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Toyota C-HR
If you like the idea of the RAV4 but don’t need quite as much space, then why not look further down Toyota’s own range? The Toyota C-HR is one of the most distinctive, striking-looking cars on the roads, and while the styling won’t suit everyone, the car underneath is as thoroughly sensible (and potentially dependable) as the larger RAV4.
As the range starts with conventional hybrid models (there are 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engines available), it’s a good deal cheaper than the RAV4, even if the £31,300 entry point is relatively expensive among its peers. But Toyota does offer a plug-in version too, starting at £39,145, or about £5,000 less than the RAV4. The plug-in C-HR gets around 41 miles on a charge, but even operating as a regular hybrid, economy well into the 50mpg range is possible. It’s sportier to drive than the RAV4 too, if not quite as quick in a straight line: the plug-in gets from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds.
Latest Toyota C-HR deals
Lexus NX
Here’s another from the Toyota stable, but going in the other direction from the C-HR. The Lexus NX is essentially the luxury brand’s version of the RAV4, and in 242bhp front-wheel drive hybrid form its starting price is in the same ballpark as the Toyota, at £44,445. For the plug-in version (with the same 302bhp output as the Toyota) you’re looking at £49,995, but on finance there’s not a lot in it, thanks to the NX’s strong residual values.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the NX feels similar to drive to the Toyota. But its cabin definitely takes a step upwards in class, with a more luxurious ambience, its infotainment screen better integrated into the dash layout, and expensive-feeling materials everywhere you look and touch – though a little less gloss black plastic would be nice. The boot’s a little smaller too at 521 litres to the RAV’s 580, but passenger space is similar.
Latest Lexus NX deals
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