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2009 Toyota RAV4 Quality Review

July 4, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the front seats are supportive but not overly firm
MyRide.com

ample headroom and legroom
ConsumerGuide

mellifluous medley of structure, drivetrain, road manners, and carry-all practicality
Car and Driver

can't buy a car that's likely to hold up better
Motor Trend

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers the kind of fit and finish drivers expect from Toyota: top-notch.

In the front row of the RAV4, ConsumerGuide registers "ample headroom and legroom" but comments that "long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel." Seat comfort is praised by all, with the exception of ConsumerGuide, whose reviewers are "divided on RAV4's seat comfort and driving position," with some testers feeling the latter is too bus-like. "The seats look expensive and are comfortable for hours," says Car and Driver, and MyRide.com remarks, "The front seats are supportive but not overly firm, with modest bolsters and decent thigh support." Kelley Blue Book likes the base model's "durable fabric-covered seats," as well as the "higher-level cloth" that "dresses Limited and Sport models."

Toyota stretches and widens the RAV4 enough to squeeze in a third-row seat, but it's a kids-only affair that "requires a high step-in," according to ConsumerGuide. The second row, says ConsumerGuide, offers "ample headroom and legroom...on a comfortable bench." Motor Trend also praises the "triple-folding rear seat that reclines."

Cargo room and storage are judged impressive in "five-seat versions, which have two convenient storage wells in the rear floor area for added utility," says ConsumerGuide. Access to the cargo hold, however, is criticized by some reviewers, who feel that the side-swinging rear door is inconvenient and "a little odd these days...complicating loading and unloading when you're parked along a curb," reports Motor Trend.

Ergonomics, switchgear, and the quality and fit of parts are "Toyota grade, which means excellent," in the words of MyRide.com. ConsumerGuide takes issue with a "too-flimsy glovebox lid and low-grade headliner material," however, as well as some squeaks and rattles in their tester examples. On the plus side, "the gauges have large, legible markings," proclaims ConsumerGuide, who also note "the controls are easy to locate and simple to use."

Road noise seems to intrude a bit much at highway speeds for some.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers a nicely finished interior, as well as good storage and passenger space.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:the front seats are supportive but not overly firmMyRide.comample headroom and legroomConsumerGuidemellifluous medley of structure, drivetrain, road manners, and carry-all practicalityCar and Drivercan't buy a car that's likely to hold up betterMotor Trend Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers the kind of fit and finish drivers expect from Toyota: top-notch. In the front row of the RAV4, ConsumerGuide registers "ample headroom and legroom" but comments that "long-legged drivers may want more rearward seat travel." Seat comfort is praised by all, with the exception of ConsumerGuide, whose reviewers are "divided on RAV4's seat comfort and driving position," with some testers feeling the latter is too bus-like. "The seats look expensive and are comfortable for hours," says Car and Driver, and MyRide.com remarks, "The front seats are supportive but not overly firm, with modest bolsters and decent thigh support." Kelley Blue Book likes the base model's "durable fabric-covered seats," as well as the "higher-level cloth" that "dresses Limited and Sport models." Toyota stretches and widens the RAV4 enough to squeeze in a third-row seat, but it's a kids-only affair that "requires a high step-in," according to ConsumerGuide. The second row, says ConsumerGuide, offers "ample headroom and legroom...on a comfortable bench." Motor Trend also praises the "triple-folding rear seat that reclines." Cargo room and storage are judged impressive in "five-seat versions, which have two convenient storage wells in the rear floor area for added utility," says ConsumerGuide. Access to the cargo hold, however, is criticized by some reviewers, who feel that the side-swinging rear door is inconvenient and "a little odd these days...complicating loading and unloading when you're parked along a curb," reports Motor Trend. Ergonomics, switchgear, and the quality and fit of parts are "Toyota grade, which means excellent," in the words of MyRide.com. ConsumerGuide takes issue with a "too-flimsy glovebox lid and low-grade headliner material," however, as well as some squeaks and rattles in their tester examples. On the plus side, "the gauges have large, legible markings," proclaims ConsumerGuide, who also note "the controls are easy to locate and simple to use." Road noise seems to intrude a bit much at highway speeds for some. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota RAV4 offers a nicely finished interior, as well as good storage and passenger space. 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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