• Well-made and functional interior
• Impressive visibility
• Lots of adjustment for driver comfort

The driving position isn’t as raised as you may expect from a 4×4, though it still gives a good view of the road. All-round visibility is impressive, while top models got a reversing camera as standard – check it still works! The driver’s seat is very supportive with lots of adjustment (electronic on top models) and there’s a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach.

Later models get improved instruments that are easier to read, but overall the ergonomics are well thought out to fit a wide range of drivers. Buttons and switches have been positioned so they can be found, and memorised, easily.

All the heating controls are grouped into three ‘dials’, while other controls, such as those for the windows and central locking, are ideally placed. Only the touch-screen sat nav can be a little fiddly to use on the move, though you’ll probably want to upgrade the infotainment now – if it still works.

Toyota RAV4 XA30 comfort

• Low levels of road and wind noise
• Diesel engine intrusive at high speeds
• Supportive seats, climate control is standard

The RAV4 is comfortable for passengers with wind and road noise kept down – even at higher speeds. The sound of the diesel engine is evident at higher speeds, but it’s never excessive. All passengers get supportive seats and plenty of room – there is enough leg space in the rear for adults although three may find it limited in shoulder room.

All models get climate control (which may need servicing on older used RAV4s – here’s how to check air conditioning on a second hand car) along with a six-speaker CD player with MP3 functionality, most later models include bluetooth and aux inputs as well.