Toyota RAV4

SUV (compact/mid-size crossover SUV) · 1994 to present

The Toyota RAV4 has been sold in the UK since 1994 and is widely credited as one of the vehicles that popularised the compact SUV segment. Now in its fifth generation, it has moved through several distinct eras: boxy early models with petrol and later diesel engines, sleeker mid-2000s and 2010s versions, and the current line-up built around Toyota's hybrid technology. A self-charging hybrid option arrived in 2016, with a plug-in hybrid variant following in 2020, while diesel engines were phased out around 2018. Buyers can find three or five-door bodystyles on older cars, with the modern RAV4 offered exclusively as a five-door SUV with front or all-wheel drive. It remains a common sight on UK roads as a practical family SUV, competing with models like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Qashqai, and is available new and used through mainstream Toyota dealers.

Body type

SUV (compact/mid-size crossover SUV)

Years (UK)

1994 to present

Typical engine

2.0-litre or 2.5-litre petrol, including self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains; earlier models offered a 2.0 or 2.2-litre D-4D diesel

Fuels available

4 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The Toyota RAV4 is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Toyota RAV4. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills and subframe mounting points, particularly on pre-2013 models
Inspect suspension bushes, wishbones and anti-roll bar links for wear, as these are common failure points on higher-mileage examples
On hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, look for warning lights relating to the hybrid battery, cooling system or high-voltage components
Check diesel models for exhaust smoke, DPF warning lights and emissions-related faults, especially on earlier D-4D engines
Examine tyre wear patterns on all-wheel-drive versions, as uneven wear can indicate drivetrain or alignment issues

Frequently asked questions

What MOT issues are common on a used Toyota RAV4?

Typical points of concern include corrosion on the underside and rear arches of older models, worn suspension components, and warning lights on hybrid variants. For exact pass/fail history on a specific car, check the official DVSA MOT history on gov.uk.

Does the Toyota RAV4 come as a hybrid?

Yes. Toyota introduced a self-charging hybrid RAV4 in 2016, and a plug-in hybrid version followed in 2020. Earlier UK models were petrol or diesel only.

Is the Toyota RAV4 available with diesel power?

Diesel RAV4 models were sold in the UK for many years but were discontinued from the range around 2018, when Toyota shifted focus to hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

How can I check the tax and MOT status of a used RAV4?

You can check the current tax status and full MOT history, including advisories and test results, using the free government vehicle check service on gov.uk.

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