The RAV-4 is a fun and relatively cheap way of enjoying the pleasures of a sports-utility vehicle. With strong 2.0 petrol and diesel engines in the range, it also has enough performance to compete with sporty hatchbacks. Running costs are low and, given that it's backed up by Toyota's excellent warranty, a RAV-4 can also make sense if you just need 4x4 ability to splash down a muddy lane once in a while. And if you don't even need that, there's also an illogical two-wheel-drive version. The five-door models are most practical and the extra length adds to the admirable ride.