2008 Toyota RAV4 Review

The RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with four-wheel drive) was introduced in 1996 as basically an underpowered runabout, but it got continual updates as rivals such as the Honda CR-V became more attractive.

The third-generation RAV4 shocked rivals by arriving in 2006 as a much larger, roomier model with the most powerful engine -- a 269-horsepower V-6 -- in the compact SUV class, while retaining an economical 166-horsepower four-cylinder. That RAV4 also became the first compact SUV with optional third-row seating.

The RAV4 always has been popular but really caught on here last year, with U.S. sales of 172,752 units, up from 152,047 in 2006 despite a sluggish market. That's probably partly because the RAV4 is considered more of a carlike crossover vehicle than an SUV -- and more-agile carlike crossovers with higher fuel efficiency have become more popular than SUVs.

The 2008 RAV4 is basically unchanged from last year's model. It comes in Base, Sport and Limited trim levels. All are sold with front- or all-wheel drive, although a fairly low ground clearance indicates that the RAV4 is primarily meant for on-road use.

The RAV4 normally seats five adults, with a fold-flat second-row seat that tilts and slides fore and aft to optimize room for passengers or cargo.

An optional split-folding third-row seat allows room for seven occupants -- although the third seat is hard to enter or leave and best suited to children. That seat disappears into the cargo floor when not used but is rather costly, ranging from $700 for the Limited V-6 to $950 for the base four-cylinder.

List prices for the RAV4 range from $21,100 for the entry front-drive four-cylinder model to $26,670 for the Limited V-6 all-wheel-drive version. But options can considerably raise prices. For instance, the Limited is offered with $1,050 leather upholstery and its $440 heated front seats require that upholstery.

There's also a $900 power sunroof for the Sport and Limited and a $1,750 DVD entertainment system for the Limited. But even the base four-cylinder RAV4 has a good amount of standard equipment. It includes air conditioning, tilt/telescopic wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, second-row split-folding set, AM/FM/CD/ MP3 player, intermittent front/rear wipers and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. There also are 10 bottle/cupholders.

The Sport adds a sport suspension and wider tires on 18-inch (up from 16- and 17-inch) alloy wheels, fender flares, color-keyed door handles and mirrors, fog lights and unique dark charcoal seat fabrics.

The Limited adds dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls and in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. There's no sport suspension and it has narrower tires on 17-inch wheels. But it has a chrome grille and heated and power foldable side mirrors to prevent parking lot damage.

Safety? All RAV4s have front-side air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover deployment for the first two seating rows, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and anti-skid and traction control systems. Hill ascent/descent control is standard for four-cylinder seven-passenger and V-6 models.

I tested the Sport with all-wheel drive. It has a $25,990 list price, but a small number of options such as a $900 tilt/slide sunroof and $359 security system bumped its price to $27,780 -- or $28,473 with the delivery charge.

The 3.5-liter, 269-horsepower V-6 provides sizzling acceleration, moving the RAV4 from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and making it easy to merge or pass on highways. The solid, smooth 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 166-horsepower engine is adequate and ordered by most RAV4 buyers.

There's no manual transmission, so the four-cylinder works with a four-speed automatic and the V-6 is hooked to a responsive five-speed automatic.

Estimated fuel economy with the four-cylinder and front-drive is 21 mpg city and 27 highway, or 19 and 27 with all-wheel drive. Figures with the V-6 version are 20 city and 25 highway with front-drive and 19 and 26 with all-wheel drive. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

Steering is quick but somewhat stiff. A long wheelbase, rigid structure and all-independent suspension help provide a supple ride. This is no BMW, but handling is quite good. So are brake pedal feel and action.

The quiet, attractive interior's front bucket seats provide good side and thigh support. Gauges can be quickly read and controls are within easy reach. Climate controls are large and audio system controls are adequately sized. Cupholders are conveniently placed at the forward end of the console, which has a fairly deep covered storage bin.

It's easy to slide in and out, and occupants sit fairly high. A large windshield provides good forward vision, but wide rear roof pillars partly obstruct rear vision. The cargo area is large, but the tailgate is hinged on the passenger side, which complicates curbside loading.

Those looking for a rather handsome, reasonably sized do-it-all vehicle should put the RAV4 on their shopping list.

2008 TOYOTA RAV4 

Prices: $21,100-$26,670

Likes: Roomy. Fast with V-6. Available third seat. Good ride and handling. Safety items.

Dislikes: Some costly options. Cargo door hinders curbside loading. Difficult third-row entry/exit.