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 81 through 90 of 120.00

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  A Thrilling Ride - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Kathy - March 5 - 5:36 am

  The Rav4 6 cyl. is a solid little car that is really fun to drive. The car is comfortable with plenty of interior room and gives a sense of security to be able to pass with power to spare.

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  Astonishing MPGs - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon - January 31 - 10:30 am

  Ive been driving my new Rav for about a month now, and Ill admit Ive been surprised (in both good and bad ways) Good (With 4cyl): Incredible gas mileage. I average ~30mpg interstate (with cruise control going 65mph) If I go up to 72mph, I drop to around 24/25mpg so the trick is to keep it slow. Additionally I can get a solid 34mpg doing 55mph on more rural travels. I also use the aux jack constantly with my MP3 player, dont know how I went 9 years without one. We had aftermarket heated seats installed in the cloth seats, nice in Pennsylvania! Bad: The cloth seats are NOT comfortable, sure, they could be worse (i.e. Subaru) but it may be worthwhile to go for leather.

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  Excellent Value - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Blue Ridge - January 20 - 4:23 pm

  We live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the combination of very steep roads and snow/ice is challenging. We had to have 4WD and seating for six, but we wanted good mileage too. After two years of reviewing cars, we got a RAV4. The V6 eats up mountains without straining the transmission. Theres a bit of a turbo lag as the transmission gears down, but then the RAV4 jumps past cars when passing. Same engine as the Highlander in a much lighter SUV. Wow. Backdoor and wheel are same as on our Jeep; not a big issue for us. Where else could the full-size spare go? Having a full-size spare is important. Only complaints - mileage is not as good as we want and steering not as tight.

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  09RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By okudud - December 26 - 7:16 pm

  It is a genuine fun, easy to drive vehicle. Well made and just only two items were defective but Toyota taking care of problems.

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  Perfection? - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 Driver - November 24 - 10:46 am

  This was probably the best car that Ive ever owned/driven. The Rav4 has everything that you would want or need in a vehicle! Excellent gas mileage at 23 mpg, the best in its class. Very peppy and a tonne of fun to drive! We had a Subaru Tribeca before this, which was OK. But this Rav4 has really shocked me. I want to drive it just for the fun of it! This car really makes the 2 hour drive into work to downtown Ottawa really worth it. Thank you Toyota for designing the perfect car for mostly everyones needs and all of their wants!

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  Moving forward - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By frafael - September 26 - 9:13 pm

  I decided give a try for RAV4 after good experience with my wife Siena08. 2009 RAV4 is very roomy and I bought a full load Limited. My previous experience was a much heavier LR Discovery V8, and RAV4 performer better, thanks to light body and very well designed transmission. The interior everything are very well resolved, but the material looks cheaper, even leather trim is not first class. There are excessive noise in cabin, combined from engine and road. Update, combined millage is 21mpg, not bad for a I-4 AWD, but I dont think Ill get promised 27mpg freeway.

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  The Good The Bad and The Ugly - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Sorun - September 17 - 1:30 am

  Lets start with the ugly. Road noise is high, if you do not like road noise then do not buy this car! Very loud on anything but smooth pavement.

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  Terrific SUV Crossover - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By MikeND - September 13 - 10:26 pm

  I had previously owned two Corollas and loved both of them. I needed a bigger vehicle because of two new children. I test drove a Santa Fe, a Highlander and a Rav4. It took me about 5 minutes of driving a Rav4 to fall in love. I obviously like the added size and power. However, what I find amazing with the Rav4 is I still feel like Im driving my old Corolla. Im also looking forward to the 4WD and added weight this winter.

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  Spongy brakes - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe Dallas - August 30 - 4:23 am

  I have been driving it for 5 months now. It is reliable so far. The I4 has enough power to get into hwy and passes. The folding backseat flat the trunk and accept large stuff. It average local 23 and highway 26 MPG. One thing that alerts me is it has spongy brake and can be very low when press it (about 1" from the floor). It takes too long to actually feel brake taking effect. A large foot may actually touch the gas padel unintentionally. It brakes fine though. Checked with the dealer service and was told "this is by design and it is normal." Thinking about the gas padel recall and then adding this spongy brake, the feeling is not very comforting. Generally it is a good car.

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  Excellent reliability, some cost cutting evident - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By mattwc1 - July 24 - 2:17 am

  I purchased a 2009 Base 2.5L/AWD Rav4. First and foremost, I really like the Rav4. I have had it for about 10 months now and average between 25-28mpg (mostly highway driven). Interior is laid out well with great room for drivers and passengers. Rear passenger seats move fore and aft and recline. Sightlines are very good and all instruments are well laid out. Toyota revised the base engine for more horsepower/torque and smoother running and it is apparent. The engine is smooth and revs freely. Fuel economy is very good for a CUV. behind the rear seats provide ample storage with under floor storage bins and handy remore release levers to lower rear seats from the hatch.