Ch-Ch-Changes: 2009 Toyota RAV4's New Engine, Face

The most important upgrade to the 2009 RAV4 is its new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which increases power to 179 hp, versus the 2008’s 166 hp. Mileage remains unchanged at 22/28 mpg city/highway for the two-wheel-drive RAV4 and 21/27 mpg for the four-wheel-drive version. The 3.5-liter V-6 also remains unchanged.

Toyota also made some tweaks to the exterior. The front of the RAV4 gets a more angular look that better resembles recently redesigned models like the Tundra and Matrix. The rear gets new taillights and a minor change to the bumper. 

Other upgrades are standard active front head restraints, new colors and new interior fabrics.

These aren’t drastic changes, but they should maintain the RAV4’s status as one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. The 2009 is on sale now, and base prices remain unchanged from 2008. Sport and Limited models see slight price bumps for 2009. Check out our new-car configurator here to check prices, build a new 2009 and find inventory in your area.

More photos below.

Comments

[segfault]

Did Chevrolet have some extra Equinox grilles from the hydrogen-powered Equinox?

[Happymantis]

I prefer the styling of my 06 RAV4, this new grill looks like Hannibal Lecter's face mask... plus, it resmembles the much cheaper Scion xD now.

[YOING]

I liked the 2006 look more than this new one and the fact that you can now order a RAV4 with the "delete rear tire" option, it fixes one of the few complaints I had too.

My wife test drove a used 2006 not too long ago. It was a V6 4x4 Sport model with roughly 65,000 miles on it. I rode along in the passenger seat and did not drive the vehicle myself so I can't comment on the drivability or the performance first hand. But from my poitn of view, the interior was passable. Not as nice as a Lexus or a Mercedes, but it doesn't have to be. The materials were solid and the seems were tight and the vehicle was rattle free. There weren't a whole lot of "toys" either. It reminded me of a Corolla actually. Oh and the gages were really slick.

From the drivers seat, the RAV4 with the 6 was a rocket. The thing seriously scoots and revs out to a very nice tune, not a raspy, dirt in your engine sound like a GM V6 for instance.

Boot that thing on the highway, and it takes off like a shot and it'll cruise along at 90-95 without a problem.

And the gas mileage? Unbelievable what mileage we got on our day long test drive. We a long drive up through wine Country and back, enough to need a fill up and we calculated 26mpg with the RAV! I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't experience it for myself.

All in all my wife really like the RAV4 and we probably would have bought the one we drove, but the asking price as $17,500 which is a little steep for a 3 year old car with 65k miles. But, I guess when you've got a reputation for reliability and longevity, you can command crazy prices like they do on Toyotas. :(

Still, the RAV is a great vehicle, I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking in this class.

[JM]

why add only 13 hp with a slightly bigger eingine when adding a six speed automatic will do a better job? or do both?

[George]

The V6 is too much engine for the RAV4.
A 2.5 & 6 speed auto would be perfect for front drive
The new 2.7 / 6 auto would be fine for the 4x4 model.

[J]

Are they still mating the dated 4 speed auto to the 4 cylinder models while the Camry with the same old 2.4L has 5 speed?

[Michael]

The Toyota RAV4 needs to significantly improve their fuel efficiency. Even GM is surpassing them now. I own a 2005 RAV4 and I will not buy another RAV4 until they improve their fuel efficiency. Toyota is just regurgitating the same old design and engine. C'mon Toyota gives us something new!!!

[Michael]

The Toyota RAV4 needs to significantly improve their fuel efficiency. 22/28 MPG is not cutting it in todays technology. Even GM is surpassing them now. I own a 2005 RAV4 and would love to buy a new SUB but will not buy another RAV4 until they improve their fuel efficiency. Toyota is just regurgitating the same old design and engine. C'mon Toyota gives us something new!!!