The dimensions of Toyota’s RAV4 have stretched appreciably since its introduction — to the point where it now offers seating for seven — but the compact SUV designation still applies, and its likability and high fun factor are intact.
For 2009, Toyota gives the RAV4 an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with more power and better fuel efficiency than last year’s 2.4-liter. All models receive multiple interior upgrades, and a new Sport Appearance Package is available for the 4WD V6 model. Extra Value Packages are available for all models, enabling buyers to choose many of RAV4’s most popular stand-alone options for less money.
There are three RAV4 trim levels: the Base version, a performance-oriented Sport model, and the feature-laden Limited. All three include a choice between the 179-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 269-horsepower V6, and front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission; the V6 comes with a five-speed automatic.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the four-cylinder are 22 mpg city/28 highway with FWD, and 21/27 with AWD. The V6 is rated at 19 city/27 highway with 2WD and 19/26 with AWD.
Base pricing, not including destination charge, ranges from $21,500 for a four-cylinder Base model with 2WD to $27,810 for an AWD Limited with V6.
Standard equipment is far from meager on the Base model. It includes air conditioning, cruise control, high-quality cloth seats, six-way manual adjustable driver (four-way passenger) seat, 60/40 fold flat second-row seat with forward slide and recline capability, power windows and door locks, power foldable outside mirrors, six-speaker audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA capability, three auxiliary power outlets, outside temperature gauge, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control.
Models equipped with the V6 also have Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control.
My tester was a top-of-the-line AWD V6 Limited, whose standard features above and beyond the Base’s include dual zone automatic climate control, power adjustable driver’s seat, six-CD changer, a new-for-’09 Smart Key system, steering-wheel audio controls, exterior accents and effects, rear cargo net and cover, and then some. With nearly $5,500 in options, I don’t think there was an available feature it didn’t have — including tube side steps that I’d rather not have had, but people of the quite short persuasion would appreciate.
The original RAV4 was basically a single person’s SUV, but it has grown into a good fit, too, for couples and young families who want extra seating and cargo space without taking on the burdens of a large or even midsize sport utility vehicle.
The tester wasn’t called upon to tote anything heavier than one person and a 40-pound bag of black oil sunflower seeds — for the delightful swarm of grosbeaks and band-tailed pigeons at my bird feeders — so the V6 really demonstrated its pep.
But with a group on board, the V6 power would go toward keeping up with traffic rather than staying ahead of it.
In any case, the V6 has a nice, close-to-throaty tone every automotive enthusiast can appreciate.
Engineering modifications in recent years have given the RAV4 a solid, stable, quieter and more comfortable ride.
The improvements just keep on coming for this dandy little sport-ute.
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