£50k for a RAV4! Has Toyota gone too far? Mat Watson gives his honest verdict

This is the new Toyota RAV4, and it’s a bit like the Oreo. It’s the best-selling biscuit in the world, while RAV4 is the best-selling car in the world. Yet neither makes the UK top 10.

I can understand why the Oreo isn’t doing so well here – I’m not a fan at all. But the RAV4? This actually looks pretty good.

Toyota has completely redesigned it, with new bodywork, a bigger electric range of up to 85 miles, more power and plenty of new technology.

There’s just one problem: this particular car costs around £50,000.

So, is the new RAV4 worth it? I spent a week with one to find out.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

I think Toyota has nailed the exterior design. Every body panel is new, and the RAV4 now has a much more rugged look, with styling cues that remind me of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

I like the new lights, the chunky wheel arches and the creases down the sides. The standard version already looks good, so I don’t think you need the GR Sport model.

You can get wheels from 18 to 20 inches, and I think these 20s suit the boxy body particularly well.

Overall, it looks considerably better than the old RAV4.

Inside, I like the chunky, functional design and the proper physical controls for the temperature – though it’s annoying that you have to use the touchscreen to adjust the fan speed. At least the climate display is clear, and the infotainment is easy to use.

There’s plenty of storage, too, with a big centre console, decent door pockets, cup holders and a phone tray. Higher-spec versions get wireless charging, a high-powered USB-C charger and a clear head-up display, which I particularly like.

That said, the centre console is surprisingly wobbly, and there are plenty of hard, scratchy plastics. That’s difficult to ignore when this car costs £50,000. I’ve driven cheaper Chinese SUVs, such as the Jaecoo 8, that feel considerably more premium inside.

There’s good space in the back, with plenty of knee and headroom, comfortable seats and rear windows that actually go all the way down. You get decent storage, cupholders and USB ports, although the middle passenger has to deal with a sizeable hump in the floor.

The plug-in hybrid battery has also affected under-thigh support slightly. I remember the previous non-plug-in RAV4 being a little more comfortable in the back.

The boot offers 446 litres of space. That’s not huge for an SUV of this size, especially compared with the Honda CR-V’s roughly 579 litres, but I still managed to fit eight suitcases, and there’s useful storage underneath the floor.

The rear seats only split 60:40, though, rather than the more versatile 40:20:40 setup available in alternatives such as the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Where the RAV4 really impresses me is behind the wheel.

The 272hp plug-in hybrid is quick enough, getting to 60mph in around 7.2 seconds. I don’t think most buyers need the all-wheel-drive version either, as this front-wheel-drive model has plenty of performance.

Its CVT gearbox can still get vocal under hard acceleration, but it’s less irritating than some. At motorway speeds, the RAV4 is impressively quiet, with only a little road noise.During my time with the car, I’ve been averaging around 61mpg while mostly using the hybrid system rather than relying heavily on its plug-in capability.

The main downside to the RAV4 is the price.

At £50,000, you’re getting close to premium-car territory. I found a used Lexus RX with just 7,000 miles for similar money on Carwow, and that gives you a larger, more luxurious SUV.

That said, the RAV4 is an excellent SUV: practical, comfortable, economical and easy to live with. It’s certainly a car you should shortlist.

And if you want to save a serious amount of money while potentially getting even more equipment, there are some interesting alternatives out there… including the Chery Tiggo 8.

You might think I’ve lost my mind, but watch that review to find out why.

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