Auto Trader Ten Point Test: Toyota RAV4

Model tested: Toyota RAV4 T180 2.2 D4D
Price as tested:  £27,015
Range price: £19,040-£27,015
Insurance group as tested: 13E
Insurance group range: 11 - 13
Tested: November 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

 

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 87%

 

The Toyota RAV4 started the four-wheel drive 'soft-roader' phenomenon. But unlike some of its rivals which compromise road manners to provide some rarely-used off road ability, the RAV4 is like a 4x4 GTi.

 

But is the third generation Toyota RAV4 resting on its laurels or leading the pack?

 

We drove it for a week to find out, so read on for our full review, or click the links below to skip to a section.

 

 

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor | Rivals

 

 

1. Looks

 

Take a look at an old RAV4 on the roads and then look at the current model and you’ll see how the original soft-roader has grown up. The latest version is only available as a five door and is pitching itself firmly in BMW X3 territory. It has got chunkier after being lengthened and widened – and to our minds – is one good-looking car. The top of the range T180 comes with a smart set of 18-inch alloys with the rest sitting on 17-inch sets. The T180 model boasts run-flat tyres - meaning you can dispense with the tyre on the rear door.    

 

9/10

 

2. Looks inside

 

The good looks continue inside and immediately appear very driver-focused. This is illustrated by nice little touches including the triangular, tilted window controls on the doors’ interiors. As with the exterior, everything has a chunky, simple feel, from the easy-to-read instrument display to the stripped down central console. Toyota have worked to raise the interior quality and have succeeded in creating a nice place to sit as well as a nice car to look at.

 

8/10

 

3. Practicality

 

Depending on your preference, the side opening rear door will either delight or dismay. Overall the RAV’s interior has increased by almost an eighth, freeing more space for passengers and luggage. Seats in place, there is 586 litres of space to stow your stuff. If you need it for bigger loads simply flatten the seats and you’ll have 1,469 litres to play with, In addition to this you’ll find twin gloveboxes, door pockets with bottle holders, a mobile phone holder and loads more cubby holes to store your stuff.

 

8/10

 

 

4. Ride and Handling

 

It’s a car! Well, it’s as near to a car as an SUV gets. The driving position is excellent and the handling quality means there’s a healthy fun-factor to driving the RAV. You’d expect the ride to be comfortable and it is. Couldn’t ask for much more here so…

 

10/10

 

 

5. Performance

 

There are two diesel engines or a petrol one to choose from. There are two 2.2-litre diesel engines to choose from with our range-topping version boasting 175bhp. It can hit 62mph from a standing start in just 9.3 seconds. This obviously did nothing to detract from our view that the RAV is great fun to drive. Choose the 134bhp model and you’ll still hit 62mph in 10.5 seconds. There’s also the option of a 2-litre manual petrol engine which does it in 10.6 seconds, with the automatic taking 12 seconds to get to the same speed. Top speeds range from 124mph for the top diesel to 109mph for the automatic version of the petrol model.

 

8/10

 

6. Running Costs

 

The two diesels return a decent 42.8 and 40.4 mpg respectively. Go for the manual petrol model and that figure drops to 32.8mpg and on to 31.4 for the automatic. Given its popularity the RAV4 hold its value well. Owners from new get a comprehensive 60,000-mile/three-year warranty. Servicing is required annually or at every 10,000 miles for a minor service. Major services are required every 20,000 miles. Tax will set you back £160 for diesel or £190 for petrol.

 

8/10

 

7. Reliability

 

Toyotas have a well-deserved reputation for producing well-built reliable cars and the RAV is no exception – scoring incredibly well on our reliability index. Historically the axle and suspension throw up most problems.

 

10/10

 

8. Safety

 

The Toyota RAV4 was awarded four out of five for its occupant safety credentials and three out of five for pedestrians. The nine airbags which come as standard include a driver’s knee airbag. Drivers’ aids include Vehicle Stability Control Plus, Active Torque Control 4WD and Electric Power Steering – all coordinated to help the driver keep control in the event of a skid or slide.

 

8/10

 

9. Equipment

 

There are four trim levels to choose from: XT3, XT4, XT5 or the top spec T180. The entry-level XT3 boasts 17-inch alloys, CD player and electric heated door mirrors. The XT4 adds six-disc CD changer, up and downhill assist (to stop the vehicle rolling back during hill starts) and leather upholstery. The XT5 adds cruise control, heated front seats, automatic lights and windscreen wipers as well as sat-nav. The T180 model we drove comes with all that plus 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and run-flat tyres which remove the need for the tailgate-mounted wheel sported by other trim levels.

 

9/10

 

 

10. X-Factor

 

Many of us want cars which can be fun to drive but which are cruise-able when we just want to get from A to B. The RAV4 fulfils both those requirements and is a good looking car too. No laurel-resting going on here then. A great car.

 

9/10

Rivals
You might want to consider:

Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sportage
Ssangyong Rexton

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