2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport V6

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Engine
Cylinders	6
Horse Power	269
Fuel Type	Regular unleaded
Max RPM	6,200
Torque	334 lb.-ft.
Max Torque RPM	4,700
Compression Ratio	10.80 : 1
Engine Size	3.5 L
Valve Gear	DOHC
Total Valves	24
Engine Configuration	V
Displacement	213
Vehicle Emissions	ULEV II
Automatic type	Automatic
City (L/100KM)	11.1
Highway (L/100KM)	7.7
Transmission	5 Speed Automatic

Chassis & Suspension
Independent	Four-wheel
Stabilizer Bar	Front and rear
Front Suspension Type	Strut
Rear Suspension Type	Double wishbone
Front Suspension Classification	Independent
Front Suspension Type	Strut
Front Spring Type	Coil
Front Stabilizer Bar	Regular
Rear Suspension Classification	Independent
Rear Spring Type	Coil
Rear Stabilizer Bar	Regular
Class	Sport
Rear Suspension Type	Double wishbone

Brakes
Braking assist
Front brakes	Ventilated disc
ABS	4-wheel

Wheels & Tires
Width	235
Profile	55
Speed Rating	H
Diameter	18.0
Type	AS
Prefix	P
Rim Type	Alloy
Spare Tire Mount Location	Outside rear
Spare Tire Size	Full-size

Exterior Dimensions
Overall Width	1,855 mm
Overall height	1,745 mm
Overall Length	4,600 mm
Wheelbase	2,660 mm
Front track	1,560 mm
Rear track	1,560 mm
Aerodynamic Drag (CD)	.33
Angle of Approach	29.3
Angle of Departure	25.4

Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room	1,037 mm
Rear Head Room	1,008 mm
Front Leg Room	1,062 mm
Rear Leg Room	973 mm
Front Shoulder Room	1,450 mm
Rear Shoulder Room	1,405 mm
Front Hip Room	1,367 mm
Rear Hip Room	1,331 mm

Capacities
Total Seating Capacity	5
Upholstery	Premium cloth
Front seat type	Bucket
Max seating capacity	5
Curb weight	1,668 lbs.
Towing Capacity	1,587 lbs.
Payload	375 lbs.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place	1,015 L
Cargo capacity, rear seat down or removed	2,074 L
Max cargo capacity	2,074 L
Fuel Capacity	60 L
Gross vehicle weight	2,140 lbs.
Ground clearance	190 mm
Turning radius	6 ft.
EPA interior volume	3,064 L

2008 Toyota RAV4 Review

Assembled In: Tahara, Japan.

Model Line Up: Toyota RAV4 ($21,250); RAV4 Sport ($22,825); RAV4 Limited ($23,505).

Model Tested: Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 4WD ($26,820).

Options Tested: JBL audio ($640); rear-seat DVD entertainment ($1,705); third-row seat ($700); power glass sunroof ($900).

The vehicle that pioneered the cute-ute segment is all grown up. Ever since its last total overhaul (for the 2006 model year), the Toyota RAV4 has offered seating for seven, cargo capacity comparable to some mid-size SUVs, and V6 performance near the top of its class. The RAV4 can tow 3500 pounds when properly equipped, and buyers have the choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. True to its family-friendly role, the RAV4 comes standard with a long list of safety equipment.

So what was once the cute baby of the family is now the family car.

The available 269-horsepower V6 tops most of the RAV4's competitors. It's more than the RAV4 needs, really; but it allows the RAV4 to really scoot while carrying as many as seven people and all their associated stuff. Yet the RAV4's fuel efficiency remains comparable with some less powerful four- and six-cylinder SUVs. The base RAV4 seats five and offers a more frugal four-cylinder power.

Style-wise, the RAV4 looks like other contemporary Toyotas, featuring an aerodynamically efficient ovoid profile strategically relieved by sharp character lines. A coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.33 is among the best in its segment and a major factor in minimizing wind noise and maximizing fuel economy.

