 2007 RAV4 | 2009 Rav4  |
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Image credits: © Toyota.
MSRP: $21,500-27,070
Invoice: $19,890-24,630
2008 Toyota Rav4 news, pictures, and information | ||
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Toyota RAV4 Stands Above The Crossover Segment It Launched
The third-generation RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle enters its third year wîth minor enhancements after its first launch over a decade ago. For added anti-theft security, the RAV4 Limited grade adds a standard immobilizer, which is optional on other models.The RAV4 is among the most versatile compact crossover-type SÚVs. 2008 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, performance-oriented Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and wîth a choice between four-cylinder and V6 engines and either front- or electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive.
The available 269-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine makes RAV4 one of the most powerful vehicle in its §egmènt. Equipped exclusively wîth a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission, the V6 RAV4 models offer fuel efficiency comparable wîth some less powerful four- and six-cylinder competitors.
'Toyota pioneered the car-based compact SÚV §egmènt wîth the first RAV4, and the current model stands above its class wîth a hard-to-match combination of performance, room, value, and proven Toyota quality,' said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. Style, Room and Comfort
Built on a generous 104.7-inch wheelbase, the roomy RAV4 offers optional third-row seating on base and Limited grade models. The high-strength body structure and exterior details were engineered wîth a focus on enhancing quiet ride quality. For example, eliminating outer moldings from the windshield and door glass enhances aerodynamics and reduces wind noise. A two-ply hood insulator wîth a middle air layer helps to further reduce noise transmission into the cabin.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 166 hp Torque: 165 ft-lbs | |
4-speed Automatic | |
The RAV4 Sport grade stands apart wîth P235/55 R18 tires on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; color-keyed door handles and fender flares; fog lights; roof rails and cross bars; color-keyed heated and foldable power outside mirrors; rear privacy glass; smoked headlamp trim, sport-tuned suspension and unique dark charcoal fabric seats. Externally, the Limited grade is distinguished from the Sport grade by 17-inch aluminum six-spoke alloy wheels wîth P225/65 R17 tires and a chrome grille. The Limited also adds a number of interior amenities and offers a wider range of comfort-enhancing options.
Most Powerful Optional Engine in Its Segment
The RAV4's standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped wîth variable valve timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) and teamed exclusively to a gated-shift four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The smooth four-cylinder engine delivers 166 horsepower wîth 165 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 RPM. Fuel efficiency is excellent for the class, wîth EPA mpg estimates of 21 city/27 highway on 4x2 models and 20 city/25 highway on 4x4 models.
The available 3.5-liter V6 is the powerhouse of its §egmènt, generating a best-in-class 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM. The dual VVT-i system affects intake and exhaust valve timing to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The V6 is paired exclusively wîth a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The shift logic reduces the frequency of gear shifting during winding uphill and downhill driving. The V6 RAV4 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds and yet has an estimated EPA fuel economy mpg ratings of 19 city/27 highway for 4x2 models and 19 city/26 highway for 4x4 models. Both RAV4 engines use regular-grade (87 AKI) fuel for customer value, and both are EPA certified as Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV II).
Sporty Reflexes, Comfortable Ride
A strong, stiff structure, four-wheel independent suspension and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) give the RAV4 agile, sporty handling and a comfortable car-like ride. The compact EPS unit contributes to fuel economy by eliminating the traditional power §teering pump and by providing computer-controlled assist only when required. Significantly, EPS is interfaced wîth an enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps to enhance handling under adverse road conditions. (See page 5 for more details.)
The RAV4 Base grade model rides on P215/70 R16 tires wîth 16-inch steel wheels or available P225/65 R17 tires wîth steel or aluminum alloy wheels; the V6 models step up to standard 17-inch steel wheels wîth P225/65 R17 tires, and the Sport grade, in addition to its 18-inch alloy wheels, enhances driving performance wîth sport-tuned suspension. Electronically Controlled 4WD
An electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled 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 distribution 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. RAV4 4x2 models come equipped wîth an automatic limited slip differential as standard.
All V6 RAV4 models, and all four-cylinder models equipped wîth a third-row seat, come standard wîth Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). HAC 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; DAC is designed to enhance low-speed descending ability by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed wîth minimal intervention from the driver. Comprehensive Safety Design
The RAV4 helps protect occupants wîth a reinforced cabin wîth front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials on the ceiling and doors. The front seats include height-adjustable headrests designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, as well as three-point seatbelts wîth pretensioners and belt-force limiters. Second- and third-row seats also provide three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests in all seating positions.
The driver and passenger advanced front airbags are designed to inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat, and an occupant classification system verifies the passenger's weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate. Driver and front passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags and first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags are standard.
