2008 New Toyota Rav4 Review
Toyota probably created the class that the Rav4 fits into but in the twelve years since its launch, has gradually been overtaken by the opposition So in 2006 Toyota released the all new Rav4, now only available in five door variants, the Rav4 has grown up and you won't be disappointed. The body length and the wheelbase of the Rav4 have both been increased giving a more spacious interior and with a host of driving and safety features that have also been added the Rav4 has matured in all the right areas. Combine the good looks and the superb residual values offered by the Toyota Rav4 and you know you're on to a winner.
Although there has been a slight price increase on the Rav4, this appears to be more than made up for with the increase in standard specification across the range, all models now have alloy wheels, air conditioning, roof rails and fold flat MPV style rear seats.
Most Toyota Rav4's only see a field over the hedge at the side of the road, but with the active control four wheel drive system giving you maximum grip on road by continuously monitoring and switching from a combination of front wheel to four wheel drive and the ability to lock the four wheel drive via a four wheel drive lock button on the dashboard, no matter what surface you find yourself on you shouldn't be caught out.
The Rav4 XT3, Rav4 XT4 and Rav4 XT5 models all have a choice of petrol or diesel engines, the two-litre petrol unit develops 150 bhp through either a five speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic box giving a top speed of 115 and 109 mph respectively. The diesel derivative is 2.2 litres, develops 134 bhp through a six speed manual transmission and achieves a top speed of 112 mph. The Rav4 T180 is only available with a 2.2 litre direct injection common rail diesel engine that develops 174 bhp through a six speed manual gearbox giving a top speed of 124 mph.
Entry level on the Rav4 is the Rav4 XT3, standard equipment on this trim level includes 17-inch alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, electric power steering, remote central door locking, 4 projector headlamps, 50-litre under floor storage trunk, nine airbags including driver's knee and front and rear curtain airbags, active torque control 4-wheel drive system, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, alarm and double locking, body coloured bumpers, electrically heated door mirrors in body colour, drivers seat height adjustment, easy fold flat rear seating, hard spare wheel cover, integrated radio CD MP3 player with 6-speakers, manual air conditioning, Optitron instruments, 60:40 folding rear seats, three rear head restraints, rear centre headrest, roof-rails, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and Black Porto check cloth upholstery.
Next up is the Rav4 XT4, this trim level has a 6-disc CD auto-changer, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dual zone climate controlled air conditioning and pollen filter, electric tilt/slide glass sunroof, front fog lamps, illuminated entry system, integrated active drive system (IADS), leather steering wheel with audio controls, dark grey leather upholster and a refridgerated glove box all fitted as standard in addition or replacement to the equipment on the Rav4 XT3.
The Trim level of the Rav4 XT5 has bluetooth connectivity, dusk sensing lights, electrically adjustable drivers seat, full map satellite navigation with voice activation, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers and smart entry with smart start in addition or replacement to the equipment that is standard on the Rav4 XT4.
Finally, top of the tree in the Toyota Rav4 range is the Rav4 T180, equipment in addition or replacement to the Rav4 XT5 includes 18-inch alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts, darkened headlamps, privacy glass, run flat tyres, tyre pressure warning system (TPWS), a unique chrome front grille and wheel arch extensions.
Like the looks of the Toyota Rav4, why not check out the BMW X3, the Volvo XC70, the Land Rover Freelander or the Jeep Cherokee.
Finance your new Toyota Rav4 on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
