Just two engines are now on offer; a 148bhp 2.2 D-4D diesel and the new-for-2009 156bhp 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol. The diesel is strong, though rather noisy at times, with plenty of mid-range pulling power: it’s the one to pick for towing, and comes with the option of an automatic gearbox. The petrol 4WD model has CVT transmission.

The RAV4 isn’t as neat-handling as more modern crossovers, which promise car-like driving dynamics. The Toyota's steering is vague, it feels cumbersome and unwieldy for its size, and it is prone to leaning on bends. The ride is firm and, overall, the RAV4 now feels much like an old-school 4x4.

Wind- and road noise are well-contained, but the diesel engine can be rather loud and harsh when pushed, and there is more than the odd creak from the interior. The manual gearbox is stiff and awkward, too. It’s all slightly crude, and not on a par with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3007 and Nissan Qashqai.

Prices are competitive, and resale values are strong - especially with the diesel engine, which returns 48.7mpg and emits just 154g/km of carbon dioxide. The 2WD petrol does 38.2mpg and 174g/km, and the 4WD 37.7mpg. Tax and insurance premiums are relatively low.

Toyota has an excellent record for reliability and build quality, and the RAV4 is as mechanically tough and durable as its best products. The dealers have a good reputation, too, RAV4 ownership should be hassle-free. Some of the plastic and carpeting used in the cabin looks a bit cheap, but that's the only quality disappointment.

Even entry-level models have nine airbags - including a driver’s knee airbag - plus stability control, hill-start assist, downhill assist (automatic models), ISOFIX child seat fixings, an alarm and deadlocks. The four-wheel drive models have good grip, and torque is automatically diverted to the rear wheels if the fronts lose traction.

The dashboard design and cockpit layout now seem dated - It’s plain and free of flashy, superfluous graphics, but there are some small, fiddly digital displays. The driver’s seat and steering wheel are multi-way adjustable so you can find the right driving position. Models with sat-nav have a good touchscreen system.

The sliding rear seats allow for extra rear legroom – so long as you don’t have too much luggage. With the seats forward, there’s a big boot, and the seats fold nearly flat to create a generous loadbay. There are two under-floor compartments for odds and ends, too. The side-hinged rear door is heavy, though, and requires a wide space to open.

All RAV4s come with alloy wheels, Bluetooth, electric/heated door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a six-CD player as well as automatic lights and wipers. XT-R (AWD) and SR models have leather upholstery, heated front seats and a keyless entry/ignition system. The sportier-looking SR has a reversing camera, too.