2009 Toyota RAV4 Review

Specifications

The RAV4 finally grew up with this latest redesign. Longer, sleeker and more professional looking, the 2009 RAV4 comes highly recommended, taking a second seat to the Honda CR-V. For over 10 years, the RAV4 has hung on to second spot for safety, reliability and comfort in its class and if the evolution continues to morph this compact SUV, Honda will soon have a fight on its hands.

Like most of Toyota’s line up, the RAV4 is nothing flashy. The old swoopy, bumpy fat fender look of the 90’s is long gone with little reminiscent of the cutesy look in this new rendition. The straight grill, angled headlights and gently molded hood is similar to the Highlander and the wedge side view is attractive and aerodynamic. The longer frame of the redesigned RAV4 lends it a less ’snubbed’ look and the sleek and modern lines are almost a little on the macho side in comparison to the earlier models.

The 2009 RAV4 is available in a base model, Sport and Limited Edition. All trim levels come with a choice of 2WD or 4WD as well as a choice of the 4 cylinder 2.5 Liter DOHC 16-valve SFI Dual VVT-I or the powerful 3.5 Liter DOHC 24-vlave SFI Dual VVT-I V6 that increases horsepower from 179 to a class leading 269 hp. In terms of speed, the RAV4 manages an impressive 6.7 seconds on the 0 to 60 mph test while the CR-V eventually gets to 60 mph in 10.6 seconds! Even the smaller 2.5 Liter engine beats the CR-V by almost a second - see ya’ at the finish line Honda!

Economy wise, the 2WD 2.5-Liter base RAV4 manages 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Conversely, the Limited edition 4WD model with the larger 3.5-Liter V6 is a thirstier beast at 19 mpg and 26 mpg respectively. If economy is your chief concern, the base RAV4 with the smaller engine and two wheel drive rates high in its class but may not be high enough for some.

The redesigned RAV4 offers a bigger frame then previous models, giving the compact SUV plenty of room and a more comfortable ride then some of its competition. With the powerful and perky V6 under the hood, it also offers a sporty ride and responsive handling feels more like a sedan then an SUV.

As always, Toyota’s fit and finish of the interior is excellent and the RAV4 boasts almost Lexus quality materials. With a wide selection between the three trim levels, standard features range from excellent to exceptional considering the price point although a fully decked out Limited Edition may not quite warrant the $30,000 plus price tag considering you can buy the Highlander for the same price. Standard features on the base model include things like a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40 split rear seat and cruise control with a brake deceleration feature provide the base model of the RAV4 a feeling of high end class and sophistication. And from the Base model, it only gets more impressive.

The optional small third row seat in the base and Limited models is for occasional use only - handy to have when taking an extra kid or two along but do not expect to put an adult back there. Another nice optional feature is the integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic rearview mirror although in such a small vehicle it is debatable whether it is a necessary expense. An excellent commuter vehicle yet roomy and powerful enough to take a small family on an extended road trip, the RAV4 is all grown up and shed its preppy but misguided youth. Well priced, exceptional safety ratings, endless standard features and responsive handling all come together to make this an Automobile.com top pick for its class!