Like so many of Toyota’s hybrid-intended motors, the 2487cc four-cylinder petrol engine that primarily powers the RAV4 runs on the thermal-efficiency-boosting Atkinson combustion cycle, and has a more ‘undersquare’ cylinder design than its predecessor (the engine’s smaller-of-bore and longer-of-stroke than its predecessor was, for better natural torque production).

The car’s electromechanical power steering system is now rack- rather than column-mounted, while road-biased ‘summer’ tyres replace the all-weather type fitted to the previous-generation car. Both the bonnet line and driver’s seat are 15mm lower than in the fourth-generation RAV4, while the glasshouse is larger than before, boosting visibility all-round. Underneath the body panels, the car’s new all-steel model platform and chassis brings greater torsional rigidity, a lower centre of gravity and double-wishbone rear suspension – all of which promise improved handling.

At the risk of authoring a car that some may consider fussy, Toyota has carved plenty of form and detail into the RAV4’s flanks, and – with some success – has chosen big stand-out design features to distinguish the car like its arrowhead radiator grille, kinked C-pillar and squared-off wheel arches. You wouldn’t call the result beautiful, but it’ll certainly get your attention. While it doesn’t have the plunging roofline or slimline features of the smaller Toyota C-HR crossover, there are much bolder lines and more chiseled features on display here than previous generations have had. Toyota clearly set out of make an impact with this daring-looking fifth-generation RAV4. The plug-in hybrid verson, as tested here, has three options: Design, Dynamic and Dynamic Premium.Īlloy wheel sizes range from 17- to 19in and while entry-level cars miss out on equipment such as heated electric seats, LED headlights and front parking sensors, they do get adaptive cruise control and plenty of active safety kit as standard.Īll versions of the RAV4 intended for the UK market, including the range-topping plug-in version, are built in Japan. The petrol-hybrid RAV4 comes in a four-tier model trim range that opens up with the sub-£32,000 Icon version, and continues with Design, Excel and the range-topping Dynamic. Toyota RAV4 engine line-up and trim levels Toyota RAV4 Adventure 2022 UK first drive.

Toyota rav4 ratings