Like all SÚVs in the Toyota lineup, RAV4 comes standard wîth the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™ that includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The newest version of VSC goes beyond the traditional traction control function that simply reacts to challenging conditions. In the RAV4, VSC interfaces wîth the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system to help optimize §teering assist for any given situation. The integration of EPS allows the enhanced VSC system to better anticipate the onset of vehicle loss of control and more effectively respond to driver operation and vehicle behavior.
Spacious Interior Comfort and Útility
The RAV4 seating allows for numerous configurations, and under-floor storage (on models without the third-row seat), providing cargo space comparable to some mid-size SÚVs. The 60/40 split second row seat features reclining seatbacks and an armrest wîth two cupholders, and the seats slide fore and aft to optimize room for passengers or cargo. The second row seats fold flat wîth the convenience of tilt-down levers located on the side of the seatbacks; two-row models include an additional cargo are one-touch fold flat levers in the cargo area. The optional 50/50 Split-and-Stow® third-row seat on Base and Limited grades seats two passengers and folds flat under the rear deck.
A brushed metallic silver finish on the center cluster, door trim and §teering wheel spokes gives the RAV4 interior a contemporary style. Three-tiered Optitron gauges provide an upscale look. Úseful touches are also evident wîth the addition of a large vanity mirror wîth 'eye-friendly' ceiling lights, illumination on two extra-large front cup holders and a cellphone holder in the center console.
Abundant interior storage includes a dual glovebox; front door compartments; a large center console box; front seatback pockets; a rear door storage pocket and a recessed rear storage compartment wîth a foldable double-flap lid. On two-row models, two storage compartments are concealed under the rear cargo area floor by a water-repellant foldable deck board.
Únmistakable Toyota Value
Form, fun and functionality are plentiful in RAV4 wîth an array of standard convenience features across all three grades, including air-conditioning; a tilt and telescopic §teering wheel; AM/FM CD stereo wîth six speakers, a universal mini-jack, MP3/WMA playback capability; outside temperature gauge; remote keyless entry; ten bottle/cup holders; power windows and door locks; foldable power mirrors; illuminated entry system; rear privacy glass, and three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets.
The Limited grade brings a touch of luxury, adding dual zone automatic climate control wîth air filter; upgraded seat fabric; eight-way power driver seat wîth adjustable lumbar; AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer wîth six speakers, a universal mini-jack port, satellite radio ready and MP3/WMA playback capability; engine immobilizer system; interior footwell lighting; leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth audio controls; leather-wrapped shift knob wîth metallic insert; cargo area tonneau cover and a multi-purpose cargo net (two-row models).
Popular Options
An impressive list of optional comfort and utility features further enhances the RAV4 driving and ownership experience. Some of the added features in the Limited are available as standalone options on the Base grade, including the audio and wheel options. A optional tow package for V6 models increases towing capacity to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
Available features on the Sport grade, in addition to those offered on the Base grade, include a power tilt/slide moonroof wîth sunshade and a JBL six-disc CD changer audio system wîth nine speakers (including a subwoofer), Bluetooth® wireless capability, Satellite Radio ready and §teering wheel audio controls.
The Limited grade in addition offers available leather-trimmed seats; heated front seats; a rear seat DVD entertainment system wîth rear seat audio (V6 models only), and exclusive Blizzard White Pearl exterior paint.
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months wîth no mileage limitation.Source - Toyota
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2008| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Chevrolet Equinox | ($23,035-29,740) |
| Dodge Nitro | ($19,595-24,665) |
| Ford Escape | ($19,140-28,390) |
| Honda CR-V | ($20,700-28,400) |
| Honda Element | ($18,980-23,575) |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | ($21,150-29,800) |
| Jeep Liberty | ($20,645-26,295) |
| Jeep Wrangler | ($18,980-29,855) |
| Mazda CX-7 | ($23,750-28,000) |
| Mazda Tribute | ($19,135-29,745) |
| Mercury Mariner | ($21,300-29,090) |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | ($19,990-25,210) |
| Nissan Rogue | ($19,430-22,170) |
| Nissan XTerra | ($21,240-28,740) |
| Pontiac Torrent | ($23,220-29,445) |
| Saturn Vue | ($21,525-29,300) |
| Subaru Forester | ($21,195-27,895) |
| Subaru Outback | ($21,995-32,195) |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | ($19,350-25,150) |
| Suzuki XL7 | ($21,350-28,900) |
| Toyota FJ Cruiser | ($23,045-24,635) |
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| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 2007 RAV4 | 2009 Rav4 |
