark for compact SUVs, deftly balancing practicality, reliability, and surprising capability. It’s a consistently smart choice, proving why it’s a perennial bestseller.
Is the Toyota RAV4 Expensive to Run?
The Toyota RAV4 represents excellent value when it comes to running costs, especially considering its size and capabilities. The hybrid models are particularly impressive, regularly achieving over 50 mpg in real world driving conditions. Even the conventional petrol engines return respectable fuel economy figures in the mid 30s. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in the mid ranges that won’t shock you with high premiums.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Toyota RAV4
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £25,000 | £28,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L Petrol 173hp | 1.3L Turbo 140hp | 1.6L Turbo 150hp |
| Power | 173 bhp | 140 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.4 seconds | 9.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 44 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 580 litres | 479 litres | 591 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Hybrid available, Excellent reliability, Premium interior | Modern tech, Comfortable ride, Good value | Long warranty, Spacious cabin, Sharp styling |
Toyota RAV4 Practicality & Boot Space
The RAV4 shines when it comes to everyday usability, making it an ideal family vehicle. The 580-litre boot is genuinely spacious, easily accommodating the weekly shop, sports equipment, or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold down to create an even larger cargo area, and the loading lip is kept low to make heavy lifting easier. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage cubbies for phones, drinks, and all the other bits and pieces that accumulate during family life.
We’ve had our RAV4 for three years now and it’s been absolutely faultless. The hybrid system is brilliant for fuel economy and the space inside is perfect for our family of four. Build quality feels rock solid and it’s so easy to drive in any conditions.
The Toyota RAV4 proves that sometimes the best choice is the obvious one. It delivers everything you’d want from a family SUV with exceptional reliability, impressive fuel economy, and genuine everyday practicality. The hybrid models particularly stand out, offering environmental benefits without sacrificing the versatility that makes SUVs so appealing to modern families.