Sure enough, from a practical standpoint, the V6-powered RAV4 allows owners to tow up to 1,587 kilos -- like a trailer carrying two personal watercraft or snowmobiles -- whereas the 4-cylinder equivalent tops out at 680 kilos. Now that’s pretty interesting for a V6 that burns as little as 10.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in real-world driving conditions (9.4 L/100 km according to Toyota).
4WD makes things even more interesting!
As mentioned earlier, the model range is quite diversified. There are five front-wheel drive (FWD) and six 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations to choose from. The latter feature Active Torque 4WD technology with manual 4-wheel lock. Electronically-controlled coupling at the front and rear differentials controls torque between the front and rear wheels, which enables the RAV4 to continuously switch from FWD to 4WD depending on driving conditions.
In normal use, including low-speed cornering manoeuvres, very little torque is transferred to the rear wheels. However, as soon as the system detects wheelspin, torque is distributed to the other wheels with grip.
The manual 4-wheel lock comes in handy when the vehicle sinks. Simply push the big button to the right of the steering wheel and the system will lock the differential in a 55/45 torque split. Applying the brakes or accelerating beyond 40 km/h will deactivate the system.
Comprehensive equipment
The 2009 Toyota RAV4 boasts surprising size. Longer and taller than the Escape, it also offers class-leading cargo room. The passenger compartment, meanwhile, will easily accommodate four adults -- five if need be.
The bucket seats are as comfortable and supportive as one could wish for. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seat is mounted on rails. Finally, the 50-50 split-folding third-row seat (as found in my RAV4 Base V6 4WD tester) is essentially suited for young kids -- definitely not adults or teenagers. I’d say it’s a questionable option, especially at about $1,500. If you really need 7-passenger seating, go for a Toyota Highlander (even a used one).
I should also tell you that the cargo floor in my tester was covered with a pale grey carpet. If that’s the case of your RAV4, you’d be wise to select the vinyl liner in the accessory menu to ensure a long-lasting cargo area.
 |
| Depending on the trim level, the 2009 RAV4 V6 4WD rides on 17- or 18-inch wheels. |
4WD makes things even more interesting!
As mentioned earlier, the model range is quite diversified. There are five front-wheel drive (FWD) and six 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations to choose from. The latter feature Active Torque 4WD technology with manual 4-wheel lock. Electronically-controlled coupling at the front and rear differentials controls torque between the front and rear wheels, which enables the RAV4 to continuously switch from FWD to 4WD depending on driving conditions.
In normal use, including low-speed cornering manoeuvres, very little torque is transferred to the rear wheels. However, as soon as the system detects wheelspin, torque is distributed to the other wheels with grip.
The manual 4-wheel lock comes in handy when the vehicle sinks. Simply push the big button to the right of the steering wheel and the system will lock the differential in a 55/45 torque split. Applying the brakes or accelerating beyond 40 km/h will deactivate the system.
Comprehensive equipment
The 2009 Toyota RAV4 boasts surprising size. Longer and taller than the Escape, it also offers class-leading cargo room. The passenger compartment, meanwhile, will easily accommodate four adults -- five if need be.
The bucket seats are as comfortable and supportive as one could wish for. The 60/40 split-folding second-row seat is mounted on rails. Finally, the 50-50 split-folding third-row seat (as found in my RAV4 Base V6 4WD tester) is essentially suited for young kids -- definitely not adults or teenagers. I’d say it’s a questionable option, especially at about $1,500. If you really need 7-passenger seating, go for a Toyota Highlander (even a used one).
I should also tell you that the cargo floor in my tester was covered with a pale grey carpet. If that’s the case of your RAV4, you’d be wise to select the vinyl liner in the accessory menu to ensure a long-lasting cargo area.
 |
| The light tone of the lower dashboard makes the whole interior feel roomier. |