Toyota’s RAV4 almost single handedly generated the ‘soft roader’ segment, where off-road looks were more important than off road ability.
It was a masterstroke for Toyota. As well as spawning one of the most hotly contested car markets, the RAV4 was a runaway success, with more than 4.5 million sold over the car’s first three generations.
The opposition has not been slow in playing catch up, however, launching ever-better cars into the now mainstream sector once dominated by the RAV4.
So here comes the fourth generation car, ready to launch itself into the fray.
It’s grown up literally. This model is a healthy 8.1 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider, with a four inch increase in the wheelbase.
It sits an inch lower and the spare wheel has, thankfully, been taken off the rear door and stowed under the boot floor, as is the case with all other SUVs bar the Suzuki Vitara.
These increased dimensions give the RAV4 massively improved passenger space. Those sitting in the back now have executive saloon amounts of legroom, and headroom is also excellent.
At 547 litres, the boot capacity stacks up well against rivals such as the Ford Kuga (456 litres) and Mazda CX-5 (503 litres). Only Honda’s CRV (589 litres) and Kia’s Sportage (564 litres) have it beaten for carrying capacity.
The RAV4 range starts at £22,595 for the 2.0 diesel in basic Active trim and front wheel drive, rising to £29,305 for the modestly named Invincible model with 2.2 litre diesel, four-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
There is a 2.0 litre petrol engine but most buyers will either go for the 2.0 litre 122bhp diesel or the 2.2 litre, 148bhp diesel my RAV4 came with.
I drove the Icon model, which comes with a useful reversing camera and a remote control tailgate that lifts electronically when you tough a button on the key fob.
Other equipment it gets over the basic Active model includes dual zone air conditioning, folding door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming interior mirror and part leather seats.
Another £1,700 buys the Invincible model which adds full leather upholstery, keyless entry, roof rails, heated front seats, rear parking sensors and a storage compartment in the centre console.
The interior isn’t ground breaking in terms of design but the materials used are of good quality and it feels built to last.
On the road, it has a comfortable ride that, combined with its excellent interior space, makes long distance journeys a pleasure.
It doesn’t handle as well as rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 or Audi Q3 but many buyers won’t be bothered by that.
Similarly, don’t expect Land Rover capability off-road but (provided you go for a four wheel drive model) it should have enough capability for those who live up farm tracks to rely on it over the winter.
Speaking of reliability, despite recent high profile product recalls, Toyota still has one of the most enviable records in the business. Buyers can expect many years of good service from their RAV4.
Dynamically, the RAV4 is no longer the best in its class. However its combination of space, reliability and value mean it’s one of the most sensible choices for family buyers in particular.