Revised 2009 Toyota Rav4
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
Revised 2009 Toyota Rav4
This is the revised RAV4 that Toyota is releasing in Japan - and that we will likely see as a 2009 model here in the US. Toyota has been selling a lot of the current RAV4, but they haven’t enjoyed the tremendous success that Honda has with their new CR-V. Regardless of the fact that the RAV4 offers a V6 and 3rd row seat ( neither of which are available on the CR-V ), Honda has continued to outsell Toyota in this area. Exterior design is one of the most likely candidates - something that the 2009 RAV4 tries to rectify.
The front end gets an updated, more modern look, but more important is the rear. Toyota finally got rid of the tailgate-mounted spare tire that was hideous to behold. The spare will now presumably be mounted under the floor in the rear cargo area ( though it could be mounted up underneath the vehicle instead ). Kudos to Toyota for keeping their product fresh - competition keeps progress coming. A better RAV4 means a better CR-V, means a better Nissan Rogue.
The front end gets an updated, more modern look, but more important is the rear. Toyota finally got rid of the tailgate-mounted spare tire that was hideous to behold. The spare will now presumably be mounted under the floor in the rear cargo area ( though it could be mounted up underneath the vehicle instead ). Kudos to Toyota for keeping their product fresh - competition keeps progress coming. A better RAV4 means a better CR-V, means a better Nissan Rogue.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles/Vancouver
whats the point of getting rid of that spare tire if the gate door still swings to the curb side instead of lifting up
do they want toyota owners to be run over by traffic?
i know a few ppl that loved the RAV4 except for that and ended up getting CR-Vs
do they want toyota owners to be run over by traffic?
i know a few ppl that loved the RAV4 except for that and ended up getting CR-Vs
Trending Topics
Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: CA
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
This actually looks nice. design is very camry-esque. I would go as far as to say it looks like a mini Audi Q7
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 219
From: Silicon Valley
At first, I thought this was a photoshopped RAV4 with Camry profile lights and grill. Turns out it is the real deal from RAV4World:
One thing to note, is that there is supposedly a 7-speed CVTi coming for the 4 banger...
One thing to note, is that there is supposedly a 7-speed CVTi coming for the 4 banger...
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lets see, with the V-6 Rav4 vs luxury cute utes:
1. Interior slightly worse than the competition
2. More or just as much utility
3. Faster or just as fast.
4. Looks TONS better than them all
5. Of course doesn't have the image.
For all intents and purposes, this is the V-6 cute ute to get. I really like the new front end.
1. Interior slightly worse than the competition
2. More or just as much utility
3. Faster or just as fast.
4. Looks TONS better than them all
5. Of course doesn't have the image.
For all intents and purposes, this is the V-6 cute ute to get. I really like the new front end.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
Looks like a VW SUV in the front with a 4Runner rear.
I like the front, the rear looks weird. And I thought they changed it to a tailgate too! What's the point of moving the wheel then? Repair cost in a rear-ender?
cause some people apparently still want to shift even though the CVT is smooth and has no shifts in the first place. Just like the Murano with 6 virtual gears, the GSh with 6 and the LSh with 8.
Don't forget MPG. The new 2FR is pretty darn fuel efficient.
I like the front, the rear looks weird. And I thought they changed it to a tailgate too! What's the point of moving the wheel then? Repair cost in a rear-ender?
Lets see, with the V-6 Rav4 vs luxury cute utes:
1. Interior slightly worse than the competition
2. More or just as much utility
3. Faster or just as fast.
4. Looks TONS better than them all
5. Of course doesn't have the image.
For all intents and purposes, this is the V-6 cute ute to get. I really like the new front end.
1. Interior slightly worse than the competition
2. More or just as much utility
3. Faster or just as fast.
4. Looks TONS better than them all
5. Of course doesn't have the image.
For all intents and purposes, this is the V-6 cute ute to get. I really like the new front end.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Looks like a VW SUV in the front with a 4Runner rear.
I like the front, the rear looks weird. And I thought they changed it to a tailgate too! What's the point of moving the wheel then? Repair cost in a rear-ender?
cause some people apparently still want to shift even though the CVT is smooth and has no shifts in the first place. Just like the Murano with 6 virtual gears, the GSh with 6 and the LSh with 8.
Don't forget MPG. The new 2FR is pretty darn fuel efficient.
I like the front, the rear looks weird. And I thought they changed it to a tailgate too! What's the point of moving the wheel then? Repair cost in a rear-ender?
cause some people apparently still want to shift even though the CVT is smooth and has no shifts in the first place. Just like the Murano with 6 virtual gears, the GSh with 6 and the LSh with 8.
Don't forget MPG. The new 2FR is pretty darn fuel efficient.
You know whats odd about the Nissan Rouge? Its a CVT but it has paddle shifters on the steering wheel? I am not sure why, as its a CVT..
