Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2012) 2.2 D-CAT XT-R (2010) 5d Auto Owner Review

Superb car for both short and long distance journeys, a little heavy on fuel if only around town (late 20's), but any decent run gets it up to 35-36. On 3 return trips to Spain (3,500 miles) it's averaged 39-41mpg which for an SUV is pretty good. The engine is effortless giving good overtaking power when needed and the 7 speed auto is great (Toyota, why bother with paddles, when you can use it as tiptronic anyway??). Only gripes are auto wipers that do their own thing and auto headlamps that take too long to come on(tunnels in Spain!). Safe, easy to drive and on cruise control an absolute mile eater - great! Oh and for the mature drivers, I find some seats very uncomfortable on long trips but I've found the RAV's excellent. For the 'not a proper 4x4' cynics we have used it extensively on mountain tracks in Spain (some very steep, loose rock/shale in dry and flood conditions) and the RAV has performed very well. Unlike many 'wannabe' SUV's it still has 4 wheel drive lock and downhill decent control - both used and both effective. I previously owned a Honda CRV mk2 (petrol), which was good but it drank like Oliver Reed (converted to LPG) - the RAV betters it in the comfort and effortless driving stakes. In conclusion, if you want a swiss army knife type of car have a good look at a RAV4!