The Toyota RAV4 has long been a benchmark for practical family SUVs, but the introduction of the GR Sport trim with a 309hp plug-in hybrid powertrain promises to inject a bit of performance flair and sharper styling into the mix. How well does it hold up amid daily driving, motorway stints and real-world efficiency testing? Al Suttie gives his five key takeaways.

Toyota RAV4 GR Sport

List price (BiK): £50,080 (10%)  CO2: 36g/km  Economy: 176.5mpg/75 miles Test efficiency: 48.9mpg/47 miles

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Takeaway One:

In GR Sport trim, the Toyota RAV4 offers up a claimed electric-only driving range of 75 miles. That’s impressive for a petrol plug-in hybrid, and it also has a combined official economy of 176.5mpg. During the week, we didn’t have the chance to replenish the battery, so we relied on the engine and regenerative braking. Even so, the RAV still covered plenty of miles in EV mode, and the 2.5-litre engine comes into play seamlessly and quietly.

Takeaway Two:

While we didn’t have the chance to plug the RAV4 into the mains, it did determinedly return nearly 50mpg regardless of where and how it was driven. This included a lengthy motorway stint, where it proved to be hugely capable and comfortable. For those commuting longer distances, the Toyota would be the ideal companion as it’s easy on fuel and also provides a fine driving position combined with excellent refinement.

Takeaway Three:

It’s an ongoing discussion with many drivers, but being able to turn off selected driver aids is a key point. With the RAV4, I could not fathom how to disable the speed limit warning – not because I wanted to break the sound barrier but for practical reasons. Almost every car I drive fails to recognise certain speed limit changes as you pass from a 20 or 30mph limit into a faster section of road. As a consequence, the speed limit alert chimes needlessly and becomes a distraction.

Takeaway Four:

It’s no slouch, the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport. With some 309hp on tap and the power delivered to the road via all four wheels, it grips and goes far better than you could initially credit this type of car. From rest, 62mph comes up in 5.8 seconds, which is pretty darned brisk for most needs. It doesn’t do the fuel economy much good to make full use of this pace, but it certainly makes zipping out at busy junctions and roundabouts a whole load easier.

Takeaway Five:

For a car in this price bracket, some of the RAV4’s interior finishes look and feel a little coarse. There’s no doubt they will last in the way that Toyota’s interiors tend to, but it just misses the easy premium feel that an Audi, BMW or Volvo provides with apparent ease. This shouldn’t ignore the easy-to-comprehend dash, infotainment and switch layout. Also, and very welcome in a world of ‘squircles’, the RAV4 has a circular steering wheel with rim that is just the right thickness – it’s often these small details that enhance the driving experience much more than you realise.