2009 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

Awesome

Written by: Doug on 10/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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 can't 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.

Favorite Features

1. Instant gas mileage indicator helps me tune driving as I go for better fuel economy. 2. Seats fold FLAT for cargo loading. No rise at all. 3. Engine is flawless, quiet, and applies a very smooth power curve.

Suggested Improvements

1. Radio needs scrolling display, speakers need to sound better. 2. More controls on steering wheel for base model. 3. Would like a directional compass built in somewhere. Had to buy a cheapie at Target.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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RAV Raves

Written by: Mare on 10/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This 09 replaced our 2008 RAV. It is all it was billed to be. Love the nimbleness with the v6. With the addition of the K&N air filter we get 24.8 city and 26 on the highway.

Favorite Features

Engine Transmission combo in the Limited.

Suggested Improvements

Needs door ding guard for the protection of the paint.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Toyota Rav4 Limited Grade = A-

Written by: Randy on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Love the dual glove compartments! 4cyl acceleration is smooth and plenty powerful, suspension is great, interior comfort is excellent in front seats with plenty of leg room given that I am 6'1". Plenty of cargo space, and getting 24-27 MPG. Fun vehicle to drive, with no regrets yet in buying it!

Suggested Improvements

Front cup holders need to be positioned behind the shifter, and the inserts come out too easily when pulling out water bottles. The FM radio reception is below average even with JBL upgrade. Automatic door locks would be nice when car starts to accelerate, and passenger seat needs to be powered too.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Rav4 2009

Written by: NKK on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had this Rav4 for almost 2 weeks. It's 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 doesn't. I am hoping 270 Hp coupled with 4wd should suffice to drive on hilly and snowy winters.

Favorite Features

The most attractive feature I noticed is the hill descent control. For some reason I didn't understand how to get the hill ascent control working.

Suggested Improvements

2nd row seats can be folded flat with levers provided near the rear door, but, they seem too flimsy and I am doubtful that they might break if I repeat using them few more times. I also wish Toyota considers offering Auto Up/down windows on all doors like they did on the Camry 2010.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Base Rav4

Written by: ctutty on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

We 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).

Favorite Features

Utility of the cargo area and ease of handling. Good driving position.

Suggested Improvements

Audio / acoustics need tweaking on the base radio. I am used to quality audio sound at home and even my 99' Camry has a better sounding radio. Some minor issues with small storage areas.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Nothing Replaces Horsepower

Written by: qoquaq on 09/27/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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 twisty's! This is the first car that I have owned that the word 'launch' actually applies.

Favorite Features

Satellite radio, bluetooth, smart key, high tech safety features.

Suggested Improvements

The torque steer is brutal! Please correct. Satellite radio display does not scroll. Rear camera poorly positioned, which could damage spare. No automatic door locks. Seat heat needs a graduated control like the Sienna. Front cup holders require redesign. No five speed manual tranny option.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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MY First Non-American Auto

Written by: bill on 09/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The Good The Bad and The Ugly

Written by: Sorun on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

The sweet V6 in this vehicle, at 60 mph with the cruise on I get 27-29 mpg depending on wind direction and when you need to pass it has plenty of power. High quality interior materials.

Suggested Improvements

I am 5'11. I feel cramped the seat sits way too high in relation to the steering wheel for me, the seats lowering adjustment moves it about one half an inch, whoop de doo! The base stereo speakers are junk , it has way too much bass put new speakers in immediately. :)

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Drives like a '09 Corolla

Written by: regmeister on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Averaging 28 mpg. RAV4 reminds me of a Corolla I had for a loaner for a month. Similar driving dynamics & lots of road noise & booming exhaust. In the morning the tranny has an annoying 2-stage takeoff from park, it engages 3/4's then full lock even when rolling. Once warmed up the hiccup goes away. Although the interior dashboard is not as cleverly designed as a CRV (not enough cubby compartments) the center armrest/console is a welcome feature. The rear side doors have only a molded cup holder for a small H2O bottle. The back door is a disappointment too. Just a fishnet and no cubby holes molded in the door like the CRV. Audio loudness feature is good because of the road noise.

Favorite Features

Display of MPG and Temp at a touch of a button on the steering wheel.

Suggested Improvements

Place the front cupholders just rear of the gear selector instead of in front of it. Design more convenient nooks and crannies in the dash and back door. There's a blank space just above the hood latch for a nice coin box. As for the back door take a peek at the '05 CRV and copy.

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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A Great Choice

Written by: John on 09/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We needed a vehicle with a large enough rear seat for a child seat and an infant seat and easy to get the kids in and out of. This RAV-4 is the perfect choice. This vehicle seems small on the outside, but it has unbelievable space inside. The cargo area (without 3rd row seats) is huge and the 2 storage bins under the floor are a bonus. Rear seats truly fold flat unlike many others. This one is a V6 Limited with all options except navigation. This thing is very fast and the fuel economy is pretty amazing. We get 24-25mpg on local driving and we've seen 32 mpg on the road. A very versatile vehicle for an active family.

Favorite Features

V6 power, smooth transmission, great fuel economy, inside space, easy access, Toyota reliability.

Suggested Improvements

I don't care for the outside mounted spare but it does add inside space. Others have said the front seats lack thigh support for taller persons and I agree. Electric power steering lacks "feel".

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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