For company buyers, the Plug-in has the most favourable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates, but it’s at a disadvantage when compared with other PHEVs, because it can’t go as far on electricity and its emissions are higher. It sits around three percentage points higher than rival PHEVs such as the Cupra Terramar or VW Tiguan, so lower-rate taxpayers will face annual bills that are around £250-£300 higher.
Depreciation
Considering that the RAV4 is a well established model that’s been around for more than five years, residuals in the mid-50 per cent range are pretty impressive. That’s a match for newer models such as the Cupra Terramar, but plug-in versions of the VW Tiguan are still slightly ahead.
Sharp lines outside are enhanced in GR Sport trim, while the cabin delivers function ahead of form
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Safe styling has helped the Toyota RAV4 sell in big numbers, although the chunky, squared-off look of the fifth-generation model does at least have a bit of an edge when compared with its predecessors. Upgrading to GR Sport trim adds some racy touches, such as larger diamond-cut black alloy wheels, black and red detailing inside and out, plus the option of a contrast black roof. It looks smart, although it’s unlikely to turn many heads thanks to the RAV4’s sheer ubiquity. Metallic paint comes as standard on the GR Sport, although Platinum White and Scarlet Flare are a couple of hundred pounds extra.
Interior and dashboard design
There’s definitely a feeling that form follows function with the RAV4’s dashboard layout, with an array of buttons and controls laid out for ease of access ahead of any style considerations. That’s no bad thing because it means that the cabin is easy to get along with.
Materials and build quality
The quality of the plastics on board is a little on the hard side, but the leather-trimmed steering wheel feels good to hold, and the GR Sport features part-leather upholstery with suede-effect cloth inserts that add an upmarket touch. The rotary controls for the climate system are a particular highlight, with rubber edges that are easy to grip, and a satisfying action that makes adjustment easy.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
The RAV4 comes with a 10.5-inch central touchscreen, but while that may have seemed large at the time of the car’s launch in 2019, it’s one of the smaller infotainment set-ups that’s now offered in the family SUV sector. The housing it’s mounted in has banks of shortcut buttons on either side and two rotary knobs for volume and tuning. While the physical buttons are small, they’re relatively easy to press when on the move.
