2009 Toyota RAV4 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
120 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A more powerful four-cylinder engine, a restyled grille and bumpers and the adoption of active headrests for the front seats mark the changes for the 2009 Toyota RAV4.

Pros:
  • Superb power and fuel economy from optional V6, balanced ride and handling, roomy second-row seating, low cargo floor, solid build quality, high crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Interior has a budget feel, side-hinged rear gate impedes curbside loading, driver seat a tight fit for tall drivers.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 120.00
  • Love the RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I bought my RAV4 last week, just before 2 major snowstorms hit upstate NY. The RAV4 handles deep snow and slippery roads as though they are dry pavement. Im averaging 24 mpg. Great car! (so far).

  • Fun car. - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    My first SUV and it feels great, drives like a small sports car. We had a small Toyota Yaris, and it was totaled in an accident, so we needed something bigger even though I loved the Yaris. We only had this car for a couple of weeks but we absolutely love it. It is very ergonomic, all controls are easy to reach, everything is very intuitive.

  • A great SUV for the price and size - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    We compared CRV, RDX and RAV4. The styling and performance of the CRV was less than stellar. The RDX was really cramped feeling in both head and legroom with just OK performance. The RAV4 has much more room and comfort (Im 62"). The V6 is quick and smooth and we are getting around 20+ mpg city. I have seen comments of the RAV being noisy or the seats not comfortable. Dont find that at all. This Sport with appearance pkg. and leather seats is quiet and comfortable--almost making you forget its a SUV and I am a nitpicker.

  • I love my RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Once I decide to trade in my car I wanted something with more cargo than my Nissan Altima. My first choice was the new Mazda 3 5 doors. While doing my research I came across the Toyota Rav4. It rates the same MPG but has more cargo space, about the same price and looks way better. Reading reviews and comparing all the competitors I chose the 2009 Toyota RAV4. It has the power (4 cyl), it has the looks (no cheap black plastic going around the bumper) and the Toyota Reputation. It rides nice, quiet and firm. Driving in the city so far I got 26.2 mpg and still going up. I cant wait to see how much I get at our road trip to the north.

  • My Little Rocket - Great Buy!!! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Why My Little Rocket? My Rav4 accelerates, handles, & performs very smoothly. After over 20 years of driving the entire range of only Ford SUVs, I made the decision to go Toyota, which I believe was a wise one. I just wish I did it years ago. Going from an 05 Escape 6 cyl AWD to the 09 Rav4 4 cyl AWD, I expected sluggishness, but instead found it peppier with all-around better handling & performance in & on the VT snow & variable roads conditions. Having to drive over 2.5 hours, several times per week to VT, I find the drivers side lumbar support & heated seats a godsend. Gas mileage falls within the stated 21 to 27 mpg, with 24 mpg as my average. It should improve over time.

  • Perfect for a small family - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    - This is an amazing car for a family with young children. - Also a comfortable drive for someone over 6ft (I am 62"). - Great on gas, the v4 is peppy, but lacks power when a/c is being used - Interior perfect for kids as it was easy to clean up spills and other messes - Cargo room was very more than ample. Always came in handy for carrying small furniture, large mirrors, tvs etc. - Not a single problem over 4 years of use

  • Best small SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Best small SUV, Rav4 is easy to park, fun to drive, nice interior I loved the trunk space.

  • I hate it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    This is car is horrible. I get it free through work-otherwise, I would never voluntarily purchase one. Its uncomfortable, poorly designed and has a rough ride. The interior looks cheap and has asinine places for cup holders. The fact that this car has a keyless ignition is, in my opinion, a nightmare. I find myself losing the keys like crazy because theres no specific spot for them. The rav also has a very jerky ride to it-not so great when riding with passengers who suffer from car sickness. The back door opens outward as opposed to upward-another stupid feature for obvious reasons. I could go on and on but to sum it up: its awful!!

  • Trans axle noise 35 mph to 55 mph - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Vehicle did not make transaxle noise when purchased! After 1500 miles it started a howling noise at light throttle, 35-55 mph it is getting worse, Toyota Tech is supposed to be checking on the reason for it, it has been 21 days and I have heard nothing, I am very dissatisfied with this car! I was told there was a production change, I think I got one of the bad ones. The service dept. replaced an axle at about 5 thousand miles and the axle bearing, but this did not correct the noise I am hearing.

  • "Sport" is not just a name - 2009 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Bought Sport version because I wanted a black interior - Limited not available in cloth. Dealer Salesperson indicated slightly tighter and slightly harsher ride. Also indicated that suspension was somewhat programmable if really needed. Term "harsher" was understated. Cant keep coffee from spilling on local access roads and cant "program" suspension according to dealers service dept. Took on trip to NYC - ride on highway OK - not fatiguing. Ride in NYC would have been smoother in a horse & buggy. Noise, Handling, and overall Fuel MPG are really better than I expected. Only clear fault is the Spare Tire Carrier. Quality of fit is unsatisfactory and this quirk will haunt you forever.

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