Car Research > Toyota > RAV4 > 2008 > Review Summary
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2008 Toyota RAV4 FWD 4dr 4-cyl (Natl)

2008 Toyota RAV4
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Summary of Auto Reviews From Over 30 Auto Sites and Publishers
Auto Scores - Summary of Auto Reviews
Handling:6
Exterior Style:6
Interior Style:6
Price:8
Mileage:6
Safety Features:7
Overall:6
2008 Toyota RAV4 Details



Base MSRP: $21,500
Fuel: 2.4l/144
MPG (city): 21
MPG (highway): 27
Base Invoice: $19,888
Body style: Sport utility
Destination: $800
Transmission: 4-speed a/t
Engine: Gas i4
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive


2008 Toyota RAV4 Overview The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), available in three trim levels: base ($21,250), Sport ($22,825) and Limited ($23,505).  For those prices you get front-wheel drive; a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline-4; and a four-speed automatic transmission.  All V6 RAV4s come with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).   All three trim levels are available with a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, and when so equipped MSRPs are as follows: base ($23,285), Sport ($24,740), and Limited ($25,420).

 
          

2008 Toyota RAV4 Review Summary
The Toyota 2008 RAV 4 is one of the larger and more powerful small crossovers and is rated number 4 by Allcarguides.com in the Affordable Compact SUVcategory. It is mostly unchanged from 207 and it grew significantly longer in 2006 with 14 inches added to its length making it nearly as long as the Highlander. Caranddriver calls it “Not very mini at all.” The optional V6, is recommended by nearly all reviewers as it does not sacrifice significant fuel mileage for the increased power. The standard power plant is 2.4-liter four-cylinder delivering 166 hp and 165 torque or optional 3.5-liter V6 delivering an impressive 269 hp and 246 lb-ft torque. Mileage is 21 city and 25 highway in the 4 cylinder while virtually the same, 19 city and 27 highway, in the 6 cylinder. The Toyota RAV 4 fits somewhere between the small and midsize crossover, not quite as refined as the Honda CRV, nor as sporty in terms of handling or design as the Mazda CX7 not as fuel stingy as the Saturn Vue and Nissan Rogue. But a good choice for those needing the extra space, now with a third row though it is very cramped back there, and looking to spend between $21,000 and $25,000

2008 Toyota RAV4 Review Handling
rear wheels.” Handling: Though more capable than other small crossovers in off road terrain, the Toyota RAV 4 is really meant for paved roads. As noted by Automobilemag, thecarconnection and caranddriver, it “promises a very carlike driving experience” but offrading is “nonstarter” It offers a steady ride but not nearly as sporty or agile as the sport small crossovers as noted by Edmunds, Caranddriver and thecarconnection. The carconnection went so far as to say “not to drive it too enthusiastically.” The larger engine 3.2 is susceptible to torque steer as commented by Caranddriver.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Review Safety
The Toyota RAV 4 offers standard Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the RAV4 rated a perfect five for driver protection in frontal impacts and four out of five for the front passenger. It received five stars for front- and rear-occupant protection in side impacts.

2008 Toyota RAV4 Noteworthy
Nearly all reviewers recommend the V6 over the V4 given the nearly identical fuel economy. The Toyota RAV 4’s interior is much improved from prior years but still a bit cheap looking compared to the CX7 and Honda CR-V. It configures very easily to hold more cargo with out much manual effort to remove rear seat headrests. The RAV 4 was rated number-one in caranddriver’s nine-vehicle comparison test and is on their 5 Best Trucks list for 2007 and 2008 as well. CNET called it most succinctly “RAV4 is aimed at those wanting a competitively priced, economical, lite SUV”…and it succeeds. CNET also commented that the on demand all wheel drive enhances fule economy since it “electronically controls the coupling that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels.”


Car Reviews From The Internet

Spacious, comfortable and easy to drive, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a top pick for a small SUV, especia
Superb power and fuel economy for optional V6, balanced ride and handling, roomy second row, low car
Edmunds

2008 Toyota RAV4: What’s New
Crossing over into V-6 territory.
The Car Connection


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