Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

• Interior has a budget feel, side-hinged rear gate impedes curbside loading, driver seat a tight fit for tall drivers.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 120.00

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  Base Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By ctutty - February 1 - 10:30 am

  We decided on a vehicle that allows the wife to enter/exit a higher driving position car. She finds getting in and out of the smaller Rav4 easier on her hip (bursitis). We took the Rav4 for its first long vacation trip, putting a total of 1590 miles on the vehicle. We averaged over 28mpg. The Rav4 handled in a predictable and well mannered fashion, but when rolling over rough pavement, you know you are not riding in a sedan. Some road noise was also evident at slow speeds, possibly due to the larger 17" (steel) wheels that came with the Value Pkg. The wife found the Rav4 a bit better to her driving sense than the CRV we test drove. The only complaint so far is the audio system (muffled).

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  This RAV is the Mac Daddy - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By glowwing - January 4 - 7:16 am

  Im 52 and this is by far the nicest car i have ever owned. i would never have guessed any car would beat my 4runner but i was wrong. The loaded 4 runner is great but all things considered the RAV takes the gold star!

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  Rav-4 09 Limited -Poor Paint - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Stew-16 - October 28 - 6:16 pm

  Leather interior is nice, gas mileage is not as good as they make it out to be, Toyota has put company profits above safety and apparently quality and control. The recalls issued has not mentioned the exterior paint my vehicle is 9 months old and has over 40 chips and counting in the black metallic paint, Im not alone with this complaint but Toyota, will not stand behind the quality of their paint work, they are blaming the new Chipped paint on the road environment. My other non-Toyota products did not have this issue. By time its paid off I will have more touch-up paint than factory paint on my New Rav-4.

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  Toyota Rav4 Limited Grade = A- - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy - October 23 - 11:20 pm

  After one month, I am very pleased with my purchase of the 4cyl, as the 6cyl seemed way too much for such a light vehicle. The 4cyl is smoother when accelerating, and powerful enough when needing to pass on the highway. The leather seats are nicely cushioned in the front, but the rear seats are much more firm, making long trips surely less comfortable. I notice some road noise when traveling on the Interstate, but with the radio on I barely hear it. The ride is tremendous, as the suspension absorbs bumps well. Cargo space is awesome, including the hidden compartment for added space. Even with JBL upgrade, FM radio reception is still just okay, but XM satellite reception is much better.

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  Toyota Rav 4 Limited Updated Review--B+ - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy - October 6 - 3:50 am

  Given my model is now part of the massive recall related to the sticky accelerator problem, up to this point Ive had no issue with a sticky accelerator. But, it certainly is on my mind now everytime I drive, which is unfortunate. Anyway, the only areas that have decreased in my liking are related to the gas mileage and exterior finish since my last review. In Oct., I was getting 24-27 mpg, now with nearly 5,000 miles, I am now getting 20-23 mpg with no major changes in my driving pattern. Very disappointing. Also, I notice the seals on the door/window jams leak cold air allowing me to feel a noticeable chill, and the road noise has become much more noticeable.

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  Rav4 is unreliable and disappointing - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By cartroubles2 - August 27 - 12:23 am

  I am the not so proud owner of a 2009 Rav4. At 131km it had its first visit to the shop with the A/T Oil indicator light illuminated. It took three more trips to the shop to fix the problem. Now at 3000km it is back in the shop with AWD, slip control, and engine indicator lights on. It has also failed to start and down shifts with the grace of a new driver in a standard transmission car. I am getting absolutely no help from Toyota Canada or the dealer that I bought this lemon from. The only nice thing about this car is the paint job.

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  Rav4 2009 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By NKK - August 13 - 10:23 am

  I have had this Rav4 for almost 2 weeks. Its a Base V6 4wd. The first tank of gas gave me an avg mileage 24 mpg for a combination of Highway and City. Ride quality feels solid but engine noise is very evident for the first few gears and once we pick up speed >40 miles you can hardly hear a hum. I chose the Rav4 over CRV, just because it offers a v6 option and Honda doesnt. I am hoping 270 Hp coupled with 4wd should suffice to drive on hilly and snowy winters.

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  Poor in Snow, Item Fall Out Tailgate - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Anne - July 1 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this SUV last winter. The "run flat" tires are very poor in snow. Need snow tire alternative in "run flat" tire, as there is no room for spare tire. Also, buyer beware that when one opens tailgate items fall out onto the ground. I warn that a small child could be seriously injured if standing nearby when the door was swung open, because items, large and small fall right out of SUV. Watch those toes!

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  A very functional SUV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By rdiddy801 - June 14 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had my RAV-4 for about four months now, and Im quite happy with it. The ride is smooth and the suspension seems solid. I took it off road recently and it handled the terrain okay. Im getting 25 MPG with a fairly even mix of city/highway driving. The interior is very functional--the back seats slide forward and back, and they split so you have more cargo options. I like the MP3 jack in the center armrest, and theres a little niche there thats perfect for an iPhone. My only complaints: the back window doesnt open (which would allow you to carry long lumber that could hang out the back, for example), and the rear hatch opens towards the curb.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  After months of research & test drives, the RAV4 won out for several reasons. It really is fun to drive, well laid out, has super comfy seats and my tall husband can fit without knocking his head off. The only negative is the front seat headrests. They are extremely uncomfortable for someone with neck problems. However, I popped mine out, turned it around and the problem was solved. Hopefully there will be an aftermarket option.