David William
New member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2012
- Messages
- 1
I spent a week with the latest £26,990 RAV-4 XT-R D-CAT to see whether it could teach its more modern rivals a thing or two, or if it's too dated.The current third-generation car dates back to 2005 and a face-lift last year brought it in line with the bigger Avensis and smaller Auris.The face-lift for the RAV-4 is most obvious from the front, with new headlights and a larger front chrome-trimmed family grille.Our test car was fitted with one of just three engines available for the RAV-4, the 2.2-litre, D-CAT diesel engine with 148bhp. Emissions of 186g/km and 39.8mpg fuel consumption figures mean that the Toyota with the Optimal Drive technology has best in class economy figures.The Toyota's power-assisted steering is light but isn't particularly responsive. Parking is surprisingly easy, despite the RAV-4 test car not being fitted with rear parking sensors. Still, it's fine on the motorway.
When the original RAV-4 was launched it made people look differently at how small off-roaders should ride and handle. The RAV-4 is still car-like to drive, but it feels old, there's more bodyroll and new rivals are more fun to drive.Toyota has worked hard to improve the interior quality of the RAV-4 and there's a solid, chunky feel to the controls. However it feels dated, plus some of the plastics look cheap and scratchy. The instruments are clear and easy to read though.
To sum up, newer rivals might be more impressive looking and better to drive, but if you're after a capable, practical off-roader then the RAV-4 is still worth a look.
When the original RAV-4 was launched it made people look differently at how small off-roaders should ride and handle. The RAV-4 is still car-like to drive, but it feels old, there's more bodyroll and new rivals are more fun to drive.Toyota has worked hard to improve the interior quality of the RAV-4 and there's a solid, chunky feel to the controls. However it feels dated, plus some of the plastics look cheap and scratchy. The instruments are clear and easy to read though.
To sum up, newer rivals might be more impressive looking and better to drive, but if you're after a capable, practical off-roader then the RAV-4 is still worth a look.
