When the original Rav4 launched it was effectively born into a class of one. 

Pitched into a world of agricultural 4x4s that were primarily the preserve of hill farmers, the Rav4 completely transformed the landscape, offering sporty, hatchback driving characteristics wrapped up in a rugged, chunky body style. 

Fast forward 25 years and you can't move for sport utility vehicles that owe their very existence to the Rav4. This sincerest form of flattery is all well and good, but it also represents a significant challenge for Toyota as the latest Rav4 attempts to re-establish its unique selling proposition.

Hybrid-only

It certainly differs in one key area; namely, its powertrain. 

No other manufacturer has more experience of petrol-electric hybrids than Toyota and its unstinting confidence in the technology is evidenced by the introduction of an all-new hybrid. 

The synergy of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine married to an electric motor produces a wholesome 215hp in front-wheel drive form or 219hp when specified with the four-wheel drive, which carries an additional electric motor on the rear axle in order to boost traction. 

Of course, the best bit about hybrids is their low CO2 output, which are claimed to be as little as 102g/km for the front wheel drive Rav4, with a similarly lowly output of just 103g/km for the 4WD model. This translates into a BIK implication of just 21%. 

Hybrids operate most efficiently at low speeds and around town, where they are able to maximise their electric power, either to drive solely on electric power or by boosting the petrol engine's acceleration. They are, however, less frugal on faster routes when the petrol engine is doing the lion's share of the graft. 

Even with WLTP data suggesting a combined figure of around 50mpg, if you are prone to banging in lots of motorway miles it may be wise to have a serious conversation with your drivers about their (and your) prospective fuel bills. 

CVT still brings the noise

Although the engine is smooth and more than potent enough to fire the Rav4 along at a decent lick, the elephant in the room remains the rather eccentric CVT automatic transmission favoured by Toyota. 

This is clearly the best iteration of the device to date, and in theory it is the most efficient way of delivering power to the driven wheels. Not that you would guess it, as a tendency to send engine revs soaring every time the accelerator pedal is pressed firmly is a trait that many may struggle to get on-board with.  

Pronounced engine note aside, the Rav4 is a very refined car to barrel along in. The suspension is well judged and although it favours comfort over agility, it is generally excellent at controlling lateral body movements, and dials out ruts and ridges with some aplomb.

The downside to this cushy approach is that, on twistier routes, you will notice a fair bit of body lean and a tendency to run out of front-end grip quicker than you might expect. Thankfully, the steering is accurate and nicely weighted, which will let you know exactly what is going on long before things get excessively slippery.