Toyota RAV4 Review - Decent Dynamics, But Too Bland?

Under the hood

From launch, we get the choice of a pair of Toyota's D4-D diesel engines - including a 122bhp 2.0-litre and 148bhp 2.2 version - plus a 149hp 2.0 petrol unit. 4WD is available with the more powerful engines, while the small diesel comes connected to the RAV4's front feet only.

The entry 2.0-litre diesel that we drove in Spain comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, giving us a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.5sec. A pedestrian 111mph is achieved at full whack.

Behind the wheel

As the latest vehicle to receive what Toyota calls the 'Keen Look' facelift, the RAV4 - now in its fourth generation - slots neatly into the updated range. The kit on the rather ambitiously-named 'Invicible' spec car is decent, with a neat, integrated 'Toyota Touch & Go' sat-nav incorporating a touchscreen with reversing camera and a fuel economy indicator showing the last ten minutes of hoonage. There's also a cool blind spot detector, which flashes enthusiastically if you use the indicator when there's something to crash into.

Thanks to electric everything, the RAV4 is a nice place to sit - and not just for the driver. The interior is spacious and there's enough rear legroom to accommodate two sets of passengers sat on each other's laps. Should the mood take you...

The quality of some of the interior materials, however, leaves a little to be desired and the carbonfibre effect plastic in the gear gaiter surround simply smacks of nasty.

While you'd expect a tall, ungainly car to baulk at corners, there's good news. The RAV4 is actually a pretty pleasant drive. While you'd never call its dynamics sporty, the SUV's clever new Dynamic Drive System gives a pleasing sure-footedness by adjusting steering input and torque distribution on the fly to limit understeer. The electric power steering is responsive and provides good feedback, while the quick steering rack gives the big Toyota an excellent turning circle.

Of course as a 'crossover SUV', particularly with AWD, there is a nod towards off road use, but it's far from a serious contender as a mud plugger. Our baby FWD RAV4 pulled well through a deeply rutted dirt track, however, though the ride was firm to the point of back breaking - it's more suited as a road car then.

Splash the cash?

It's certainly a car aimed at the middle-aged market, offering a great mix of size, kit and price. Against its rivals however - most notably the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai - the RAV4's lack of any outstanding characteristics means it'll struggle to offer that je ne sais quoi we're all after these days.