There’s that face again. Now the Rav4 is wearing Toyota’s familiar visage. While the sharp styling is eye-catching and, as Toyota’s marketing correctly claims, gives the RAV4 stronger road presence I don’t think its looks are rugged enough, even on a vehicle that merely aspires to off-road shenanigans.

Along the side you’ll find a new rocker panel, intended to give the design a more flowing look and plastic cladding around the wheel arches. At the rear the lamps and bumper have been reworked while the Toyota badge protrudes proudly above the number plate like a little porcine snout.

There’s very little to get excited about inside, although it has to be said that the build quality is excellent, but even the metal-effect trim and leather-look fascia struggles to lift the gloom. The lack of design flair shouldn’t, and doesn’t, detract from the first-rate ergonomics nor the satisfyingly consistent operation of all the knobs, dials and buttons.

There’s plenty of kit on board including sat nav, LED headlights, dual zone climate control and an automated boot lid. The touchscreen, while not especially large, is responsive with a nice, logical menu layout. The sat nav, however, is less intuitive but once up and running at least proved reliable.

Space? It’s a big car. One of the biggest in its class and that translates into a roomy passenger space and a sizeable boot. You can easily accommodate five adults in reasonable comfort although the usual caveat applies to the poor soul stuck in the middle of the rear bench.

Being an SUV you get an excellent view of the road ahead. Visibility in general is, in fact, excellent but then it needs to be because its size makes the Rav4 tricky to manoeuvre in tight spots.

The biggest change has arrived under the bonnet, and floor, of the Rav4 because that’s where you’ll find the drivetrain from the Lexus NX300h. Under the bonnet then, is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine while under the floor is an electric motor, or two, CVT transmission and a rather antiquated nickel metal hydride battery pack.

The entry level Business Edition models are front-wheel drive only but other versions get all-wheel drive courtesy of a second electric motor driving the back axle.

As is usually the case with hybrids, the starter button appears to serve no purpose other than to illuminate the dashboard but in reality, one press and you’re good to go. The Rav4 pulls away silently on electric power alone – if you’re judicious with the throttle – but the engine will quickly kick in if your demands increase.

The battery pack has a range of about a mile at speeds up to 40mph after which, again, the engine takes over with the motors simply supplying a little extra grunt should you need it.

That additional assistance does little to improve refinement, however, because as soon as you ask for more the engine revs rocket and the cabin is filled with the coarse howl of four cylinders begging for mercy.

The ride and handling are compromised by the additional weight, too. The tyres struggle to keep the extra mass in check through the corners and the hybrid Rav4 quickly runs out of grip. Sharp ridges and potholes reveal a lack of composure in the chassis set-up meaning that it’s really only at home on major roads where the surfaces are smoother and, you’ll find, refinement is excellent.

It’s hard to make a case for hybrids, particularly when there are some excellent diesel options available, and this particular effort is no exception. The extra weights impacts on poise and agility and refinement is compromised by the powerplant. There are some buyers, of course, for whom not buying a hybrid would be unthinkable. For them, and for others intent on saving a few pounds on their Benefit in Kind bills, the Rav4 Hybrid might be a tempting proposition, particularly as it also offers a spacious interior and large boot.

Toyota RV4 Hybrid 2.5 Petrol eCVT AWD

Price: From £29,795

Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: Constantly Variable

Max power: 150bhp @ 5,700rpm

Max torque: 152lbft @ 4,400rpm

Electric motor (front): AC permanent magnet, synchronous motor

Max power: 141bhp

Max torque: 199lbft

Electric motor (rear): AC permanent magnet, synchronous motor*

Max power: 68bhp*

Max torque: 103lbft*

Max speed: 112mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8.4sec

Urban: 57.6/55.4*mpg

Extra urban: 56.5/57.6*mpg

Combined: 57.6/55.4*mpg

Emissions (CO2): 115/118*g/km

*AWD model only

For more information visit www.toyota.co.uk