Toyota RAV4 Review

2009 Toyota RAV4 Price Range: $21,500 - $27,810

Performance
The typical mini SUV is likely to feel somewhat slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio. With respect to horsepower, the RAV4 packs quite a punch and will knock the average mini SUV down a few rungs. On the other hand, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With its super low horsepower-to-weight ratio, the Toyota RAV4 will knock you back into your seat when you accelerate.

Handling
The Toyota RAV4 and the average mini SUV have about comparable tires. With their similar turning circles, the average mini SUV and the Toyota RAV4 very likely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4's engine is substantially bigger than the typical mini SUV's. Note that larger engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the RAV4 is quite a bit more powerful than the average mini SUV. The average mini SUV could learn a lesson or two from the Toyota RAV4 in terms of pickup.

Utility
There's no obvious winner between the RAV4 and the typical mini SUV regarding transporting cargo. Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Toyota RAV4 over the typical mini SUV. There's no clear winner between the average mini SUV and the Toyota RAV4 with respect to transporting cargo. The Toyota RAV4 outpulls the average mini SUV by a large margin.

Convenience
You doubtless won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Toyota RAV4 than with the average mini SUV, as both offer similar ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota RAV4 offers a bit more head room than the average mini SUV, there honestly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Toyota RAV4 offers a bit more head- and leg-room than the average mini SUV, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The Toyota RAV4 is a little heavier than the typical mini SUV. The RAV4's tank is approximately the same size as the average mini SUV's, though the average mini SUV's is a tad more capacious. The typical mini SUV and the Toyota RAV4 compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the average mini SUV to the dealership as the Toyota RAV4. The average mini SUV won't save you much money at the pump compared to the Toyota RAV4. In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 and the typical mini SUV don't differ much. The Toyota RAV4 is considerably more expensive than the average mini SUV as far as MSRP.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the RAV4 isn't quite as generous as the typical mini SUV's.