The simplicity extends to the engine range and driving experience, too. There is more room than the boot in the Honda CR-V and, even though there are no levers in the boot to do so, you can flip the back seats down flat to carry really big stuff – such as a bike. You won’t break a sweat fitting a child seat either, as the ISOFIX points are easy to find and a wide opening and flat floor means sliding things into the Toyota RAV4’s boot is an easy task. If you’re designated driver for a burly five-a-side football team, then everyone will fit in just fine and even entry-level cars will allow you to recline the rear seat backs by a few degrees. The striking Toyota RAV4 makes a good alternative to the crop of humdrum family SUVs – especially if you rank practicality and running costs above sporty handling The seats are very supportive in mid-range models, you get lumbar support and plenty of electric adjustment that means even taller folk will find space to stretch out. One area needing improvement is the infotainment system, an update added much-needed features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s still really starting to show its age now.

Still, it looks much more exciting than a Honda CR-V. There are some scratchy plastics however and it’s not quite as solid-feeling as a Volkswagen Tiguan. It combines simple surfaces, clean lines and posh-looking metal-effect trims that look pretty understated and rather classy and most of the surfaces you’ll touch regularly feel plush and sturdy. Sadly (or not, depending on your view) the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is less daring inside.

You might like it, but your neighbour might not, or vice-versa. Its gaping octagonal grille looks more like it belongs on a menacing sports saloon than a practical family runabout. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a mishmash of creases, angular shapes and blunt surfaces whichever angle you approach from.

The RAV4 Hybrid now has a wide range of alternatives, such as the Honda CR-V and VW Tiguan, but in its latest form stands out from these cars thanks to its super-angular looks. Basically, back in 1994 it was the first of the small ‘leisure SUVs’ which these days are seen on just about every street in the UK. No one really thinks of the RAV4 as a trailblazer, but rumour has it that Adam and Eve learned to drive in one. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an affordable family SUV with a spacious cabin and a big boot.

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