Toyota's fifth generation RAV4 still feels a strong package. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Toyota's RAV4 mid-sized SUV soft roader has been around so long it's easy to forget quite how far it's come. The fifth generation model has been kept up to date with interior screen tech, camera safety systems and various clever remote services. As before, there's the choice of a self-charging full-Hybrid engine with front or four-wheel drive. And a 4WD Plug-in Hybrid variant. Reacquaint yourself with a RAV4. You might be in for a surprise.

Background

It's easy to underestimate quite what a debt of gratitude we owe the Toyota RAV4. Back in 1994, the market for compact SUVs was massively different to the one we have today. If you wanted a modestly-sized car of this kind back then, you had to have it with the proviso that it was likely to fall over if it was shown a picture of a corner. This was all part of the bargain. You saved money on the up-front cost, but shelled out when it disappeared through a hedge row on its door handles. The RAV4 changed all that. It was the first compact SUV that was actually good fun to drive on road. But times change. The RAV4 has grown ever bigger and more sophisticated in response to market entrants like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Kuga. This fifth generation car was a smarter take on a well-established theme and in recent times it's been usefully updated, aiming to bring the RAV4 back to a prominent position amongst volume brand entrants in the mid-sized SUV marketplace.

Driving Experience

Nothing's changed beneath the bonnet with this MK5 RAV4, so as before, there's the choice of a 2.5 VVT-i self charging hybrid engine with front or four-wheel drive; it delivers 218hp in front-driven form or 222hp in AWD form (that variant featuring an extra electric motor). The AWD model adds a further electric motor on the back axle, providing significantly increased extra traction. The powerplant alternative is an AWD-only Plug-in Hybrid variant at the top of the range which has 306hp and can be really rather fast. You're probably going to want one of the self-charging models and as with all Toyota hybrids, there's a belt-driven CVT auto gearbox and the RAV4 in this form can be driven in three ways. By the electric motors only (as is the case from start-off for up to 1.2 miles using the provided 'EV' mode); with just the engine (if you're giving it full throttle); or more usually, with a combination of both. During deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both electric motors act as high-output generators, recovering kinetic energy that automatically recharges the batteries for the next time the hybrid system is able to switch back to electric-only mode. This is no BMW X3, but thanks to a stiff GA-K platform and a low centre of gravity, the car turns keenly into corners at speed and there's less understeer than you'd expect in an SUV of this kind, plus plenty of traction to power you out of the other side of the turn. There's an automatic limited slip differential control on AWD-i models - Toyota calls it a 'Trail Mode' and it's selected via a button on the dash. It deals with the issue that afflicted previous generation AWD RAV4s which saw a risk of the vehicle being stranded if a driven wheel lost contact with the ground on very uneven terrain. Should this happen when 'Trail Mode' is activated, the free rotating wheel will be braked while drive torque is directed to the grounded wheel.at the same time, throttle control and the transmission shift pattern will be adapted to help the driver keep the vehicle moving.

Design and Build

Toyota hasn't made any further visual updates to this fifth generation RAV4 because a package of subtle aesthetic changes was only introduced a few years back. By way of a recap, this included the adoption of projector-style LED headlights and LED front fog lamps, plus some variants got a smarter 10-spoke alloy wheel design. In 2022, the range also got an extra 'Adventure'-spec version with wider wheel arches, silver front and rear under-runs and more of a serious SUV look. Overall though, this MK5 RAV4 looks much as it did when we first saw the car back in 2018. It still looks accessible - a RAV4 must never be big and bulky. Buyers have always looked at one and thought 'yes I could drive that', 'yes, I could park it' and 'yes, that would look rather nice in the driveway'. Inside, this car features a large 10.5-inch central screen with a high-definition colour display, plus "Hey Toyota" voice control and over-the-air updates. 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring is of course included, though only the Apple system works wirelessly. There's screen tech for the instrument binnacle too - a 12.3-inch digital combimeter display with four style themes, weirdly named 'Casual', 'Smart', 'Sport' and 'Tough'. Further back, this MK5 model's relatively long wheelbase continues to mean that this car is a size bigger than something like a Qashqai or an Ateca (as it should be for the price) and you can stretch out a little more in the second row as a result. There's no option of third row seating. You get a big boot out back though, 580-litres in size in the standard Hybrid variant (and 520-litres with the PHEV). There's 1,690-litres of space on offer in the Hybrid if you fold the rear bench.

