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2009 Toyota RAV4 Review

July 4, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

modern-rugged theme
Cars.com

contemporary but conventional good looks
Kelley Blue Book

a different rear door without the mounted spare tire
Edmunds

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers drivers a pretty nice-looking vehicle that's been newly retouched.

MyRide.com notes that "fewer superfluous curves and less cladding" than the previous RAV present "a more finished appearance." "Toyota says the third-generation RAV4's exterior styling follows a 'modern-rugged theme,'" reports Cars.com. Kelley Blue Book decides this makes it "more substantial and less 'cute'" than the previous generation, but discovers that typically clean, play-it-safe Toyota styling is the rule, with the exception of "the triangular rear C-pillar and vertically-wrapped taillamps." The 2009 refresh mainly includes small tweaks to the front and rear ends, but offers a nifty Sport Appearance Package that does away with the exterior spare tire. As Edmunds reports, the package "will get you [...] a different rear door without the mounted spare tire."

On the interior, Kelley Blue Book explains that "the center cluster, door trim and steering wheel spokes are brushed metallic-look plastic," again lending the RAV4's interior an air of modernity. Toyota opts for carefully modern on the inside, with a sweeping two-tier dash whose "swollen protuberances at first look Jetson-ish," says Car and Driver, "but in fact break up what would otherwise be a dull sea of plastic." MyRide.com is critical, calling it a "horizontal gash running the width of the car," and finds its only redeeming feature to be "a bi-level glove box."

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a pretty nice-looking vehicle, and the light styling refresh is welcomed.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:modern-rugged themeCars.comcontemporary but conventional good looksKelley Blue Booka different rear door without the mounted spare tireEdmunds Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers drivers a pretty nice-looking vehicle that's been newly retouched. MyRide.com notes that "fewer superfluous curves and less cladding" than the previous RAV present "a more finished appearance." "Toyota says the third-generation RAV4's exterior styling follows a 'modern-rugged theme,'" reports Cars.com. Kelley Blue Book decides this makes it "more substantial and less 'cute'" than the previous generation, but discovers that typically clean, play-it-safe Toyota styling is the rule, with the exception of "the triangular rear C-pillar and vertically-wrapped taillamps." The 2009 refresh mainly includes small tweaks to the front and rear ends, but offers a nifty Sport Appearance Package that does away with the exterior spare tire. As Edmunds reports, the package "will get you [...] a different rear door without the mounted spare tire." On the interior, Kelley Blue Book explains that "the center cluster, door trim and steering wheel spokes are brushed metallic-look plastic," again lending the RAV4's interior an air of modernity. Toyota opts for carefully modern on the inside, with a sweeping two-tier dash whose "swollen protuberances at first look Jetson-ish," says Car and Driver, "but in fact break up what would otherwise be a dull sea of plastic." MyRide.com is critical, calling it a "horizontal gash running the width of the car," and finds its only redeeming feature to be "a bi-level glove box." ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota RAV4 is a pretty nice-looking vehicle, and the light styling refresh is welcomed. 2009 TOYOTA RAV4 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "modern-rugged theme" Kelley Blue Book: "contemporary but conventional good looks" Edmunds: "a different rear door without the mounted spare tire" Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers drivers a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 powertrains, as do all of these models except the Honda and Subaru, and most of them have a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. But each has a different way of prioritizing on- and off-road ability and interior space. For instance, the Ford Escape is styled like a more traditional SUV, but its carlike underpinnings help it handle and perform quite well, despite an aging design. The Hyundai Tucson bears an older design that doesn't perform as well as its most updated peers; it also feels smaller inside. The new Vue is much improved, especially inside, with a fresh design. The Honda CR-V is an excellent, very space-efficient design with plenty of room for five, though it's not much fun to drive, nor does it have any significant off-road ability. The Subaru Forester is another alternative; it offers standard all-wheel drive, a well-designed, spacious interior, and top safety.

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See the Toyota RAV4 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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