Jul 10 2009
2009 RAV4 Sport 4×4 Review by Jeff Weidel
2009 RAV4 Sport 4×4
Power: 3.5-liter V6, 269 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 19-26 mpg
Price: $26,530
Standard features include: antilock disc brakes; stability and traction; control; keyless entry; six-speaker stereo, in-dash six CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio jack; rear tinted windows; sport-tuned suspension; foglights; dual-zone automatic climate control; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Review By Jeffrey Weidel
After thoroughly researching the competition, a few years ago a friend decided to purchase a Toyota RAV4. After some modest praise concerning his selection, I couldn’t overlook this one fact:
“You know it’s a chick car, right?”
Although my male friend was unaware of the designation, his mind was made up. He went with the RAV4 and I silently thought it was regrettable decision.
Fast forward a couple of years later and here I am none too thrilled about test driving the 2009 RAV4. The chick-friendly reputation is as strong as ever, but I must admit the RAV4 exceeded my expectations.
That I thoroughly enjoyed driving the RAV4 didn’t come as a total shock, considering my admiration for Toyota products. And keep in mind I was driving the more powerful V6 version, while my friend decided a 4-cylinder with better gas mileage suited his needs. However, the 19-26 mpg in the V6 is not that much less than the 4-cylinder.
Even with additions like a new grille and bumper design, the RAV4 still is on the small side for a sport utility vehicle and retains that “cute” appearance. Yet the V6 Sport 4×4 (3.5-liter, V6 with 269 horsepower) does have some manly qualities like ample power, evidenced by it going 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and capable of hauling 3,500 pounds.
The less demonstrative 4-cylinder also has solid performance; the 2.5-liter now features 179 horsepower, which makes it a leader in the compact SUV category. The V6 Sport goes for around $26,530, while the 4-cylinder has an estimated $21,500 sticker price.
Regardless of performance, all RAV4s offer good interior seating room, feature an array of standard features, and provide peace of mind with its many safety considerations. In short, it’s a great vehicle for a family of four to five people.
2009 Toyota RAV4
What some car shoppers might not like is the RAV4’s plastic-like interior feel and a rear gate that opens from the side, which is a flaw that an intelligent company like Toyota shouldn’t be making.
Speaking of intelligence, Toyota has made the RAV4 quite user-friendly by folding up the second row seating and removing the headrests with the flip of a lever, resulting in a flat floor for loading purposes.
One will also enjoy driving the RAV4, which comes in three trims (base, Sport and Limited) and features one of the longest wheelbases in its class. While the ride is hardly athletic, it is smooth, handles nicely, and possesses very little road noise.
Weidel on Wheels is a regular weekly feature in Gold Country Motoring.
This review is interesting. I was looking at this car recently.
I LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!