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2009 Toyota RAV4 Features Review

July 4, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

there is standard seating for five; however, a third row is optional on the base and Limited trim levels and it increases capacity to seven people
Edmunds

Sport trim gets...18-inch performance tires and wheels
Kelley Blue Book

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has plenty of snazzy features, and the experts at TheCarConnection.com predict that few drivers will be disappointed.

Explains Edmunds, "There are three trim levels: base, Sport and Limited. There is standard seating for five; however, a third row is optional on the base and Limited trim levels and it increases capacity to seven people." Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC)—useful driving aids on- or off-road at low speed—are standard on V-6 models and four-cylinder models with the optional third-row seat. A Lexus-like electroluminescent instrument panel is standard, as are remote keyless entry, an auxiliary jack for the single-CD six-speaker stereo, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power mirrors, three 12-volt outlets, 10 cup holders, and cruise control.

"The Sport trim gets this plus 18-inch performance tires and wheels, sport suspension, blackout headlamp trim and fender flares," explains Kelley Blue Book. Note that additional styling touches (such as removing the exterior spare tire) can be accomplished by adding the Sport Styling Package. The Sport can also be optioned up with a power moonroof and the JBL audio system. Moving up to the Limited trim adds items such as 17-inch wheels and tires, leather upholstery, a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, audio controls for the steering wheel, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The Limited's features may be increased to include leather seating areas, heated front seats, and the SUV-requisite rear seat DVD entertainment system to keep the kids entertained.

Available as an option on the base model is a JBL audio system with integrated Bluetooth capability and nine speakers, as are daytime running lights and a package that increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers features on its standard and options lists that will take care of most drivers' needs.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:there is standard seating for five; however, a third row is optional on the base and Limited trim levels and it increases capacity to seven peopleEdmundsSport trim gets...18-inch performance tires and wheelsKelley Blue Book The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has plenty of snazzy features, and the experts at TheCarConnection.com predict that few drivers will be disappointed. Explains Edmunds, "There are three trim levels: base, Sport and Limited. There is standard seating for five; however, a third row is optional on the base and Limited trim levels and it increases capacity to seven people." Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC)—useful driving aids on- or off-road at low speed—are standard on V-6 models and four-cylinder models with the optional third-row seat. A Lexus-like electroluminescent instrument panel is standard, as are remote keyless entry, an auxiliary jack for the single-CD six-speaker stereo, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power mirrors, three 12-volt outlets, 10 cup holders, and cruise control. "The Sport trim gets this plus 18-inch performance tires and wheels, sport suspension, blackout headlamp trim and fender flares," explains Kelley Blue Book. Note that additional styling touches (such as removing the exterior spare tire) can be accomplished by adding the Sport Styling Package. The Sport can also be optioned up with a power moonroof and the JBL audio system. Moving up to the Limited trim adds items such as 17-inch wheels and tires, leather upholstery, a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, audio controls for the steering wheel, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The Limited's features may be increased to include leather seating areas, heated front seats, and the SUV-requisite rear seat DVD entertainment system to keep the kids entertained. Available as an option on the base model is a JBL audio system with integrated Bluetooth capability and nine speakers, as are daytime running lights and a package that increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers features on its standard and options lists that will take care of most drivers' needs. 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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