Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £19,015 to £25,315
Car-like handling, good driving position, all-round competence, Toyota reliability
Not as posh as a Freelander, not a real off-roader, three-door a bit cramped in the back, new model due soon
An impressive 4x4 in every respect; only off-road performance is a little lacking, but the RAV4's never likely to be stretched in this department anyway.
Toyota's RAV4 has been popular since its launch in 1994, praised for its car-like handling characteristics, its sparky performance and chunky, but not over-the-top, exterior appearance. It's never been a hardcore off-roader, but suits buyers simply looking for a versatile high-riding road vehicle or those who need an occasional caravan-puller. The current version - launched in 2000 - gained slightly butcher styling and even sharper handling, though in recent years the RAV4 has lost ground to the blue-chip Land Rover Freelander, which has the edge in terms of snob value.
The Mk 2 RAV4 was initially offered with a choice of three engines, but the entry-level, front-wheel-drive only 1.8 has now been discontinued, leaving a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units. Both these versions come with full-time four-wheel drive, giving a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels; XT4 and XT5 versions add electronic traction control and stability control aids. Three- and five-door bodystyles are available, both roomier than the first-generation RAV4 models, and automatic transmission is optional with the petrol engine. Specification levels are currently badged XT3, XT4 and XT5, and watch out for Toyota's frequent special edition models which pack in extra kit.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Toyota RAV4
wrote on 18 03 2008
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wrote on 10 12 2006