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 51 through 60 of 120.00

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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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  Wonderful - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Picky Picky - June 20 - 10:13 pm

  My wife and I researched for over 2 months for the right vehicle for us. With a large breed dog that travels will us frequently, we needed the cargo space, and the low loading dock. We got everything we asked for in the cargo space, and the handles to put the rear seats down was one of the features we love the most. The V6 has tons of power. We test drove the 4Cyl also, which has plenty of power as well, but was just a bit too noisy. I wouldnt say the seats are "uncomfortable", but without a power seat Im still trying to find the right position. There seems to be SO much space all around. And the rear seats that fold flat make it all that much better. Love my Rav.

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  Awesome - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug - May 10 - 11:46 pm

  This car is awesome in nearly every detail. Power to spare, great gas mileage. Only 1 complaint: Base model upgraded stereo system leaves something to be desired. Display does not scroll so you cant see XM info, which is unacceptable since XM has been around for a long time now. Speakers do not sound very good. Way too much bass. Everything else about the car rocks. Seats fold flat with the pull of a lever from the back end. Makes it very convenient to load stuff for hauling. Pulls my fishing boat with power to spare. Ride comfort is great, seats very comfortable, handles great, bluetooth attachment great. Tinted glass on rear window makes auto-dimming mirror unnecessary.

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  Powerful performer - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By alan - November 30 - 10:16 am

  I bought a V6 Limited RAV4 to replace a 530i BMWi. I wanted something to perform better in the snow, and I think I have found it. This car is every bit as explosive when you hit the accelerator and it has the benefit of AWD. And the price is right! Handling is superb, cornering is fine and braking is very good. Great combination of features. All in an appealing skin of sheet metal.

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  Sensational SUV!! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Ryan - October 9 - 1:03 am

  I absolutely love this car! Im a research junkie and thoroughly reviewed and test drove the Honda CRV, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester, and Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. The RAV4 blew them all away. My last car was a BMW 5-series with all the bells and whistles so I was a little worried about making the adjustment to a non- luxury SUV. However, this car has continued to impress me with its easy handling, roomy interior, reliability, features, appearance, comfortable seats, and gas mileage. I have read a few of the negative reviews and I really think that we must be driving completely different makes/models. My RAV4 has been fantastic!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By BladeRunner - May 13 - 8:23 am

  After driving a V8 powered 4Runner for longer than I should have, I needed to find a better MPG for my commute. The Rav4 was a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would fall in love with a small SUV. The ride is smooth yet powerful with the V6 engine. Im averaging 23mpg which is a big step up over the 15 I was getting before. Handling is superb, although the electronic assisted steering takes some getting used to. At 61 space is an issue for me and I have plenty in the Rav4. I have a ton of shoulder, leg and head room and the storage bins under the cargo area are a nice feature. My road bike fits with ease with the seats folded down. I highly recommend the Rav4.

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  Nice - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By John - March 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have to say that I am very pleased with this vehicle. I am 6ft 2in and fit comfortably with plenty of leg and head room. The vehicle offers a quiet, smooth ride with minimal engine noise. I have read the digs that it is noisy, the engine is weak etc. Baloney. The RAV4 performs admirably when compared to most any vehicle in its class. And I have compared about 6 of its competitors. My combined mileage with less than 1000 miles, 2/3 highway and 1/3 city is 28.2. No kidding. I am pretty conservative-but this purchase was all about comfort, style, reliability, and mileage. I have them all.

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  Good SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mag - February 21 - 9:13 pm

  The V6 engine has great performance. Quiet engine. Fun to drive, easy to park. I like the controls and fold down seats. Good gas mileage, 23/25 town, 27/29 highway. I am very disappointed in the ride, it is more like a truck, not smooth at all. Also the headrest are not comfortable.

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  Nothing Replaces Horsepower - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By qoquaq - January 31 - 3:43 pm

  From the moment I had this thing on the road, I loved it! Very fast, very good 4 wheeled discs, excellent handling, and gotta love the bluetooth. Never got the MPG as stated. City 16, combined 20 MPG, but I have a lead foot and love the twistys! This is the first car that I have owned that the word launch actually applies.