Toyota RAV4 review

If your workplace requires you to regularly undergo a performance review, the prospect may either fill you with dread or it’s something you actually look forward to – and it’s the latter that’s probably most applicable to the Toyota RAV4.

You see, with the RAV4 being Toyota’s best-selling SUV – and the brand's best selling car of 2025 – it must be doing something right. This latest sixth generation version isn’t a big reinvention of its predecessor, then, and it re-uses its predecessor’s underpinnings, albeit with a few tweaks. 

It promises to be better to drive, but perhaps the most notable change is that the previous regular hybrid version is gone, replaced by a front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The RAV4 sits above the Toyota C-HR and below the rough-and-ready Land Cruiser in Toyota's car range. It remains a similar size to before and is slightly bigger than some rivals at this price level.

And what about those rivals? Well, there are plenty of family SUVs, such as the Audi Q3, the Ford Kuga, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Oh, and also some less-familiar newcomers, including the BYD Seal U, Jaecoo 7 and MG HS.

What’s new?

- July 2026 - All-new six-generation RAV4 arrives in the UK for customers

How fast is it and which motor is best?

Toyota expects the entry-level front wheel drive (FWD) RAV4 to make up around 85% of sales. This produces a combined output of 270bhp from a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a single electric motor. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 7.5sec. That’s on a par with the most powerful Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid and more effortless than the Honda CR-V e:PHEV, if not as quick as the MG HS PHEV.

In pure-electric mode, the RAV4 is fairly nippy around town and has no trouble getting up to motorway speeds. However, hybrid mode adds urgency; the petrol engine wakes up promptly and smoothly when you ask for more power than electric mode can provide alone.

Unsurprisingly, the 304bhp four-wheel drive version (with its additional electric motor that powers the rear wheels) has a more lively response, but the front-wheel-drive car will be more than grunty enough for most.

Both versions are prepared for some light off-roading. The FWD has an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to maximise traction, while the AWD includes hill descent control and drive modes for snow and gravel. There’s no permanent four wheel drive setting, meaning the rear wheels help out automatically when traction is needed or full power.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

Enter a corner and the RAV4 feels more composed than before, thanks to a lower centre of gravity and stiffer structure. There’s lots of grip from the tyres, too. However, the tall body and relatively soft suspension mean there’s a fair bit of body lean, albeit to a lesser extent with GR Sport trim, which brings slightly stiffer suspension. 

Overall, the RAV4 is similar to the Hyundai Tucson and feels more agile than a Mazda CX-60, while the Tiguan and Audi Q3 e-Hybrid are grippier and feel better tied down.

On the other hand, the RAV4 rides more comfortably than the CX-60, Geely Starry and Omoda 7. It’s also cushier over urban potholes than the Q3 or Tiguan, although those two are the RAV4’s equal at motorway speeds. The RAV4 GR Sport is barely any less pliant.

The RAV4's light steering means it's easy to manoeuvre around town. A bit more weight building up would inspire extra confidence in high speed corners, but the response is accurate and still better than the vague systems in the BYD Seal U and Jaecoo 7.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

Perhaps the biggest improvement with the RAV4 is that it’s quieter than its predecessor, with much less road noise (helped by extra sound deadening around the rear structure), while laminated side glass has a similar effect on wind noise. It’s not yet confirmed which models will get the latter, though. 

Elsewhere, while the petrol engine revs soar when provoked as it did before (due to the CVT automatic gearbox), it does so less coarsely and with fewer vibrations transmitted through the floor. Overall, the RAV4 is more hushed than the CR-V, and its hybrid system switches between electric and petrol power just as unobtrusively as the Q3’s.

When you run on pure electric power with the engine off, there is more electric motor whine than in some rivals, but it’s easily drowned out by the stereo.

The regenerative braking system tops the battery up using energy recouped during deceleration, but none of the six levels are strong enough to bring the car to a halt. Still, its effect doesn’t corrupt the feel of the regular brakes; the pedal responds consistently, making it easy to slow the RAV4 down smoothly.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

With a 20kWh (usable capacity) battery, all versions of the RAV4 are officially capable of travelling on battery power alone for more than 80 miles. That’s about the same as the Geely Starray and beats the already impressive 75 mile range of the Audi Q3, MG HS and VW Tiguan PHEVs.

