We say A comfortable, able compact SUV but looks old compared to similar, newer models and has a narrow engine line-up.Performance The RAV4 comes with an underpowered 2.0-litre petrol model and its 2.2-litre oil-burners have 134bhp and 175bhp. The former is torquey and a smooth cruiser but slower than the larger diesel unit.Emissions Fuel economy is hard to come by with the RAV4 and that’s because compared to other compact SUVs on the market, it’s poor, registering a range best of around 47mpg. CO2 emissions figures are also disappointing, ranging from around 150g/km and almost topping 190g/km.Driving The RAV4 handles like a normal hatchback and corners well with well managed bodyroll and precise steering, however it’s more suited to motorway cruising than demanding roads and city driving.Feel Petrol will need to driven hard, pretty much putting paid to refinement but the diesels are good. Generally, the ride is forgiving and the majority of bumps and holes in the roads surfaces are hardly felt.Space There’s plenty of room throughout the RAV4 for four adults and there’s decent bootspace at 410-litres. When the rear seats are folded down, the boot expands to 1,500 litres.Equipment Alloys, aircon, MP3-compatible CD player and electric windows are standard. Loads more gadgets at higher specs.Price Running costs are poor on the RAV4 when it’s compared with the latest raft of small SUVs and large hatchbacks which do a similar job to the Japanese 4x4. List prices are also quite expensive, kicking off at almost £24,000 and rising to nearly £30,000.Quality The RAV4, like all Toyota’s, is an incredibly reliable and solid car. There should be no issues in terms of the engines or electronics and it should cause little bother. The interior is also robust but some of the materials, plastics and surfaces feel quite cheap. The centre console also looks a little overcrowded.Safety Nine airbags, ABS, ISOFIX fittings and four-wheel drive are standard. Stability control on all models but entry-level.Pros The RAV4 is a good car to drive and a reliable one at that. There’s also plenty of kit onboard.Cons The engine line-up is weak and the petrol is particularly poor and needs to be worked extremely hard. It also looks outdated now and the interior is weak.Alternatives Land Rover Freelander 2, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail
