Overview
The vehicle that pioneered the cute-ute segment is all grown up. Ever since its last total overhaul (for the 2006 model year), the Toyota RAV4 has offered seating for seven, cargo capacity comparable to some mid-size SUVs, and V6 performance near the top of its class. The RAV4 can tow 3500 pounds when properly equipped, and buyers have the choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. True to its family-friendly role, the RAV4 comes standard with a long list of safety equipment.
So what was once the cute baby of the family is now the family car.
The available 269-horsepower V6 tops most of the RAV4's competitors. It's more than the RAV4 needs, really; but it allows the RAV4 to really scoot while carrying as many as seven people and all their associated stuff. Yet the RAV4's fuel efficiency remains comparable with some less powerful four- and six-cylinder SUVs. The base RAV4 seats five and offers a more frugal four-cylinder power.
Style-wise, the RAV4 looks like other contemporary Toyotas, featuring an aerodynamically efficient ovoid profile strategically relieved by sharp character lines. A coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.33 is among the best in its segment and a major factor in minimizing wind noise and maximizing fuel economy.
Only small details have changed for 2008. Most significantly, an engine immobilizer is now standard on the Limited grade and optional on other models.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), available in three trim levels: base ($21,250), Sport ($22,825) and Limited ($23,505). For those prices you get front-wheel drive; a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline-4; and a four-speed automatic transmission. All V6 RAV4s come with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
All three trim levels are available with a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, and when so equipped MSRPs are as follows: base ($23,285), Sport ($24,740), and Limited ($25,420). Any of these is available with full-time all-wheel drive ($1,400).
Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, and auxiliary input jack; power windows; power foldable mirrors; keyless-remote locking; 60/40 split second-row seats with manual recline and for-and-aft adjustment; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; three 12-volt power outlets; rear privacy glass; and auto-off headlights. The base four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels. All models come with a full-size spare tire.
Options at the base level include a third-row seat ($950), which also adds Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to four-cylinder models; an in-dash, six-CD changer ($200); a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel ($120) and aluminum ($440-560); cargo cover ($140); roof rack with crossbars ($220); daytime running lights ($40); engine immobilizer ($60); and a towing package for the V6 ($160) that includes a heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission oil cooler, and 150-amp alternator. The tow package increases the RAV4's pulling capacity from 2000 to 3500 pounds.
The RAV4 Sport adds a handling-tuned suspension and P235/55R18 tires on alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, a roof rack with cross bars, heated outside mirrors; color-keyed trim outside and unique charcoal fabric inside. Options expand to include a JBL premium stereo with nine speakers, a six-CD changer, XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel controls ($890); and a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($900). But the third-row seat is not offered on the Sport.
The Limited model upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver seat, six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, cargo area net and tonneau cover, full-hard spare tire cover, the new engine immobilizer, and other amenities. Outside, Limited is distinguished by a chrome grille and P225/65R17 tires on six-spoke alloy wheels; and a full, hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($700-810, depending on engine and drive combination), leather upholstery ($1,050), heated front seats ($440), plus the same JBL stereo ($640) and sunroof available on Sport. A rear-seat entertainment system ($1,705) is available only on Limited V6.
Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire pressure monitor.
Walkaround
No longer a cute ute, neither is the 2008 RAV4 anywhere near a brute ute. Still, the overall design of the current model is more serious and more substantive than those built a few years ago. There are fewer superfluous curves and less cladding, presenting a more finished appearance.
The RAV4's truck-like front end is tautly composed. Visually, the fenders are separate elements from the engine bay, a situation emphasized by a tight rectangular grille that seems to sit comfortably atop the wider bumper slits below. Headlights are compact and focused. A wide track gives the RAV4 a solid stance visually, while resisting rollovers in emergency maneuvers.
The side view is oblong, a mix of boxy and oval, the better to accommodate that third-row seat. The fat, triangular C-pillar with the taillight at its base reminds us of the Subaru Tribeca, a larger, seven-passenger SUV priced a notch or two above the RAV4. An understated indent runs along the bottom of the RAV4's doors, softening the visual impression of bulk. Wheel arches blend smoothly into the fenders.
In back, a single-piece rear bumper cradles the swing-open tailgate, which, sadly, still opens from the left side, so you have to walk around it when unloading curbside here in America. As in the Tribeca, taillights are positioned fairly high on the rear fenders. The spare tire bolts into a recess offset to the right in the swing-gate, and doesn't dip below the bumper line. The rear license plate, sunk into the lower left side of the swing-gate below the handle, visually balances the spare.
Interior Features
Inside, the 2008 RAV4 is as good as ever, which is to say functional if a bit eccentric in style.
Placement of the gauges will be familiar to anyone who has owned a previous RAV4. The position and function of the controls populating the center stack is virtually the same as it has always been, which means very good; that also applies to the arrangement of the hand brake and the shift lever. The current dash is sharply split by a horizontal gash running the width of the car. About the only plus we found in this garish feature is a bi-level glove box, with an upper bin covered by a retracting lid and a lower bin fitted with a traditional, bottom-hinged cover.