Only small details have changed for 2008. Most significantly, an engine immobilizer is now standard on the Limited grade and optional on other models.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), available in three trim levels: base ($21,250), Sport ($22,825) and Limited ($23,505). For those prices you get front-wheel drive; a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline-4; and a four-speed automatic transmission. All V6 RAV4s come with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

All three trim levels are available with a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, and when so equipped MSRPs are as follows: base ($23,285), Sport ($24,740), and Limited ($25,420). Any of these is available with full-time all-wheel drive ($1,400).

Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, and auxiliary input jack; power windows; power foldable mirrors; keyless-remote locking; 60/40 split second-row seats with manual recline and for-and-aft adjustment; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; three 12-volt power outlets; rear privacy glass; and auto-off headlights. The base four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels. All models come with a full-size spare tire.

Options at the base level include a third-row seat ($950), which also adds Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to four-cylinder models; an in-dash, six-CD changer ($200); a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel ($120) and aluminum ($440-560); cargo cover ($140); roof rack with crossbars ($220); daytime running lights ($40); engine immobilizer ($60); and a towing package for the V6 ($160) that includes a heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission oil cooler, and 150-amp alternator. The tow package increases the RAV4's pulling capacity from 2000 to 3500 pounds.

The RAV4 Sport adds a handling-tuned suspension and P235/55R18 tires on alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, a roof rack with cross bars, heated outside mirrors; color-keyed trim outside and unique charcoal fabric inside. Options expand to include a JBL premium stereo with nine speakers, a six-CD changer, XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel controls ($890); and a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($900). But the third-row seat is not offered on the Sport.

The Limited model upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver seat, six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, cargo area net and tonneau cover, full-hard spare tire cover, the new engine immobilizer, and other amenities. Outside, Limited is distinguished by a chrome grille and P225/65R17 tires on six-spoke alloy wheels; and a full, hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($700-810, depending on engine and drive combination), leather upholstery ($1,050), heated front seats ($440), plus the same JBL stereo ($640) and sunroof available on Sport. A rear-seat entertainment system ($1,705) is available only on Limited V6.

Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire pressure monitor.

No longer a cute ute, neither is the 2008 RAV4 anywhere near a brute ute. Still, the overall design of the current model is more serious and more substantive than those built a few years ago. There are fewer superfluous curves and less cladding, presenting a more finished appearance.

The RAV4's truck-like front end is tautly composed. Visually, the fenders are separate elements from the engine bay, a situation emphasized by a tight rectangular grille that seems to sit comfortably atop the wider bumper slits below. Headlights are compact and focused. A wide track gives the RAV4 a solid stance visually, while resisting rollovers in emergency maneuvers.

The side view is oblong, a mix of boxy and oval, the better to accommodate that third-row seat. The fat, triangular C-pillar with the taillight at its base reminds us of the Subaru Tribeca, a larger, seven-passenger SUV priced a notch or two above the RAV4. An understated indent runs along the bottom of the RAV4's doors, softening the visual impression of bulk. Wheel arches blend smoothly into the fenders.

In back, a single-piece rear bumper cradles the swing-open tailgate, which, sadly, still opens from the left side, so you have to walk around it when unloading curbside here in America. As in the Tribeca, taillights are positioned fairly high on the rear fenders. The spare tire bolts into a recess offset to the right in the swing-gate, and doesn't dip below the bumper line. The rear license plate, sunk into the lower left side of the swing-gate below the handle, visually balances the spare.

The Toyota RAV4 is enjoyable to drive and packaged well. Three rows of seating are available. The available V6 engine delivers lots of power.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report after his test drive of the RAV4 in Texas.

What reviewers liked most
"The larger dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo space--a good thing." (Source: Automobile)


"...the new four-cylinder is better than the old four in every way." (Source: AutoWeek)


"The steering is especially predictable in the slushy-crunchy left lane that traffic avoids in bad weather." (Source: Car and Driver)


"...improved at every turn. It's bigger, faster, safer, smoother riding and better handling." (Source: New Car Test Drive)


"Acceleration in the 4WD with automatic transmission is lively and feels almost effortless, as if the 2943-pound vehicle were featherweight." (Source: New Car Test Drive)

Best one-liners
"Climate controls are mercifully simple. You got on, you got off, you got fan speed, you got blue for cold, red for hot; what else do you need?" (Source: New Car Test Drive)


"The rear storage compartment door swung open like a giant freezer door." (Source: Woman Motorist)