Toyota RAV4 hybrid Excel AWD £37,245
Shooting Times & Country|June 03, 2020
Toyota’s RAV4 was unveiled in 1994. It’s evolved in shape and style, but the latest incarnation is powered by futuristic witchcraft, says Ed Coles
Ed Coles
Toyota RAV4 hybrid Excel AWD £37,245

Toyota has been at the forefront of hybrid vehicles for a while and is starting to use the technology and green credentials from the Prius over more of its range. The new RAV4 has been given the hybrid touch and, along with all-wheel drive, could be right up our country lane.

The one we’re taking a look at is the Excel AWD edition, a higher spec version. First off, it looks a bit futuristic. There’s an element of Toyota’s sister company Lexus in the styling, which isn’t a bad thing. I’m a fan of the deep blue paintwork (or Obsidian blue to give its official title).

Though the RAV4 has some bold angles in places, it doesn’t look over the top and has the appearance of a higher-end SUV. I quite like the overall silhouette and it’s set off nicely by the 18in alloys. Admittedly it’s quite different from the original RAV4 but it’s not hard on the eye. The angular theme continues over the bonnet and front bumper. Combined with sleek yet bold headlamps and its big grille, it looks a bit beast-like.

The clearance of the front bumper suggests that it could be a limiting factor for off-piste excursions, but with a minimum clearance of 190mm it should be able to deal with a rut or two. No clearance worries at the back — plenty of room.

Most of the workhorse bits are draped in protective plastic, but there are a few glimpses of the independent suspension and AWD running gear with a few bits of electronic trickery.

One-touch of a button reveals a decent-sized boot. Plenty of room for four-legged companions and some kit. There are a couple of dog guards available as optional extras.

Esta historia es de la edición June 03, 2020 de Shooting Times & Country.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 03, 2020 de Shooting Times & Country.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYVer todo
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 minutos  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 02, 2023