Materials are high quality, if not Lexus level. Fit and finish is Toyota grade, which means excellent. All three trim levels share the same motif, with contrasting but complementary colors and brushed
The front seats are supportive but not overly firm, with modest bolsters and decent thigh support. The tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat enables almost any size driver to find a comfortable fit, and without the added complexity (and cost) of adjustable pedals. The relatively high seating position, low cowl and sloping hood make for good visibility to the front. The lengthy side windows ease lane checking. Fully retracting head restraints in the second row and optional third row seats improve the viewing range through the inside mirror.
The second-row seats are less padded than the front seats, without bolsters. It's no surprise, really, seeing as how that seat has to fit three people in a pinch.
The optional third row seats barely qualify as such, with flat bottoms and equally featureless backs and head restraints. Access to that back row, by folding and tilting the outboard second-row seats, is not especially easy, but it isn't as much of a strain or as awkward as in some larger, full-sized sport utilities. Still, the 104.7-inch wheelbase of the current RAV4 allows significantly more interior room than in pre-2006 models.
The Honda CR-V, the RAV4's closest competitor, was redesigned for 2007, but the Toyota still either leads significantly, or trails by a mere fraction, in headroom and legroom, both front and rear. The Honda offers more than 2 inches more hip room, both front and rear, than the RAV4. But the CR-V does not offer a third-row seat. Maximum cargo volume (with all seats stowed) is nearly identical: 73.0 cubic feet for the Toyota, 72.9 for the Honda.
The only competitor that comes with a standard third-row seat, the Suzuki XL7, was also all-new for 2007. It provides more headroom than the RAV4, particularly in the third row (by a significant 1.6 inches). In legroom, the XL7 gives up half an inch to the RAV4 up front, but gets that half inch back in the second row, and betters the Toyota by almost a full inch in the third row. But in hip room, it's the XL7 that loses by 1.6 inches up front, gains a scant 0.7 inch in the middle, and then loses to the Toyota by a whopping 5.1 inches in the third row.
Storage areas are plentiful. Beyond the glove box, the doors have fixed plastic map pockets, the backs of the front seatbacks wear net pouches, a total of 10 cup/bottle holders are situated about the cabin. When the third-row seats aren't ordered, a deep cargo area awaits beneath a water-repellant, foldable deck board.
Driving Impressions
Folks trading in an older (pre-2006) RAV4 will notice the current model's improved stability (from its wider track) and a smoother ride (from its longer wheelbase). In the Sport variant, the suspension is tuned toward handling over smoothness. Steering response is confident, although understeer (where the car wants to go straight while the driver wants it to turn) is the RAV4's dominant posture during aggressive turns. There's moderate body lean in corners, but dive under braking and squat when accelerating are well controlled. The brake pedal feels firm.
Depending on the engine ordered, response to the gas pedal is either prompt or borderline overwhelming. The base four-cylinder delivers plenty of grunt, in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with brisk, linear acceleration. Torque steer, that front-wheel-drive syndrome that tugs on the steering wheel, is minimal. The accompanying mechanical and exhaust sounds, although not intrusive, clearly identify the engine as a four-banger.
The V6, with its head-of-the-class 269 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, is a different story. Acceleration is impressive. With this comes torque steer, particularly in front-wheel drive models: Hang on to the steering wheel, because when you floor the gas pedal the engine feels like it wants to pull the wheel from your hands. You'll get used to it, and the V6 sounds much better than the four. Mechanical noise is more effectively masked, and the exhaust note is more soothingly tuned than with the four.
In general, the RAV4 is quieter inside than many small sport-utility vehicles, though perhaps not as quiet as the Honda CR-V. Some wind whistle crept into the RAV4's cabin around the side windows.
The RAV4's on-demand four-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled center coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driver input. The system can continuously and seamlessly switch from front-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive mode, maximizing fuel efficiency. In Auto mode, torque distribution to the rear wheels is decreased during low speed cornering for better maneuverability.
A 4WD manual locking switch will disengage the Auto mode, maximizing torque to the rear wheels. When vehicle speed reaches 25 mph, Lock mode will disengage, reverting back to Auto mode. Lock mode also disengages when the brakes are applied, optimizing ABS and VSC operation. FWD models come equipped with an automatic limited slip differential.
Hill-start Assist Control provides additional control for on-road and off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface. Downhill Assist Control is designed to enhance low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with minimal intervention from the driver.
Summary
The Toyota RAV4 is a very compelling package for the small family, retirees, and anyone looking for a very fuel efficient SUV with superlative levels of power and refinement. Further, the Toyota RAV4 offers a compelling overall ownership cost advantage over all other SUV's in it's class. Currently, Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas Nevada is offering new Toyota RAV4's for up to $1,000.00 Under Dealer Cost Invoice if you mention this review up front to Tiny Malone, the Director there!
