[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″]

---

[/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″ fade_animation=”in-from-top” fade_animation_offset=”65px”]

Back in the mid-90’s the Japanese giant created the RAV4 and in doing so, had a big hand in inventing the compact-SUV market.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column]

Has Toyota become a victim of its own success?

Back in the mid-90’s the Japanese giant created the RAV4 and in doing so, had a big hand in inventing the compact-SUV market. Now every major car manufacturer has a small 4×4 in their arsenal so, with so many rivals, does the latest RAV4 still compete?

 

To begin with, the RAV4 is now huge. My family owned one of the Mk I models from way-back-when and the change in size is dramatic. Granted we are now on the fourth iteration so there is bound to be a larger footprint, but the current model is about 20cm longer and 3cm wider than the outgoing one.

This means though that the Toyota is now extremely spacious inside and boasts a huge boot – easily larger than rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Kuga.

The space for rear passengers is good even for three large adults, let alone the more likely occupants – children. Levels of leg space and shoulder room are excellent in the rear but even better in the front seats.

The driver and front passenger have acres of space to relax into and the cabin in general seems well built, solid and quietly stylish.

The dashboard is clean and unfussy and most of the instruments are condensed into a large central touch screen which keeps things simple, while the majority of the remaining switchgear is nice and easy to use.

The quality of the materials used are of a high standard though could be a little better. The plastics used don’t feel cheap or flimsy but the VW Tiguan has a higher level of finish to it.

In keeping with the interior, the engines available don’t appear to come out of the very top draw. The 2.2 D-4D I tested created quite a rattle at start up, something we have been lucky enough to become unaccustomed to such has been the development of diesel engines. This quickly quietens down though and the Toyota unit is far from being a bad engine.

The 2.2 D-4D tested is the larger of two diesels available – the other being a 2.0 litre diesel – though there is a 2.0 litre petrol available too.

I would recommend picking the larger diesel if possible. It doesn’t return the same level of miles per gallon as the smaller powerplant but it will still offer 49.6mpg and emissions of 149g/km CO2 – and you’ll be glad of the extra pulling power. The 2.2 D-4D has 147bhp and 251 lb ft of torque which allows for excellent towing ability.

The performance figures of 9.6 seconds 0-62mph time and top speed at 118mph are nothing to write home about, but crucially, the torque offered by the diesel does allow you to load the RAV-4 up to the rafters and it will still pull you along to wherever you need to go.

The punch offered will get you out of junctions without getting bogged down and it will pull up hills with ease, rarely needing to shift down a gear unless the going gets really steep.

The six-speed manual tested lets you get through the gears with the minimum of fuss too and the whole driving experience is tailored to ease of use. The suspension will soak up the worst our roads have to offer but will still offer a comfortable cruising experience. The weight of the steering is definitely aimed to allow the driver to spin it around town too.

If pushing on for a sportier drive, the Toyota will come up short when compared to some of its rivals. The handling and suspension aren’t bad but don’t compare well to the Mazda CX-5 which has less body roll and will grip longer – inducing less understeer.

The biggest problem that Toyota has is that its rivals have more dynamic and cheaper models, offering a better driving experience and cheaper running costs. The RAV4 does have its benefits though. Its practicality is class leading and, should you need it, the off-road ability is excellent too.

Put simply, the Toyota has grown up. The original RAV4 was a cool car – breaking new ground and looking great, as though the owner spent all their time down the beach and surfing.

Nowadays, a RAV4 owner is likely to be the same person as back then, but on a matching timeline having aged together. The Toyota is an excellent family car, looks striking from the outside and offers huge practicality inside. The cool factor has upped and gone unfortunately for Toyota, but then its prospective buyers have seen theirs disappear too. And there’s nothing less cool than someone trying too hard to regain their youth. So we must congratulate Toyota on not trying to hard with the RAV-4 and instead, creating a strong family workhorse.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″]

Read More Toyota News and Reviews at Drive.co.uk/TOYOTA

Recent Posts

Recent Car Galleries

[/vc_column][/vc_row]