• A good blend of large family hatchback and 4x4
• Easy access to boot and rear seats
• Sliding rear seat adds flexibility

As it’s close to the ground, it’s easy to put luggage into the boot of the RAV4 and to get in-and-out of the back seats. There’s no three-door option, as on previous generations, so all buyers will benefit from the better accessibility of a five-door. It is very flexible too with fold-flat seats, similar to ones fitted to the Verso and Yaris. Pull one of two levers in the boot and the seats fold flat into the floor – there’s no need to remove the headrests or any of the cushions.

The seats have a 60/40 split and slide for extra legroom or more luggage space while the load area itself is wide. Other cabin cubbies include a double glovebox, bottle holders and illuminated cupholders. One thing to be aware of is the rear door – it’s hinged to the right-hand side rather then opening upwards like a conventional hatch. This can be tricky to open in tight parking spaces or multi-storey car parks. Cars with a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate have a restricted opening angle as well.

Toyota RAV4 (2006-2009) safety

• Average safety for a car this age
• More airbags than many rivals
• Euro NCAP scores only relevant at time of test

Like other recent Toyotas, the RAV4 performed pretty well in the Euro NCAP crash tests, receiving four stars overall and scoring maximum points in side impact and pole tests. However, plenty of other similar size 4x4s have achieved the maximum five stars. Note that a five-star score in 2006 is not the same as a five-star score now, and Euro NCAP results are only comparable with cars tested to the same standard. Newer tests are stricter and have higher expectations of safety technology.

All models come with nine airbags, including dual front, side and curtain airbags and – unusually – a kneebag for the driver.

There are also five three-point seatbelts, ABS and vehicle stability control with traction control on top models.