Insurance Group: 26
MPG: 39.2
CO2: 189
0-62 Mph: 10.8 secs
BHP: 148 BHP
Range: 517 miles
PROS: The RAV4 is reliable, tough and a good choice for occassional off-road duties. This diesel model also benefits from strong resale values.
CONS: Carbon emissions are fairly high and this means road tax costs will be a little steep. The interior design looks cheap and rival models are easily more luxurious and refined.
Delivering 148 bhp at 3600 rpm and 251 lb-ft of torque at 2000-2800 rpm, the Toyota Rav4 SR 150 2.2 D-4D is capable of a top speed of 115 mph and a 0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds. The mountain of torque also makes the car more than capable of towing heavy loads, making it ideal for both on and off-road use.
The engine is fairly loud, especially when it is being worked hard, and noise from the wind and road can be disruptive. The manual gearbox is also horrible and clunky. In terms of handling, the RAV4 feels very dated with vague steering, harsh suspension and bucketloads of body roll through the bends.
The RAV4 is an attractive car, if a little bland. The interior is also a bit dull and some of the plastics feel cheap to the touch. However, the part leather interior improves the interior look.
There is a decent supply of in-car kit including power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
On top of this, this diesel model also offers a few additional benefits with a built-in sat nav fitted as standard alongside rear parking cameras. A metallic paint finish costs an additional £450.
The RAV4 XT-R 2.0 VVT-i is a sturdy and reliable car and although the interior plastics may feel a little cheap, the whole car feels well put together and sturdy.
There is plenty of space in the cabin and the boot is a decent size with 410-litres on offer with the rear seats up and 1469-litres available with the rear seats down.
The overall layout of instruments and in-car features is also organised and this makes operating controls whilst driving easy. On top of this, the car performed well in both the JD Power survey.
The RAV4 should be very safe and rated highly in the NCAP crash tests where it scored a four star rating for both occupant and child safety.
The RAV4 SR 150 2.2 D-4D 5dr is priced at £28,620 which is fairly expensive considering you can buy a Land Rover Freelander for this sort of money.
Road tax falls under band J due to relatively high carbon emissions of 189g/km whilst insurance premiums fall under insurance group 26. Fuel economy is pretty good, however, with the RAV4 falling returning 39.2mpg (combined). The RAV4 should also benefit from very slow depreciation.
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