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 71 through 80 of 120.00

• 

  Owner for 2 weeks - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Kristen - March 12 - 9:03 am

  We purchased our new Rav4 two weeks ago. I love it. One thing I did notice was that when I was driving on the highway and opened just the two back windows and not the front, the interior of the auto sounded like a freight train. It was very loud and the pressure actually hurt my ear drums.

• 

  Good vehicle, minor annoyances - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By D. ODell - January 8 - 12:00 am

  The RAV4 provides an elevated driving position, good and adaptable carrying capacity and a comfortable ride. Economy, so far, has been very good at 24 MPG in suburban driving, near 30 MPG on the highway.

• 

  2009 Limited RAV 4, FWD - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike ---Idaho - December 31 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes 2008 RAV4 for this 09 with the nav system. We had the Everglades Green on the 08 and my wife loves the Barcelona Red on this 09 Limited.

• 

  Reliable SUV for 20k - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By santoshmanya - December 29 - 9:53 pm

  My initial choice was Honda CRV but after test driving it I found it was a bit noisy and sluggish pickup. I rented 2008 Rav4 and driven it on Highway from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN and found it stable between 75 to 95 MPH, but just under powered and little louder. Finally decided to buy 2009 Rav4 2WD I4, as it has a refined engine (Dual VVTi) with more fuel economy and power. I wanted to buy a vehicle which fits in my budget and able to drive to work and also long trips with space for Cargo. I did not go for a V6 (269 hp) as I4(179 hp) is sufficient and I don’t want to get more speeding tickets with V6. My previous car was Camry V6.

• 

  Exciting and solid but... - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Andrew - December 25 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive, the V6 really has some kick, yet on the interstate the 5 speed automatic transmission gave great performance and great economy. Handling is solid and predictable with a nice balance between capable SUV and commuting car (mostly commuter car). There is huge internal room, but it is still quite quiet on smooth pavement. On rough pavement it becomes noisy pretty quickly. The interior controls are all easy to use, but the steering wheel controls are not lighted at night so I will have to learn to blindly operate the Bluetooth controls. The radio controls on the wheel were easy to adapt to though. The exterior is not much changed from older Rav4. Just a few cosmetic changes.

• 

  Recall Jitters - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Ellen - December 20 - 10:20 pm

  This is a magnificent car inside and out. Rides like a dream. Much better than CRV. Interior is laid out much better than any other small SUV. Joy of ownership blunted by Toyota woes. What a shame.

• 

  Better than expected. - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Jessica - July 29 - 12:03 pm

  Maybe because I had a Nissan XTerra prior to my RAV4, I feel like the RAV4s driving experience is very much like a car, not an SUV (which is fantastic), and theres no truck-like feeling. The cornering is fairly tight for an SUV and the acceleration is phenomenal with the V6... I have no problem zipping into small spaces. I love the fuel economy, too (averaging 22.5 mpg in Central NJ). The keyless entry/ignition is so so so convenient and awesome, too.

• 

  Love my 2nd RAV4 even more - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By jduffy09 - April 16 - 1:52 am

  I had a 1999 RAV4 that was bulletproof. I recently upgraded to a 2009 Sport V6 w/appearance package. The power of this V6 is amazing and yet fuel economy is not compromised. On a recent 500 mile round-trip I got almost 28 mpg. The 2009 is much more refined and significantly roomier than my old 1999 model. Rear-seat room is significantly improved, as is cargo room, and it is great for families with children and pets. The only disappointment for me is the ride. You feel every little bump, but I think that is specific to the sport model. And hey, its an SUV after all, not a Cadillac.

• 

  Great Handling - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - March 27 - 9:36 am

  We replaced My wifes 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with our new RAV4. We live in the Hills in Connecticut and our 2.5L 4-cyl climbs the hills very well - so much better then our previous Jeep. Handling is superb. Gas mileage has been averaging 22.5 mpg, which is a little bit disappointing. Would highly recommend the mud guards which are about $58.00 at dealers cost. They prevent road grime being tossed up the side of the vehicle. Also they are easy to install. Overall this vehicle is a great buy for the money.

• 

  I love it! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Paul in FL - March 23 - 8:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle under the Clunkers Program while "donating" my Ford F-150 to the government for destruction. The mpg is great with new four cylinder engine. EPA figures are either on the money or slightly low. Plenty of pep too. Very quiet even at highway speeds. Great looking interior. The V6 would have been nice, but absolutely not necessary unless youre carrying six or towing a boat. Same goes for AWD here in Florida, but in snow country I would have added AWD. This could be a more ideal car for seniors as it is easy to drive and easy to get in and out of. The swing out trunk lid is easier for seniors than the hatch. Same for getting things out of the back. No stooping.