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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Toyota RAV4

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota RAV4

Overview

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2009 Toyota RAV4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has come along way from the cute little two-door pop-top of 1996. Toyota's smallest SUV has left its long-time rival, the Honda CR-V, in the feature-content dust by offering seating for seven, a low-cost navigation option and an optional V6 engine. Moving upscale can have its drawbacks, however, and the current RAV4's conservative styling might be the most noticeable of those. Where the RAV4 was once aimed at young singles with active lifestyles, the new vehicle caters to young couples with active two-year olds. While there are better equipped and less expensive seven-passenger SUVs on the market (the Hyundai Santa Fe, for example), none have the RAV4's impeccable quality, reliability reputation or strong resale value.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a small-to-midsize sport utility vehicle that combines car-like performance, ride, handling and fuel economy with available four-wheel drive and room for up to seven passengers, or five adults and a fair amount of cargo, the 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a good choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your needs include heavy duty hauling or towing or serious off-road rambling, you may want to look elsewhere. There are many fine competitors in this class, including some that may offer a combination of attributes, price and value that are better suited to your tastes and needs.

What's New for 2009

The 2009 RAV4 gets a mild exterior freshening, a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and active headrests. New options for the Sport and Limited trims include a lower-cost navigation system and a rear backup monitor. The Limited model also receives the Smart Key entry system as standard equipment. Gear hunting is greatly reduced this year with the addition of a new uphill/downhill shift control system.

Driving the RAV4

Driving Impressions Toyota engineers have achieved their objective of car-like driving dynamics in a practical SUV package. High-strength steel increases the body's rigidity for improved ride, handling, steering and (if necessary) crash...

energy management, weighs less and reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Improved sealing and insulation keeps most engine noise out of the cabin, except for some (un-Toyota-like) engine harshness at wide-open throttle, even with the V6. Elimination of outer moldings around the windshield and door glass helps reduce aerodynamic drag and wind noise. While the 179-horsepower four-cylinder is more than adequate with light loads and at lower elevations, the 269-horsepower V6 offers acceleration, pulling and passing power at or near the top of this class and is recommended for heavier loads and higher altitudes.

Favorite Features

Star Safety System
This comprehensive system integrates five active electronic safety features – enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Brake Assist – to help avoid accidents, and one passive safety feature (multi-stage front airbags) to cushion occupants should a crash occur.

Hill Start and Downhill Assist Control
Toyota's second-generation Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) automatically prevents the vehicle from rolling backward for two to three seconds when starting from a stop on an uphill slope. Downhill Assist Control (DAC), when activated by the driver, keeps the vehicle's speed to a crawl on steep descents. Both are standard on all V6 models and four-cylinder RAV4s with the optional third-row seat.

2009 Toyota RAV4 Details

Interior

The 2009 RAV4 offers slightly less rear seat head room and legroom than the Honda CR-V, but the 60/40 reclining middle-row seats adjust fore and aft and fold flat with levers on their sides or (on two-row models) a one-touch lever in the cargo hold. The available third-row seat folds flat into the same space in the rear where standard RAV4s have hidden under-floor storage. Base RAV4s get durable fabric-covered seats, while higher-level cloth dresses Limited and Sport models, the latter in dark charcoal. The center cluster, door trim and steering wheel spokes are brushed metallic-look plastic. Lighted front cupholders, a console cell phone holder, an extra storage compartment above the glove box and a deep rear storage bin are notable features.

Exterior

The 2009 RAV4 is more substantial and less "cute" than the original, with contemporary but conventional good looks. Only the triangular rear C-pillar and vertically-wrapped taillamps are somewhat unusual, reminding us (in profile) of the very unconventional Nissan Murano. The new split-grille trapezoidal opening now flows into the front bumper, with the available fog light housing sculpted into the lower side fascia. The spare tire, mounted to the right of center on the rear door – which, unfortunately and inconveniently, swings open from the driver's side (curb side in Japan) – has a color-keyed cover with a full hard shell on Limited models. Customers who opt for the new Sport Appearance Package (4WD V6 models only) lose the rear spare and gain a set of four run-flat tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All three trim levels have an automatic transmission, electronic stability and traction control, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, rear privacy glass, power mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, three 12-volt outlets, 10 cupholders, cruise control and AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio with MP3/WMA and a mini-plug jack. The Limited adds 17-inch tires on six-spoke alloy wheels (in place of the 16-inch steel wheels of the base model), fog lights, heated outside mirrors, six-disc CD changer, Smart Key entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio controls, eight-way (plus lumbar) power driver's seat, cargo area net and tonneau cover, engine immobilizer system and a chrome grille. The Sport trim gets much of this plus 18-inch performance tires and wheels, sport suspension, blackout headlamp trim and fender flares.

