To give Toyota due credit, the new RAV4 is a major leap forward in design and also features a low emission engine in a class that has its share of old technology. The rear seats slide to cater for different load requirements and also can be tilted, folded forward and removed. Other handy aids include a sunglass holder and boot-mounted shopping bag hooks. Ergonomically, the vehicle is hard to fault with a logical layout and the ability to find a comfortable driving position. Rear passenger room is good for the class and lap-sash belts are provided for all occupants, however, the centre spot does not have a headrest.
Storage space is good and the cargo area is able to swallow greater loads than before.
The vehicle scores highly for security and also ranks with the class average for build and finish quality and safety. The greatest disappointment for previous RAV4 owners could be the engine. Toyota has replaced the powerplant with a peakier unit, which produces more power and torque at lower revs, but that powerplant has been given much more weight to carry. It translates to a lack of urge down low but in the mid to high range of revs the engine spins sweetly. In auto form, which Toyota says will be the main seller, it means constantly kicking down if you want to overtake quickly.