Toyota RAV 4 Dynamic AWD

Toyota RAV 4 Dynamic AWD

What is it? Toyota’s RAV 4 needs no introduction, but I’m going to give one anyway in case any of our readers have been living on Mars for the last couple of decades.

In 1994, Toyota’s launch of the original RAV4 introduced a new kind of car to the world, one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and handling more akin to a hatchback.

Now in it’s 5th generation, the RAV4 opens a new era of improved performance, capability and safety along with a new hybrid powertrain.

On the road I first drove the new RAV4 around the Hill Route circuit at the Millbrook testing facility down in Bedfordshire and I was genuinely taken aback by the way it handled itself, it was poised, grippy and quite nippy.

Arriving at Muddy Towers a few months later, the majority of miles during our week together were either tootling here and there, the odd commute to school and a trip or two to Wales.

I really enjoyed driving the RAV4, it’s comfortable and quiet with a relatively supple ride and light steering, I always felt cosseted and a little bit smug as it barely ventured under 40mpg.

Although it packs decent pace, especially once you’ve pressed the Sport mode button, the 2.5ltr doesn’t sound that good, quite painful in fact, but that’s easily remedied by cranking up the volume on the stereo.

On the subject of volume, as you drive off, the car selects electric, therefore I had to be quite careful in car parks, as shoppers and pedestrians can’t hear you and never look; they often crossed out in front of me.

For the majority of time I selected 'normal' driving mode which allows the car decide for itself when’s best to deploy either the electric motor or petrol engine. Also, easing on the brakes as you reach a set of lights or a junction automatically increases the amount of electric power gained from the cars regenerative braking system, so it’s win-win.

Off road As I drove down to the bottom of the gully on a wet and sloppy green-lane, I glanced at the lane ahead as it gently headed upwards out of the tree line, and to the left saw the tyre tracks of another 4x4 that had slid off the lane into a ditch. I couldn’t help ask myself if this short adventure was a lane too far for the RAV4.

Already in Trail Mode I was confident, so I eased forward, through the stream and upwards past the mess made by an unfortunate 4x4 owner, and onwards through the slush and wet grass without even a hint of wheel spin. I even pushed my luck by stopping to take photos and driving off again, up hill I might add, and the RAV4 wasn’t troubled, not one bit.

After another short and uneventful green-lane foray I returned and drove back down the lane and it was just as easy.

Any concerns I had of tobogganing into a ditch was immediately quelled by the control I had via engine braking, despite being on what appeared to be summer tyres.

Ground clearance isn’t bad, though you do need to be careful as its approach angle isn’t the best, you just need to be careful of deep ruts.

With this 5th generation RAV4, Toyota has introduced improvements to its intelligent all-wheel drive technology (AWD-i). The system efficiently generates drive torque using power from the hybrid system and an additional motor on the rear axle. This design reduces energy losses, saves weight and optimises AWD operation in different driving conditions. It sounds easy enough, and the best thing is is that it worked really well on all surfaces.

Interior Every thing about the interior, from large tactile rubber switches to the seats are a delight as well as being well thought out and easy to use. I really appreciated the chunky steering wheel, internal door handles and large rubberised temperature dials that are easy to use and grip, especially when wearing thick gloves.

The wide and comfortable seats are heated and cooled (depending on model) and offer oodles of support. In fact it’s nicely finished throughout with plenty of room for everyone, just as a family SUV ought to be.

It’s spacious in the back too, with a massive 580-litre boot capacity - not the biggest in its quite class, but close enough. Even though it’s shorter than the outgoing model, Toyota has gained extra space by extending the wheelbase by 30mm - no, I can’t figure it out either!

Engine ‘n’ gearbox There’s only one option I’m afraid, but it’s a good set up. The new 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine offers 215bhp in frontwheel drive form and 219bhp with all-wheel drive, the result of which is 51.2mpg & 102g/km CO2, depending obviously on wheel and tyre set up.

Conclusion I really like the RAV4, and as I’m sat in the drivers seat waiting for it to be collected I’m genuinely having difficulty coming up with any glaring dislikes. Ok, it has one of those silly iPad sticky up things, I don’t like them in any car if I’m honest, I think they’re an afterthought of lazy designers! However, it works well in the RAV4.

Unlike the 1st generation RAV4, it wouldn’t be my first choice if I wanted a green-laner, even though its AWD worked an absolute treat, but as a family barge it’s much more appealing. It’s roomy, comfortable and nice to be in. As a financial and fuel-saving choice it really does take some beating.

price £36,945 (as tested)