Market and Model

Pricing starts at around £40,000 for the self-charging Hybrid models; you'll need quite a lot more though (around £47,000), if you want the top 'GR Sport'-spec version. The other core trim levels are 'Design' and 'Excel'. You'll be offered the chance to pay a premium of just over £2,000 to go from a front wheel drive to an AWD version. Should you want Plug-in hybrid tech in your RAV4, you'll need deeper pockets - prices start at just over £44,000. This top variant comes only with AWD and in 'Design' or 'GR Sport' states of trim. This current RAV4 comes with more remote functions the driver can make use of without having to be in or near their vehicle. The familiar worries about whether you have left a window open, the doors unlocked or the lights on after you've walked away from your car are addressed with remote notifications to confirm the vehicle is secure. You can also lock and unlock the doors - a handy feature if someone without a key needs access, for example to drop off a parcel or to clean the car. The hazard lights can also be flashed, making the vehicle easier to spot in a big or busy car park. Plus all RAV4 models are equipped with the latest version of the 'Toyota Safety Sense' package. This incorporates a 'Pre-Collision System' with 'intersection support' that can help with safer turns at junctions. 'Emergency Steering Assist' is also newly provided, helping the driver avoid a pedestrian who has stepped into the road, while keeping the car under control and within its traffic lane. On the RAV4 Plug-in, the system will also recognise and react to bicycles and parked vehicles. The RAV4 Plug-in's PCS also gains the ability to detect oncoming vehicles in the car's traffic lane and reduce the risk of a head-to-head collision.

Cost of Ownership

The Japanese maker describes the RAV4 Hybrid's mainstream technology as being of the 'self-charging' variety - but as we've said, also offers a plug-in version too, which can offer an EV driving range of 46 miles, a combined fuel reading of up to 282.5mpg and a CO2 return of just 22g/km, both class-leading figures. Most though, will want the ordinary self-charging hybrid version of this car. Let's get to the figures for that. CO2 emissions range up to 129g/km for the front-driven model (combined cycle fuel return up to 49.5mpg) and 131g/km (up to 48.7mpg) for the AWD version. The low emissions mean relatively low Benefit-in-Kind taxation for business users. The base RAV4 model has a BiK rating of 29% - and every other self-charging version comes in at 30%, regardless of spec. Residual values for the RAV4 have always been good, in most cases bearing comparison with its closest Honda CR-V and Land Rover Discovery Sport rivals and there's little reason to doubt that they'll only improve with this update. What else? Well, the five year 100,000 mile warranty is extremely good and even after that runs out, you'll find that most spares are relatively inexpensive. There's also three years warranty against rust and 12 years of anti-corrosion protection.

Summary

Though opinion may be divided as to whether the RAV4 invented the soft roading segment, few people doubt that, more than any other, this model defined it. In some ways, it continues to do just that, for this car still sums up most of what a model of this kind should be all about. Smart, wieldy, reasonably spacious, affordable to run and with just enough SUV-ness about it to get you to the places you tend to dream about but will probably never go. This improved version of the fifth generation model won't convince you if you didn't already want a RAV4, but if you did, it's extra cabin screen tech and safety features might be deciding factors - timely improvements, even if there are still other rivals that better this car either on or off road. Few though, provide a stronger compromise between the two and none can better the unimpeachable build quality and strong residuals that have become a RAV4 trademark.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Rear screen wiper - intermittent

Front wipers with variable intermittent facility

Power front windows

Rear windscreen defogger

Power rear windows

Automatic wipers

Anti-jam protection on panoramic roof

Smartphone remote power window operation

Brakes

Traction control

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Brake assist function

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Collision mitigation braking system

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Brake hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

GR sport rear suspension

GR sport suspension tuning

Communication

Voice control system

Bluetooth system

MirrorLink

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Rear parking camera

Drive mode selector

Traffic sign recognition

Driver attention alert system

360 degree panoramic view monitor

Road sign assist - RSA

Lane trace assist

Cyclist Detection

Night Time Pedestrian Detection

Lane departure alert with steering control

EV audible alert

Full range intelligent adaptive cruise control

Memory on adjustable speed limiter

Adaptive cruise control switch on steering wheel

Toyota safety sense 2.5

Intelligent front and rear parking sensors and intelligent clearance sonar with automatic braking

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert with brake assist

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Power boot opening and closing

Remote boot door release in cabin

Remote boot door release in key

Smartphone hazard lights notification

Driver Information

Trip computer

Lights on warning

Hybrid system indicator

ECO-driving indicator

My T Connected services

Analog tachometer

Toyota smart connect navigation

12.3" Combimeter

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Gloss black door mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Automatically retractable door mirrors

Turning signal integrated indicators in door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Gloss black centre console

Soft-touch black lower dashboard

Soft-touch black upper dashboard with silver insert

Entertainment

6 speakers

Auxiliary socket for external MP3 player

USB connection

Toyota touch media system

Multimedia Road Events

10.5" Toyota smart connect multimedia with wireless smartphone integration incl apple car play

