Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2016: review

At least, you can’t if you want it with a diesel engine, which almost everybody does. The petrol and hybrid models are still 4x4s, but with the 2.0 D-4D unit tested here it’s a front-driver only.

The reason is clear: when Toyota set out its goals for this latest update to the vehicle, better running costs and lower emissions were right at the top of the agenda.

Job done, if an official figure of 60.1mpg is anything to go by. And the good news is that the new 2.0-litre diesel which replaces both the 2.0 and 2.2 units in the old range isn’t just cleaner, it’s better.

From the word go, it hauls positively, revving when asked to get you moving faster. Noise levels build as engine speeds increase, but it shuts back up when you settle into a cruise, leaving only a bit of wind rustle to disturb the calm.

To enjoy said calm, you can get a full complement of adults on board without anyone’s knees needing medical work afterwards, and there’s plenty of toys to keep everyone entertained. They might have to endure a shudder or two around town, but out on the open road they’ll be thankful that the suspension doesn’t let the tall body loll around.

So it’s quiet, willing, economical and poised on the motorway, and those are all fine things for it to be. Even if you don’t have any friends along for the ride, with the back seats down it’ll swallow 1735 litres – meaning you’ll discover friends you didn’t know you had when it’s time for them to move house.

A problem the previous RAV4 had, however, was that while it didn’t have many flaws it just wasn’t stand-out special enough to take charge of its market segment. And this one has a touch of that too – despite appreciating the improvements Toyota has made to the RAV4, it left us with the feeling that the Mazda CX-5 remains a tough one for its rivals to knock over.

Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D

On sale: Now

Price: £26,995

Engine: 4 cyls, 1995cc, diesel

Power: 141bhp at 4000rpm

Torque: 236lb ft at 1750-2250rpm

Gearbox: 6-spd manual

Kerb weight: 1605kg

Top speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 9.6sec

Economy: 60.1mpg (combined)

CO2 rating & BIK tax band: 123g/km, 22%

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