Family Matters: I tested Toyota’s hybrid and electric SUVs to find out which fuel type is best

With so many choices of family car on sale, using a multitude of different engine options, model names and similar body styles – even within the same brand – choosing one can be confusing at the best of times, and a total nightmare at the worst.

Take Toyota, for example, a staple of the sensible car world, which now offers big family cars in plug-in hybrid and electric flavours. The RAV4 has been around for decades, while the bZ4X Touring is a newer, sleeker upstart – and it might be a fly in the older model’s ointment.

I’ve spent time in both models and I’m torn, but I think one just edges out the other. Here are the differences:

Toyota bZ4X Touring vs RAV4: design and desirability

Naturally, as they’re both Toyota models, there’s a resemblance between the bZ4X Touring and the RAV4. They’re certainly not identical, but both cars wear Toyota’s C-shaped headlights, have upright front and rear ends, chunky body cladding and intricate wheel designs. Both are pretty handsome things.

Step inside, however, and the bZ4X is head-and-shoulders above the RAV4 in terms of material quality and general…premiumness. Again, both share similarities in the wraparound dashboards, prominent infotainment displays and superb build quality, but the bZ4X is just a touch sleeker and more elegant.

The plastics are softer to the touch, there are more upholstered surfaces and as much as I love a boxy SUV with a high seating position, I prefer the posher-feeling, more cocooned vibe in the electric car.

First blood to the bZ4X Touring, then, because it’s just a bit more stylish than the rugged RAV4.

Toyota bZ4X Touring vs RAV4: space and practicality

You’d think the bigger, taller RAV4 is a more practical proposition than the lower, sleeker bZ4X Touring, right? Well no, not exactly.

There’s no comparison for cabin space, because while the bZ4X is a pretty spacious proposition, the RAV4’s taller roofline means there’s even more room inside than in its lower counterpart. The bigger car has far more useful storage compartments, too, with a large centre console cubby and a real glovebox – something desperately missing from the Touring.

You’ll still be able to fit four tall adults in both models, but the RAV4 will more easily accommodate three rear passengers, with more room for water bottles and other assorted bits and bobs.

That is, until you see the boot space, because the hybrid gubbins mean the RAV4 can only hold 446 litres worth of cargo – which is disappointing, quite frankly. The bZ4X Touring’s SUV-cum-estate body shape gives it a mighty 669-litre cargo capacity – which is more than some far larger alternatives.

So, if you prioritise passenger space then the RAV4 is a no brainer…but if you need to carry five peoples’ worth of luggage, the bZ4X Touring’s boot is worth the cosier journey.

Toyota bZ4X Touring vs RAV4: driving and running costs

This is where similarities end, because the RAV4 and bZ4X Touring are worlds apart from behind the wheel.

The RAV4 is a much more old-school driving experience, but that’s not a bad thing by any means. Sitting high up with a low-set dashboard, light steering and surprisingly peppy response from the plug-in hybrid motor means a mishmash of a ‘proper’ 4×4 view and new car ease-of-use. It’s a very pleasant thing to potter about in, and it’s surprisingly practical on narrow city roads.

Meanwhile, the bZ4X Touring is nothing like an SUV to drive at all. You might not get on with the driving position as it can be annoying to find the right balance between the steering wheel height and the high-set driver display. Otherwise the bZ4X is a comfortable, quiet and surprisingly entertaining big car to drive – especially in the outrageously powerful dual-motor guise that I tested here.

Toyota claims 366 miles of range in the more sensible, single-motor variant – a figure we’ve found to be pretty realistic in our testing – the bZ4X Touring is usable enough, but the RAV4’s impressive 85-mile range before relying on the engine is very impressive.

If you have the capacity for a home charger or regular cheap top ups then the EV is a no brainer, because it will be more cost-effective in the long run. If you don’t, or your driving habits mean frequent stops at public charging infrastructure then the RAV4 makes more sense. The reassurance of the RAV4’s petrol engine offers a bit more peace of mind for road trips, even though the bZ4X is more pleasant at motorway speeds.

Toyota bZ4X Touring vs RAV4: verdict

So which should you choose? Well, I’d have the bZ4X Touring. While both Toyotas have their charms, the fairly punchy £45,000 price tag for the RAV4 is its Achilles heel.

It may be more spacious inside and has the appeal of a plug-in hybrid car’s broad ability, but it just doesn’t feel posh enough for the premium it commands. The bZ4X Touring, meanwhile, is a lovely thing inside, looks great and it’s arguably more practical than the RAV4 – for just £1,000 more.

Either way, Toyota still makes a cracking sensible family car.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.