Optional Equipment

Options for the base model include the six-disc CD changer, daytime running lights, black painted roof rails and cross bars, 17-inch wheels and tires, third-row seat, cargo area net and tonneau cover and (with the V6 only) a tow package that increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. Available options on the Sport include a power moonroof with sunshade and a JBL six-disc CD changer with nine speakers and steering wheel audio controls. The Limited offers optional leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with rear-seat audio. Both the Sport and Limited can also be equipped with a rear backup monitor and GPS navigation.

Under the Hood

Toyota provides a choice of a 179-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), or a potent VVT-i V6. The former is one of the most powerful fours in this segment, while the latter, pumping out a claimed best-in-class 269 horsepower, is good for zero to 60 miles per hour bursts in slightly under seven seconds. The four-cylinder engine drives through an all-new four-speed automatic transmission and the V6 is fitted with a five-speed automatic.

2.5-liter in-line 4
179 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
172 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (2WD), 21/27 (4WD)

3.5-liter V6
269 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
246 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (2WD), 19/26 (4WD)

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2009 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 520 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.8/10

Piece of Junk

By Rick (OH) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Company Fleet Car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Cheap, Good gas mileage"

Cons: "Slow, Unreliable, Cheaply Made"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"My company switched to Toyota for their fleet cars. We quickly switched back to the previous brand after one year because of the mountain of complaints from the sales force. I had the RAV4. It was a piece of junk and seemed to be in constant need of repair. The car was the slowest I've ever driven, and everything about it seemed cheaply made. The breaks made horrible noises. The interior smelled of gasoline. Interior and body parts fell off during normal driving. The car would randomly shut down while driving down the road. The car blew out every electronic device I plugged into it. (ie GPS, Phone, Tablet) Toyota's response was that all of this is normal. I would definitely NOT recommend this car, and know my company would tell you the cost savings were not worth the problems."

2 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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A pleasure to own, Great gas mi., Reliable

By Crunch (UT) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,260

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliability, parking, gas mi., conven., handling"

Cons: "Not quite enough power for towing."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Has a tight turning radius, good visibility, comfortable on long hauls, enough power for a 4cyl. to pass well, and climbing the hills. Good enough ground clearance to clear smaller boulders and handle rough roads. Great room for carrying large cargo. Love this vehicle."

6 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Best Family Vehicle

By Nixie (TX) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 127,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my RAV4 since 2007 and we love it. It has lots of nice features for a small family. The turning radius is unbelievable! Lots of cargo space if you don't get the 3rd row seat. Lots of get up and go and great gas mileage. We have just loved this car. No problems with anything except I'd get leather seats. Wish I had had leather seats while my daughter was little (easy cleanup)."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Good Car But Quality Problems

By emtee (WA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "solid roof rack, locking 4wd, full size spare"

Cons: "Some definite quality/design issues..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Had this car for little over 3 years and put lots of miles on it. Long time Honda owner, first venture into a Toyota and have to admit, somewhat disappointed. Have problems with the radio (press a button and it will turn off - no dealer support, after warranty after all...) and had a serious problem with a design flaw in the gas tank vapor capture system - water gets in! to the tune of $1500 or so. It is an admitted design flaw (by my dealer service person - who was top notch!) and Toyota USA helped out but it should never have been a problem. Radio? No one will touch. Will need to buy a replacement (non-Toyota) soon as problem gets worse. Overall, the CRV is probably a better drive train and more comfortable but price was better on the RAV4. In particular, a few factors swayed me to the RAV4 - full size spare, a roof rack that can hold something (my double sea kayak), and the ability to lock in 4wd. Still the RAV4 is a good car and it will do well but..."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Good value for money

By Kal (TX) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Roomy & good to drive"

Cons: "Gas mileage & road noise on highways"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I bought a certified 2011 RAV4 in Jul-12 based on strong recommendation from some of my buddies in the Middle East. I should say I am not disappointed overall. While the SUV handles itself well on the highways, the road noise is on the higher side & gas mileage is less than expected (19mpg city & 22mpg highway). Considering to trade it in for a Mazda CX5 or Acura RDX soon."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Low maintenance, short turning radius, >28 mpg hwy

By Stan (FL) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great handling. Fun car. Can carry a lot of cargo."

Cons: "Sound deadening package only fair."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Very good buy. Two recalls for relatively minor problems. Very good in-town car. Sound deadening package only fair on highway. Very, very reliable car. Handles well. Extremely low maintenance costs. High twenties and low thirties mpg highway. Low twenties in city driving."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 520 reviews