Toyota - RAV 4 |
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RAV-4 put the S (Sport) into SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Compact and nimble, it's more of a 'hot hatch' 4x4 than a mud-plugger. The three-door is fun but not family-sized.
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Lively and enjoyable to drive |
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Toyota reliability does not disappoint |
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Good equipment on most versions |
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Some find it brash and overstyled |
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Out of its depth off-road |
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Limited rear legroom in three-door cars |
RAV-4 has no pretensions to being a serious 4x4, and it's quite small - the five-door estate is only Golf-sized. With permanent four-wheel drive, a 130bhp 16-valve engine and slightly show-off styling, it's a bit of a plaything.
What saves it is that it's reliable, easy to own, practical if you don't have large kids or lots of luggage, and loads of fun.
RAV goes where you point it, holds the road well and corners confidently without much body roll. And the responsive 2.0 engine feels faster than it is (an impression aided by rather firm suspension, perhaps).
Affordable ownership is assisted by 30mpg fuel economy and Group 10 insurance (cheaper than many 2.0 medium hatchbacks). But check the service record, as some replacement bits are expensive.
Original RAV-4 owners liked lots of kit, especially air con and ABS. But don't pay too much the glitzier special editions.
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2.0 GX & VX 5-door
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Honda HR-V
Subaru Forester (1997-02)
Suzuki Vitara & Grand Vitara