For the first time, the RAV4 also gets a CCS charging port that enables you to plug into a DC public charger to top up the battery. It’s only fitted to high-spec Excel and GR Sport models, but a peak rate of 35kW means topping up the battery from 10-80% can take less than 30 minutes.

‘I’m used to seeing PHEVs featuring a useful ‘Hold’ function that preserves the level of battery charge you have at that given moment. The RAV4 doesn’t have one because its hybrid mode has been programmed to do that automatically – it means I don’t burn off all my electric power in one go.’ – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

The RAV4 is more rugged than it is plush inside, with fewer soft materials than you’d find in the MG HS. Most of the surfaces are covered in hard plastics, but these feel durable rather than cheap, while the switches and buttons are nicely damped.

The rubberised storage tray ahead of the front passenger that stops items sliding around is a neat touch, although it’s a slight shame the textured rubberised finishes you used to get on the door grab handles no longer feature.

Overall, it’s no less classy than inside the Honda CR-V, with some chunky dashboard controls that are clear and easy to use even when wearing gloves.  It’s more user-friendly than rivals that rely heavily on the infotainment touchscreen (such as the Ford Kuga, Jaecoo 7 and MG HS).

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

Setting your driving position in the Toyota RAV4 is effortless, thanks to power adjustment for the seat on all models. You also get adjustable lumbar support to boost comfort, while Design and Excel versions have memory settings so you can quickly return your seat to your favourite position after someone else has used it.

The large centre armrest is a real boon for comfort, and whichever version you go for, the RAV4's driving position is typical of a family SUV – even when it’s set to its lowest position, you sit relatively high up to give you a commanding view over the road.

Seeing forwards out of the RAV4 is pretty easy thanks to a low dashboard and a clear view over the bonnet. It’s not quite perfect; while the front windscreen pillars aren’t too chunky, they are in a slightly awkward position that can partially obscure your view out at junctions.

Meanwhile, the large side windows helpfully give you a clue to what’s over your shoulder, although the rear pillars are chunky. That said, most rivals also suffer from this and the RAV4 does at least have a tall rear windscreen. It also comes with enough aids to lessen the fear of parking in tight spots, with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera fitted as standard. Excel trim and above get an upgraded 360-degree-view camera system.

The RAV4 also features standard LED headlights, with an automatic high-beam function on all trim levels.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

The 12.3in digital driver’s display is clear and offers a few layouts (including one that displays the sat-nav map). Excel trim and above also get a large head-up display that projects your speed and sat-nav directions onto the windscreen, so you can see your speed without glancing down.

The RAV4’s 12.9in infotainment touchscreen runs on newer software than those found on many current Toyotas, and it’s a big improvement. The menu layout has been tidied up with fewer sub-menus and the majority of icons are large and easy to aim for. The response times are more consistently quick, too.

It’s packed with features, with Spotify embedded in so you can stream music, while the in-built sat-nav uses TomTom’s network for speed camera alerts. There’s also wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – which allow you to use smartphone apps through the car’s touchscreen, while four USB ports are standard on all versions to keep your devices topped-up.

Additionally, the touchscreen is positioned high up on the dashboard so you don't have to divert your eyes far from the road to view it. The climate control is integrated into the touchscreen but there are at least physical buttons to adjust the temperature and there are plenty of icons on display at the bottom of the screen.

A six-speaker stereo is standard, but the eight-speaker JBL system fitted to Excel trim and above is punchy and immersive.

"I like that it feels rugged and robust, but a bit more soft material wouldn’t go amiss - you can still bash your knee on the lower centre console, despite it being covered in suede material on GR Sport trim." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

How much space does it have for people?

You won’t struggle for head or leg room when sitting in the front seats of the RAV4, and it’s wide enough so you won’t be bashing elbows.

There are lots of storage options, including a deep cubby under the front armrest, a couple of cupholders, a sunglasses holder up on the ceiling, a storage tray on the dashboard above the big glovebox and two storage trays below the air vents with up to two wireless phone charging pads. The door bins are usefully long, too. 

