2009 Toyota RAV4

Overview

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 is compact four-door, five-passenger, sport utility vehicle available in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. For 2009, the Toyota RAV4, better known as a useful family vehicle, gets a new four-cylinder engine, a revised front-end and rear-end, active head restraints, an optional backup camera, and a comprehensive Sport Appearance Package.

Power and Performance

The front-wheel or full-time all-wheel driven Base, Sport, and Limited trims are available with either the new 2.5-liter, 179-hp, inline-4 engine coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5-liter, 269-hp, V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine models come with Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control and can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Body and Styling

The exterior of the 2009 RAV4 gets a restyled grille and tail lamps. A new Sports Appearance Package is also available. A choice of 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, power mirrors, integrated fog lights (excluding Base), and a moonroof (excluding Base) are the available optional features. The interior consists of an AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability, integrated XM Satellite Radio receiver (includes 90-day trial subscription), and six speakers providing great entertainment during long drives. An optional third-row seat feature (folds flat into the cargo floor for better cargo capacity) in the RAV4 increases passenger capacity to seven.

Safety Features

An anti-theft system and front active headrests are standard on all 2009 Toyota RAV4 trims. Star Safety System that includes enhanced vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front-row and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags is part of the standard safety features list on the RAV4, while daytime running lights are an optional feature.