Toyota RAV4 review

Drivers of all shapes and sizes are well catered for in terms of head and leg room in the Toyota RAV4. Seat adjustment is manual unless you step up to pricier Excel trim (not available with plug-in power), which adds full electric seats with a memory recall function. The sports seats you get with the more expensive Dynamic and Adventure trims have power adjustment but no memory. 

Models with electric seats get adjustable lumbar support to help support your back on longer journeys, but it’s frustrating that you can’t add this as an option on lower trims, especially when the Honda CR-V provides this feature as standard.

That said, the RAV4 comes with enough aids to lessen the fear of parking in tight spots, with both rear parking sensors and a reversing camera fitted as standard and, if you upgrade to Design trim, you get parking sensors at the front too.

Another welcome feature is the RAV4's standard LED headlights, while a surround camera system is an option on Excel and Dynamic models, and with Adventure trim if you go for the upgraded JBL sound system or the Premium pack.

Infotainment is undoubtedly the RAV4's biggest weakness. The first problem is the hardware – the 8.0in touchscreen (9.0in in the PHEV) is quite low-definition and has small buttons that take strong prodding to select. It compares poorly with that of the Skoda Kodiaq, which offers pin-sharp screen resolution and superb graphics.