Toyota RAV4 review

With its standard hybrid powertrain option, the previous generation RAV4 started at just under £40k in the UK when it became the best-selling car in the world.

And yet, with the plug-in hybrid only approach you’re now looking at an entry price of £43,845 for the Icon trim. That is slightly less than you’d pay for the former entry-level PHEV though, and this new generation is better equipped.

As standard you get pretty much all of Toyota’s active safety systems, as well as dual zone air conditioning, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a power tailgate. You also get 18in wheels on Icon models, and you won’t have to pay extra for metallic paint options. Mmm, shiny.

Make the step up to Design trim and you’ll unlock 20in black alloy wheels, two-tone paint and the synthetic leather seats. You also get a wireless phone charger inside and ventilation for the front seats. Toyota reckons this’ll be the big seller in the UK with around 40 per cent of customers ticking the box. It’ll cost from £45,745.

The next rung up the ladder is Excel trim, and it’s here where you can divert into the AWD powertrain should you so desire. You also get 20in machined alloy wheels, a JBL premium audio system (although the standard setup is still pretty good), a head-up display and leather seats that are heated in the back as well as up front.

The front-wheel drive Excel costs £50,045, while all-wheel drive is £52,390. That means a slightly cheaper way into the AWD car is to go for the £52,045 GR Sport.