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| Model Line Overview | |
| Model lineup: | Toyota RAV4 ($21,250); RAV4 Sport ($22,825); RAV4 Limited ($23,505) |
| Engines: | 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four with variable valve timing; 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing |
| Transmissions: | 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety equipment (standard): | front airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, side-curtain head-protection airbags with rollover sensor, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, electronic stability control (VSC), ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, tire pressure monitor |
| Safety equipment (optional): | none |
| Basic warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled in: | Tahara, Japan |
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| Specifications As Tested | |
| Model tested (MSRP): | Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 4WD ($26,820) |
| Standard equipment: | premium cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control; cruise control; manual tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; power windows and heated outside mirrors; remote keyless locking; six-speaker AM/FM stereo w/six-CD changer; power-adjustable driver seat; leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel w/audio controls; hard spare tire cover; fog lights |
| Options as tested (MSRP): | JBL audio ($640); rear-seat DVD entertainment ($1,705); third-row seat ($700); power glass sunroof ($900) |
| Destination charge: | ($685) |
| Gas guzzler tax: | N/A |
| Price as tested (MSRP): | $31,450 |
| Layout: | four-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 269 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 246 @ 4700 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 19/26 mpg |
| Wheelbase: | 104.7 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 181.1/71.5/69.1 in. |
| Track, f/r: | 61.4/61.4 in. |
| Turning circle: | 34.8 ft. |
| Seating capacity: | 7 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.5/53.8/41.6 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | 39.7/52.4/38.3 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 37.2/43.3/30.0 in. |
| Cargo volume: | 73.0 cu. ft. |
| Payload: | N/A |
| Towing capacity: | 2000 Lbs. |
| Suspension, f: | independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent, double wishbone, coil springs, hydraulic shocks, anti-roll bar |
| Ground clearance: | 7.5 in. |
| Curb weight: | 3675 lbs. |
| Tires: | P225/65R17 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 15.9 gal. |
| Base Standard Equipment On All Trims |
| Safety Standard Equipment |
| Star Safety System - Includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist |
| Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System |
| Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning system |
| Side-impact door beams |
| Child-protector rear door locks |
| Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) |
| Front energy-absorbing crumple zone |
| Soft energy-dissipating interior trim |
| Collapsible steering column |
| ISO-FIX Child Restraint System (CRS) - Anchors for outboard rear seating positions |
| Child Restraint System (CRS) - Top tether anchors for all rear seating positions |
| Jam protection - For driver-side auto up/down power window |
| Front ventilated disc/solid rear disc brakes |
| Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) - On driver's seatbelt and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR) on passenger seatbelts |
| 3-point seatbelts - In all seating positions, with adjustable front seatbelt anchors |
| Driver and front passenger front seatmounted side airbags - And front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA) |
| Exterior Standard Equipment |
| LED (light-emitting diode) for tail and stop lamps |
| Front passenger-side fender-mounted mast antenna |
| Color-keyed back door handle |
| Color-keyed front and rear bumpers |
| Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wiper |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass |
| Rear privacy glass |
| Rear window electric defogger - With timer and intermittent wiper |
| Color-keyed rear spoiler - With center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) |
| Side-opening rear door - With hold-open feature |
| Warranty Standard Features |
| Basic Limited Warranty - 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty - 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Rust-Through Limited Warranty - 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Interior Standard Equipment |
| Remote fuel-filler door and hood-release levers |
| Rear deck storage - Including water-repellent foldable deck board for concealed cargo under the floor |
| Dual sun visors - With vanity mirror, sliding extensions and roof-mounted vanity light |
| Two front and one cargo area 12V auxiliary power outlets |
| Gated shifter |
| Illuminated entry system - (Key illumination, interior light and front personal light) |
| Two cup holders - With storage pockets in wheel housing in cargo area |
| Door panels - With integrated speakers, storage pocket and bottle holder |
| 10 cup/bottle holders |
| Dual glove boxes - With one-push open/close on upper glove box |
| Multi-function center console - With two illuminated front cup holders, cell phone storage pocket, covered console door with upper tray and lower-console storage box |
| Digital clock |
| Outside temperature gauge |
| Remote keyless entry system |
| Cargo area second-row seat one-touch fold-flat lever |
| Power windows - With driver auto up/down with jam protection and door locks |
| Amber-illuminated tri-dial Optitron cluster - With speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge meters; LCD odometer with twin tripmeters; and seatbelt disconnect, airbag, door-ajar, battery, oil pressure, brake, VSC, HAC, DAC, Traction Control (TRAC), ABS, Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), check engine, scheduled maintenance indicator and low-fuel level warning lights |
| Fabric-trimmed 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat - With seatback pocket |
| Tilt/telescopic steering wheel |
| Cruise control - With brake deceleration feature |
| Auxiliary audio jack |
| Toyota Yaris | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Matrix | Toyota Prius | Toyota Camry | Toyota Solara | Toyota Avalon | Toyota Sienna |
| Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Highlander | Toyota 4Runner | Toyota FJ Cruiser | Toyota Sequoia | Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Tundra |
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