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 31 through 40 of 120.00

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  Best small SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Fabb - March 22 - 12:33 am

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

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  Toyota Got It Right with the RAV-4! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Roy from Alaska - February 10 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my RAV-4 new in Anchorage. It is the basic model, 4WD, V6, with 3,500 lbs towing package and 17" wheels. I owned a 1988 Jeep Cherokee for 21 years and thought that nothing could be better in the ice and snow. Wrong! This baby is like a cat on a curtain in the snow. Awesome! And the heater will run you out of the rig at -20 degrees. Just drove it 2,500 miles down the Alcan and Cassiar Hwys from Alaska through the Yukon Territory and BC to Eastern Washington. Got 22 mpg pulling a 5X8 U-Haul! One pass was 4,000 and it never complained. Now I am in the desert and today it was 104 degrees and the AC keeps it comfortable. I get 30 mpg on trips. Love it! Best rig ever.

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  Went back to Toyota - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian N - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After a bad decision with buying American, I went back to Toyota. Had for 15 months now and all is well, no problems. My drivers seat is starting to fray, did not expect that problem. I dont have any complaints except for the low resale value caused by the recalls. Wish I would have waited a few months to buy and take advantage of the savings. Get about 25 mpg on average. A/C gets cold in the HOT AZ desert during the summers. Love it.

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  Excellent Small SUV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By joe - July 22 - 4:03 am

  Bought this Rav4 in March 2009. Has been a great vehicle. No problems so far. 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power for around town. Great ease of use for my wife. We transport 2 toddlers with their stuff, plenty of room. Road noise can be evident on rougher surfaced roads. Has lived up to my expectations relating to previous Toyota I owned. Seems like this Rav4 will be the same way. Would recommend purchase to anyone looking for a smaller SUV that is well designed and very dependable.

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  MY First Non-American Auto - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By bill - July 16 - 10:50 pm

  This car has great gas mileage, handling, performance, style. Forget the frills the Chevy equinox has and buy with confidence. When I purchased the car the dealer said see you first oil change. To my surprise that was the only time I needed the service dept. I own 3-5 vehicles for years and this is the first where I did not become friends with service adviser fixing warranty problems. My son and daughter got rid of their Chevy and Pontiac and they are glad they did also. My gas mileage is 24 to work and 28 on trips.

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  A set of tires makes a big differance! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G. in Michigan - June 2 - 6:50 am

  I have owned this SUV for 7 months now. Its is winter in Michigan, and the Bridgestone tires that came with it are so-so in the snow. I purchased a set of Michelan All Terrain Tires. What a huge difference. It feels like I drive in 4x4 mode all the time. No matter how much snow we get, I just drive like there is none. I always use Michelin tires on my 4x4s. Plus no recall problems so far. My wife is the primary driver and I know she is safe driving this on the road.

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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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  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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  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.