The centre armrest lid initially feels flimsy, but there is a functional reason for it – it can be unhinged and rotated around to be used as a shallow tray.

The RAV4 is a big car, and the upshot of its size is that you won't be haunted by groans of discomfort from your back-seat passengers. There’s a generous level of head and leg room, with plenty of space to tuck your feet underneath the front seats. 

It’s similar to what you get in a Ford Kuga and there’s more head room than in the Honda CR-V. While the RAV4 doesn’t have the CR-V’s flat floor, the RAV4’s middle hump doesn’t make things awkward for a middle passenger – it’s quite low and wide enough to rest a foot on top.

How much room does it have for luggage?

The RAV4’s load area is quite shallow when compared with rivals and its 446-litre capacity (up to the parcel shelf) is actually slightly down on its predecessor (490-litres) and a lot less than the CR-V’s 635 litres. Even so, there’s enough boot space for a folded pushchair with room to spare.

The rear backrest lies flat when folded and there’s also some underfloor storage for the charging cables.

The RAV4’s backrest reclines by a small amount and folds down in a 60/40 split. That offers some flexibility but not as much as in a VW Tiguan, which has 40/20/40 split seats, a sliding rear bench and a backrest that also reclines. The Honda CR-V also features the latter two functions.

The boot floor has a slight downward slope towards the entrance and some smaller items (such as bottles) have tumbled out when opening the powered tailgate. At least the boot floor is flush with the rear backrest when it’s folded to make it easier to slide bulkier items through.

Another feature missing from the RAV4 is a set of handles in the boot to remotely fold down the rear backrests. You get these in the Kuga, CR-V, Tucson and Kia Sportage, and they’re helpful at those moments when you're at the boot and realise you need more cargo space.

Instead, you walk round, open the rear doors and release the seatbacks by pulling levers next to the rear headrests. It’s a small detail, but this sort of thing can often make all the difference.

"In the back there's a good amount of room. This is a big car so head and leg room are decent, but I found the Tiguan is a bit more versatile with its sliding rear bench." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

The cheapest Toyota RAV4 will cost you more to buy outright than the entry-level Ford Kuga PHEV, Hyundai Tucson PHEV and MG HS, but it’s on a par with the Honda CR-V e:PHEV and VW Tiguan. 

Company car drivers may find the RAV4 compelling because its long battery range places it in one of the lower BIK tax bands against many other PHEVs. That said, the HS’s lower P11D price will make it slightly cheaper per month via salary sacrifice

You probably won't get close to the RAV4's official fuel economy figure, but if you keep the PHEV battery charged you can reduce how often you fill up on petrol. When the battery runs down, the RAV4 reserves enough battery charge to behave like a regular hybrid so you can expect better fuel economy than with other rivals.

The RAV4's equipment levels are high, even with entry-level Icon trim. That comes with 18in alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Design trim comes with 20in wheels and adds two-tone exterior paint finish, faux leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Excel adds heated rear seats while GR Sport adds a slightly sportier appearance.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

We’ll have to wait and see how well the RAV4 performs in the family SUV category of the What Car? Reliability Survey. However, as a manufacturer, Toyota came an impressive fourth place out of 30 brands.

You also get Toyota’s impressive warranty – you get three years to start with, but that gets topped up by an extra year for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles if you have your RAV4 serviced annually at an official dealership.

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The RAV4 is yet to be crash tested by safety experts, Euro NCAP. However, the RAV4 comes with a long list of safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), speed limit sign recognition, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor and two Isofix points in the rear seats.

You need to head up to top-spec Excel trim to get front cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're slowly approaching out onto a junction.

"It’s a shame that fast DC charging is only available on pricier trim levels, but don’t be too disheartened if your budget can’t stretch to one - using public chargers are a much pricier way of charging up than it is at home." – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Buy it if...

-You want a plug-in hybrid with a long battery range

-Having loads of front and rear space is important to you

-You’re after an interior that feels durable, rather than luxurious

Don’t buy it if…

-You want the biggest boot in the class

-You want the most versatile rear seats

-You’re hoping GR Sport is fun to drive

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