Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D

We get behind the wheel of the spacious new Toyota RAV4 on British roads for the first time

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota RAV4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new RAV4 definitely has its merits. The boot is hugely practical, the rear seats are spacious and it has fantastic off-road ability. Compare it to the new Mazda CX-5 and it doesn’t seem like great value, though. The Toyota isn’t as good to drive as a CX-5, costs more to run and is £1,800 more expensive to buy, despite having no more kit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Toyota RAV4 has never had so many rivals, so this new model, which has just arrived in the UK, is crucial. Toyota has carried out a total redesign, incorporating the brand’s new styling language and giving the car a more rugged look.

But as we reported in our first drive on the Continent, it’s not the most coherent design, with the front and rear lights looking like they’ve been grafted straight from the Auris on to the RAV4.

It’s a larger car than its predecessor, too, at 205mm longer and 30mm wider. The wheelbase has grown by 100mm as well, and the result is a 547-litre boot. That’s better than the 456-litre Ford Kuga, which is also well beaten for rear legroom.

The cabin design itself is not as stylish as those of rivals like the Kuga, though, with some low-quality plastics and dated-looking dials. Our mid-spec Icon had contrast-stitched leather across the middle of the dash, but hard plastic on top.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Leaf

2021 Nissan

Leaf

77,700 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £6,500
View Leaf
Touareg

2023 Volkswagen

Touareg

32,861 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £34,995
View Touareg
Fiesta

2021 Ford

Fiesta

141,714 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £4,495
View Fiesta
Golf R

2017 Volkswagen

Golf R

52,938 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £17,895
View Golf R

Power for our all-wheel-drive RAV4 comes from a 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel, which fires up with a disappointing amount of clatter. It sounds a bit agricultural when it’s cold and there’s a clunk as you shift between first and second gears.

Still, performance is punchy enough and this engine is a good match for the RAV4’s excellent off-road ability – a standard central differential lock means you’ll rarely get stuck.

Strangely, the ride feels firm around town, but as you increase your speed it seems to soften up. The car is also surprisingly refined at higher speeds, with engine, wind and road noise nicely isolated from the cabin.

The handling is average, with sharper, more enjoyable cars like the Mazda CX-5 showing how compact SUVs really should drive. By comparison, the RAV4 feels dull, with a tendency to understeer where the CX-5 would find grip. There is a Sport mode, which shifts more power to the back wheels, but it doesn’t make a huge amount of difference.

The RAV4 is expensive, too – our Icon model costs £26,495, while the equally powerful CX-5 2.2 AWD SE-L is £24,695, and it’s equipped with cruise control, climate control, parking sensors and keyless go as standard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025