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 11 through 20 of 120.00-
Perfect for a small family - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By sh4n - April 1 - 1:16 am- 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
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Trans axle noise 35 mph to 55 mph - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By eugene riotte - March 21 - 12:33 amVehicle 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.
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"Sport" is not just a name - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By George - March 16 - 6:23 amBought 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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Small - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By Dave - November 19 - 11:26 amMy wife loved the Rav4 but I found it too small,the drivers seat would not go back far enough for my long legs. I am 63". Also the door panel and parking brake were in my way and the center console is too low. Interior needs a redesign. With only 4000 miles on it the dealers offered $10,000 less than I paid for it, o much for Toyota holding there value better than other makes. Traded for a Chevy Traverse and lost only $3500.
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Love this SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By pingel - November 8 - 7:47 pmI bought the 2009 base model about a month ago and love this vehicle. I traded in my 2006 Kia Sorento EX 4WD vehile that had only 71k on it but was a gas hog and very bad in the snow & slick roads. So far I am averaging 24-25MPG and love the ride. It looks good and feels good. We are going to take a 5 hour trip in a few weeks so well see how comfy it is on long trip. It is a little slow on the take off but if that is its only draw back its fine.
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Good First Impression - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By OMc - November 1 - 8:23 amI just bought this vehicle a week ago and so far I like it. Low road noise compared to my old Civic and the seats are MUCH more comfortable - I cant feel the springs beneath the fabric like I could with the Civic even when it was new. Steering not as tight as Id like. I like that it has the height of a truck with the feel of a car. My elderly father can get in with minimal "step-up" and can get out very easily.
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My Rav - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By Jody - June 14 - 10:30 pmLove the rav 4 it is quick and easy to maneuver. Leg room for the driver is short. I rock heads of the head rest due to the lack of leg room to the accelerator. like everything else just need more leg room.
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Base Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By ctutty - February 1 - 10:30 amWe 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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Rav4 2009 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By NKK - August 13 - 10:23 amI 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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Good vehicle, minor annoyances - 2009 Toyota RAV4
By D. ODell - January 8 - 12:00 amThe 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.
