2009 Toyota RAV4

August 8, 2008 by admin

The all-new 2009 Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) new manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) has been announced by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA Inc. The average price increment for the RAV4 is at $224 or 0.9 % and it will arrive at Toyota dealerships in the US in early September 2008.

The 2009 RAV4 is offered in three variants, the Base, performance-oriented Sport and top-of-the-line Limited and powered by an all-new 4-cylinder or a more powerful V6 engines with either front-wheel drive or electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive.

The MSRP for the RAV4 starts 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.

A new engine type is added to the RAV4 series, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the previous 2.4-liter engine. The engine produces 179 hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm (the 2.4-liter produces 166 hp and 165 lb-ft) and is equipped with Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (intake only from the 2.4-liter engine). The new 2.5-liter engine is mated to the 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that is more compact, lightweight and efficient with EPA mpg estimates of 22 city/28 highway on 4×2 models and 21 city/27 highway on 4×4 models.

The Dual Independent VVT-i 3.5-liter V6 engine meanwhile is able to produce 269 hp at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 247 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm. The engine is mated to a gated-shift 5-speed automatic transmission. The V6 powered RAV4 clocked less than 7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph with estimated EPA fuel economy mpg ratings of 19 city/27 highway for 4×2 models and 19 city/26 highway for 4×4 models.

Standard features for all the 2009 RAV4 models are enhanced safety and security with the addition of standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer, Smart Entry system, an integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror, integrated XM satellite radio and standard seat fabric but unique Charcoal leather for the Sport grade.

At the exterior, the RAV4 features new front and rear styling with a revised grille and front bumper, improved fog light trims and redesigned tail lamps, a redesigned rear step bumper with a black protector molding , a clear rear bumper protector for the Sport Appearance Package , 17-inch alloy wheels for the Base and Limited models, overfenders and new color-keyed power heated turn signal side mirrors and a unique grille design with chrome accents for the Limited model and a unique redesigned rear spoiler for the Sport grade.

The Sport Appearance Package meanwhile consists of redesigned rear door featuring chrome accents and no spare tire, 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, chrome accented shift knob with leather insert, chrome interior door handles, parking brake and vent trim, unique sport grade doorsills, sport floor mats, AM/FM six-disc CD changer with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability and integrated XM(R) Satellite Radio.