You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
RAV4General discussion forum for the Toyota RAV4.
This is a discussion thread titled "2009 Rav 4 Official Info and Photo's", within the RAV4 forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
Bigger 4cyl with more power, still 4speed auto, though....
August 5, 2008 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Equipped with numerous enhancements for 2009, the average MSRP for the RAV4 will increase by $224, or 0.9 percent. The 2009 RAV4 will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in early September.
The 2009 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, performance-oriented Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and with a choice between an all-new four-cylinder and powerful V6 engines with either front-wheel drive or electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive.
The base MSRP for the 2009 RAV4 ranges from $21,500 for the Base grade front-wheel-drive with a four-cylinder engine to $27,810 for the Limited grade four-wheel-drive with a V6 engine. Prices for all Base grade models remain unchanged from 2008, reflecting RAV4’s excellent value.
All models will also offer Extra Value Packages containing many of RAV4’s most popular stand alone option features at substantial savings. Savings on Extra Value Packages for all three grades range from $570 on Base, $1,000 on the Sport, and $2,000 on Limited.
For 2009, RAV4 adds an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous 2.4-liter engine. In addition, all RAV4 models feature numerous interior upgrades and a stylish new Sport Appearance Package is available for the 4WD V6 model.
All RAV4 models provide enhanced safety and security with the addition of standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer. Comfort, convenience and user technology are also significantly enhanced in 2009 RAV4 models. The Limited grade adds a new standard Smart Entry system that allows the driver to open the vehicle by simply carrying the key fob and grasping the door handle. The Sport and Limited grades offer an available integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror. Integrated XM satellite radio is a new feature for 2009, and the Sport and Limited grades offer a new low-cost navigation system. All RAV4 models have new standard seat fabric, and the Sport grade exclusively offers a new, unique Charcoal leather option.
Externally, the design of the 2009 RAV4 is freshened with new front and rear styling with a revised grille and front bumper, improved fog light trims and redesigned tail lamps. All models, except the 4WD V6 with the new Sport Appearance Package, include a redesigned rear step bumper with a black protector molding while the Sport Appearance Package receives a clear rear bumper protector. The Base and Limited grades feature new 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and the Limited also adds overfenders, new color-keyed power heated turn signal side mirrors and a unique grille design with chrome accents. The Sport grade adds a unique redesigned rear spoiler.
The Sport Appearance Package available for the 4WD V6 RAV4 model includes an exclusive look with a redesigned rear door featuring chrome accents and no spare tire. The package equips the RAV4 with run-flat tires. Other external cues include color-keyed power heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a stainless steel exhaust tip, unique badging, and the choice of an exclusive exterior color, Elusive Blue Metallic. Inside, the Sport Appearance Package adds a chrome accented shift knob with leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, unique sport grade doorsills and available sport floor mats.
The Sport Appearance Package includes an AM/FM six-disc CD changer with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability and integrated XM® Satellite Radio with a one-year extended complementary service subscription.
The RAV4’s standard all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a low-friction design optimized for performance and fuel efficiency. It produces 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM (versus 166 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of peak torque of the previous 2.4-liter engine). The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (compared to the intake-only previous 2.4-liter engine).
The redesigned four-cylinder engine is partnered with a new four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that is more compact, lightweight and efficient than the previous four-speed transmission. The new transmission is not only smoother in operation than the previous one, but more responsive as well. Fuel efficiency is excellent for its class and improved over the 2008 model with EPA mpg estimates of 22 city/28 highway on 4×2 models and 21 city/27 highway on 4×4 models.
The available 3.5-liter V6 is the powerhouse of its segment, generating a class-leading 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM. The V6 is also equipped with dual independent VVT-i to maximize performance and efficiency while reducing emissions. Equipped exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission, the V6 RAV4 models offer greater fuel efficiency compared to less powerful competitors. The V6 RAV4 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds, yet has estimated EPA fuel economy mpg ratings of 19 city/27 highway for 4×2 models and 19 city/26 highway for 4×4 models. All RAV4 models meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II) certification.
The V6 Rav's power/mpg combo has always been impressive for its class.
However, this is one of the few times where I'd say Ford may have the edge. The new Escape/Tribute/Mariner has a 6 speed auto - standard - on its V6, and even I4, motors.
__________________
1988 Nissan 300zx 5sd 71,000 miles
1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 5spd 90,000 miles (sold, frame gone)
2001 Sequoia Limited 4x4 119,000 miles (some electronic issues, manifolds, otherwise solid and not a single rattle woot)
power/mpg combo has always been impressive for its class.
However, this is one of the few times where I'd say Ford may have the edge. The new Escape/Tribute/Mariner has a 6 speed auto - standard - on its V6, and even I4, motors.
Hmmm. Let's break that down.
Yes a six speed might be a nice option for some. But the Rav4 continues to have ample performance and fuel ratings with a 4 speed transmission. If it aint broke don't fix it. A guarantee the Escape/Tribute/Mariner aren't even close to the edge of the Rav4. If you measure performance, reliability, and value the Rav4 wins hands down across the board every time. That's why Toyota is so successful with every model they manufacturer's.
Bottom line: I have a hard time seeing how the Escape/Tribute/Mariner would have the edge over the Rav4 due to a new six speed transmission. I cant wait to see the first side by side comparison of all the vehicles mentioned. I can guarantee you that the Rav4 will edge them all out in the end.
You certainly don't need a six speed transmission to make the Rav4 best in it's class and should not be the deciding factor unless you are buying a real truck for towing purposes....
I see madmaster's point. I'd be hesitant to buy almost any car with a 4speed auto. In fact, I have this exact 4speed auto in my Highlander and I can attest it is subpar.
So Ford certainly has them there, both transmissions. Sure there are some things I don't like about the Escape (rear drums, no cruise on base model, aging chassis) it does best the Rav in that area, and also in value. If you're on a tight budget, you can get out the door for 5 grand less than a comparable Rav. They are half decent, and though not as reliable most new car buyers will sell in five years anyway.
Is your point that 5>6, or better yet 4>6, just because it has Aisin stamped on it?
I can't remember if it was sport or limited, but one of the trims does away with the spare and has runflats.
If you're not aware, runflats suck. And the tailgate still swings sideways (not lifts up, like CRV,Escape,Highlander). But I does look good without it.
The 09 HL gets a 2.7 Liter version of this engine, but more importanly a 6speed auto.
2009 Rav 4 Official Info and Photo's
Linear Mode
