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 41 through 50 of 120.00

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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!