Digital audio broadcast (DAB)+

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Dual exhaust pipes

Black fog light surrounds

Gloss black roof rails

Gloss black rear spoiler (roof)

Emergency brake-light signal (EBS)

Black Shark-fin antenna

Skyview electric opening panoramic sunroof

Black front bumper

Glass black protection moulding on side doors

Black rear bumper

Glossy black front pillar

GR sport scuff plates

Rear side wing doors

Rear wing door

Rear bumper protection film

Dark silver front and rear under-run

GR SPORT Badging on tailgate

Black painted insert on boot door

GR sport upper front grille

GR sport badge on upper front grille

Chrome insert on centre and side air vent

Black side air vent surrounds

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

Door mirror puddle lights

LED Indicators

LED rear combination lights

LED High mounted stop lamp

LED front light guide

LED rear light guide

LED rear brake lights

LED dual beam projector headlights

Adaptive automatic high beam

GR Sport LED front fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter

Clean air filter

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Rear passenger air vents

Remote air conditioning

Interior Features

Rear armrest

Front/rear roof mounted assist grips

Folding rear centre armrest

Lockable glovebox

Heated steering wheel

Retractable tonneau cover

Front and rear cup holders

Front and rear bottle holders

Luggage area tonneau cover

Black roof lining

Sunglasses holder

Leather door trim

Satin chrome interior door handles

Under floor storage in luggage area

2x Rear coat hooks

Hybrid key cover

12 volt front socket

Manual telescopic and tilt 3-spoke leather steering wheel with Chrome insert

Rear door armrests

Dual sided deck board in boot

Leather gear shift with chrome surround

Paddle shifter

Door handle protection film

Multimedia switches on steering wheel

Adjustable speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Rear view display in display audio screen with dynamic guide lines

Telephone and voice recognition switches on steering wheel

Rear console box

Soft touch rear door trim

12V power outlet - Boot

GR sport alcantara seats

Dual level deckboard

Black insert on centre console

Synthetic leather front door armrest

Silver insert on front door assist grips

Interior Lights

Front footwell lights

Illuminated entry system

Illuminated electric window switch

Boot light

LED boot light

Driver and front passenger personal light

LED centre room light

White ambient lighting in footwell

White ambient lighting on front cup holders

White ambient lighting on open tray

Safety

Child proof door locks

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure warning

Seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Pre collision system

Adjustable front driver and passenger seat belt extender

Pedestrian detection

Front passenger airbag detector

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags

Safety kit

Seats

Front headrests

Reclining rear seats

60/40 split folding rear seat back

3 rear headrests

Isofix child seat preparation

Driver seat memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Heated driver and front passenger seats

Driver and front passenger Whiplash Injury Lessening seats

Power height-adjustable sliding reclining and lumbar support for driver seat

Front passenger seatback pockets

Single front passenger seat

Power height-adjustable sliding and reclining for front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Light - on and Key in reminder

Power door locks

Speed sensitive auto door locking

Glass-breaking alarm sensors

Motion sensor alarm

Intrusion alarm

Black wheel lock nuts

Smart entry and GR push button start

Smartphone remote door lock

Alarm with tilt detection sensors

Towing

Trailer sway control

Transmission

AWD-i

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Gloss black wheel arch moulding

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5-double spoke GR Sport black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.6

Battery Type: Nickel-Metal Hydride

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 69

CO: 0.191

HC: 0.012

NOx: 0.002

Particles: 0.0001

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 131

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 107

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 115

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 162

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 126

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 103

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 119

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 156

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 169

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 137

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 127

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 103.5

CC: 2487

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: A25A-FXS

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - High: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 48.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

General

Coin Series: GR Sport Bi-tone/Pan

Coin Description: VVT-i Hybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 37E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 85

NCAP Safety Assist %: 77

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 222

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.1

Engine Power - BHP: 222

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 163

Engine Power - RPM: 5700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 163

Engine Torque - NM: 221

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Engine Torque - MKG: 22.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5-DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4620

Width: 1855

Wheelbase: 2690

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1690

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1655

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2215

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1525

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 560

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 580

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 70

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1690

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Exterior Body Features

Premium Bi-tone paint

Paint - Two Tone

Metallic Bi-tone - Decuma Grey/Black

Metallic Bi-tone - Silver blade/Black

Metallic Bi-tone - Obisidian blue/Black

Premium Bi-tone - Platinum white pearl/Black

Premium Bi-tone - Scarlet flare/Black

Towing

Detachable towbar - 7-pin + 13-pin

Trim - Alcantara Suede

GR alcantara - Black + sport seats