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2008 Toyota RAV4 Photo

2008 Toyota RAV4 - Page 1 Review

MSRP: $21,500 - $27,070 See Local Classifieds
 
Shopping for a 2008 Toyota RAV4? MSRP: $21,500 - $27,070

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The first two generations of RAV4 crossovers were smaller, four-cylinder-only affairs. That changed with the introduction of the third-generation vehicle: the larger, third-generation RAV4, which offers up V-6 power like its prime competitors, the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine available in the RAV4 offers an impressive 269 horsepower, making RAV4s the most powerful vehicles in their class. The standard engine is a more fuel-conscious 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 166 horsepower. All RAV4s are automatic-only, with V-6 models getting a five-speed automatic while four-cylinder versions use a four-speed automatic.

 

The RAV4 rides on a wheelbase that's three inches longer than the previous version, so it has substantially more interior/cargo space, including an available third-row seat and seven-passenger seating capability.

 

All V-6 RAV4 models, and all four-cylinder models equipped with a third-row seat, come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). All-wheel drive is an option, and the version in the RAV4 integrates all-wheel drive, stability, and traction control, and electric power steering systems into a single system.

 

Driver and front passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, along with first and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags, are standard on all versions.

 

For 2008, the RAV4 is priced from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V-6.

 

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Specs: Select a Trim

FWD (18) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (Natl) Specs $21,500 $19,888 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (GS) Specs $21,500 $19,888 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (SE) Specs $21,500 $19,888 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (Natl) Specs $23,075 $21,342 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (GS) Specs $23,075 $21,342 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (SE) Specs $23,075 $21,342 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (Natl) Specs $23,755 $21,972 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (GS) Specs $23,755 $21,972 21 27
FWD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (SE) Specs $23,755 $21,972 21 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (Natl) Specs $23,535 $21,768 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (GS) Specs $23,535 $21,768 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (SE) Specs $23,535 $21,768 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (Natl) Specs $24,990 $23,113 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (GS) Specs $24,990 $23,113 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (SE) Specs $24,990 $23,113 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (Natl) Specs $25,670 $23,743 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (GS) Specs $25,670 $23,743 19 27
FWD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (SE) Specs $25,670 $23,743 19 27
4WD (18) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (Natl) Specs $22,900 $20,839 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (GS) Specs $22,900 $20,839 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT (SE) Specs $22,900 $20,839 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (Natl) Specs $24,475 $22,270 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (GS) Specs $24,475 $22,270 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Sport (SE) Specs $24,475 $22,270 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (Natl) Specs $25,155 $22,890 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (GS) Specs $25,155 $22,890 20 25
4WD 4dr 4-cyl 4-Spd AT Ltd (SE) Specs $25,155 $22,890 20 25
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (Natl) Specs $24,935 $22,689 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (GS) Specs $24,935 $22,689 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT (SE) Specs $24,935 $22,689 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (Natl) Specs $26,390 $24,012 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (GS) Specs $26,390 $24,012 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Sport (SE) Specs $26,390 $24,012 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (Natl) Specs $27,070 $24,632 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (GS) Specs $27,070 $24,632 19 26
4WD 4dr V6 5-Spd AT Ltd (SE) Specs $27,070 $24,632 19 26

Other Choices

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Why should I also consider these? X

Like all of these compact utility vehicles, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 offers a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 powertrains (except the Honda), with front- or all-wheel drive.

Where they differ is that they each have different ways of prioritizing between carlike on-road handling and off-road ability.

For instance, the Ford Escape is styled like a more traditional SUV, but its carlike underpinnings help it handle and perform quite well, despite its aging 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 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 that’s been introduced is much improved, especially inside, with a fresh design.

And the Mitsubishi Outlander, like the RAV4, has a very small third-row seat, for those who want two extra positions for small children on occasion; although it doesn’t match the RAV4’s V-6 engine for power, the Outlander V-6 feels very sporty behind the wheel, with good handling, though its ride is firm and somewhat noisy.

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