THOSE of you old enough to remember the 1990s will recall the original RAV 4 as a small funky SUV that was big on fun but short on space… well not anymore.

The 2025 RAV 4 has grown up big style and is now equal in size to the likes of the Discovery Sport and Kia Sportage.

With a 2.5-litre petrol engine plus two electric motors the Toyota RAV4 has four-wheel drive and a combined power output of 302bhp – enough for a speedy 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds yet it pumps out less CO2 than some small cars.

It can reach motorway speeds on battery power alone and I managed more than 35 all-electric miles on a varied test route – Toyota says 46 is possible.

Putting your foot down in the RAV4 sends the engine revving due to its super smooth CVT automatic gearbox. At low speeds you can run on pure electric power with regenerative braking topping up the battery as the car slows down.

Setting your driving position is easy thanks to power adjustment for the seat and you also get adjustable lumbar support to boost comfort. Higher-spec GR Sport versions have memory settings. The large centre armrest is also a real comfort while the driving position is typical of a family SUV – high up to give you a commanding view over the road.

Chunky dashboard controls that are clear and easy to reach mean it’s more user-friendly than some rivals which have just an infotainment touchscreen. The 12.3in digital driver’s display is clear and GR Sport versions have a head-up display that projects your speed on to the windscreen. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are fitted as standard across the range.

A central 10.5in infotainment touchscreen has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as sat-nav and vehicle settings and is positioned high up so you don’t have to take your eyes far from the road.

You get four USB ports on all versions but only GR Sport gets wireless phone-charging. Materials on the upper surfaces look smart and feel relatively plush with rubberised finishes on the rotary controls for the air-con and door grab handles add to a rugged SUV appeal.

As I said the RAV4 has grown into a big car meaning comfort all round inside with generous head and leg room but there is no seven-seat option.

Clever use of the PHEV system means high mpg numbers are possible but you would be pushed to achieve the RAV4’s official 282mpg fuel economy figure however, if you keep the  battery charged and make mainly shorter journeys you can reduce how often you fill up with petrol.

When the battery runs down the RAV4 reserves enough charge to behave like a regular hybrid so you can still expect at least 50mpg with normal driving.

The maximum charging speed is 6.6kW so if you plug it into a home high power unit you will get a full charge in about two hours – domestic three pin charging is overnight.

Equipment levels are high, even if you stick with our entry-level Design trim which also comes with adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, 18in alloy wheels, heated front and rear outer seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding door mirrors and rear privacy glass.

The top-spec GR Sport adds a rear armrest, part-leather upholstery, larger 19in alloy wheels and slightly sportier body trim.

The RAV4 scores well in reliability surveys, well it is a Toyota, and you also get an  impressive warranty – three years to start with but that gets topped up by an extra year for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles if you have it serviced at an official dealership.

The RAV4 comes with a long list of safety equipment including automatic emergency braking that reacts to pedestrians and cyclists, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance and a driver attention monitor. You need to get GR Sport trim for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of approaching vehicles when you’re backing out on to a road.

I had a week of very mixed motoring with the Rav 4 which is now all grown up – but still lots of fun to drive. Prices start from £44,395.00 for the Design trim up to the GR Sport at £49.530

For more info see www.toyota.co.uk

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth