The Toyota RAV4 carries over unchanged for 2008. Though previous generations of the Toyota RAV4 were petite, the third-generation RAV has ballooned to offer a huge 73 cubic feet of cargo space (more than the midsize Ford Edge, for example) and ample space for five passengers. Even with its buffo V6, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 still isn't the most involving crossover to drive. The four-cylinder RAV4 isn't quite as attractive.
There are three trim levels: base, Sport and Limited. Standard features for the base RAV4 include 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch alloys are optional), rear tinted windows, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack. Options available on the Limited trim include leather upholstery, heated front seats and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The 2008 RAV4 comes standard with 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 166 hp and 165 pound-feet of torque. Revised fuel economy figures for this engine with front-wheel drive are 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the four-wheel-drive model gets a 20/25 mpg rating.
All RAV4s can be equipped with either front- or four-wheel drive. Unlike many competitor vehicles, the RAV4 offers a true 4WD lock feature that fixes the front/rear power split 50/50, which is useful for driving in snow and light off-roading.
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2008 Toyota RAV4. Toyota's small SUV performed well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests as well, earning the top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
The rear seats recline, and can slide forward or rearward 6.5 inches to optimize passenger space or cargo capacity. Normal seating capacity is five, while the optional third-row seat bumps it to seven.
Toyota has a lot going for it with its new RAV4. There's tons of cargo room, ergonomic controls, useable storage bins everywhere and — in the V-6 version I tested — plenty of driving thrills. Add on the great mileage and competitive sticker price, and I'm finding arguments against the RAV4 hard to come by.
The large black grille alone said this small SUV meant business. My test vehicle featured black cloth interior that was comfortable and felt good to the touch. Also essential for SUVs — no matter their size — is a lot of cargo room, and boy does the RAV4 feature cargo room; I was astonished when I looked up the figures. The RAV4 not only has more cargo room than the redesigned Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and other compact SUVs, it has more room than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and upcoming Ford Edge, both of which are larger vehicles overall. Yes, the RAV4 features antilock brakes and discs on all four corners, but when you hit the brake pedal there's a mushy response that doesn't reassure.
The RAV4 comes in either two- or four-wheel drive. That means power is divvied up between the front and rear wheels electronically depending on driving conditions. When four-wheel drive is needed, the system automatically shifts power so both sets of wheels share the load.
Because my test vehicle was a Sport model, the suspension was adjusted for performance rather than comfort. That definitely impacted the ride, as the RAV4 felt rougher than the competition I've driven, but it was also a lot more fun to drive.
The new RAV4 earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating of Good in both frontal and side-impact crash tests. My test vehicle was nicely equipped, though it didn't feature leather seats, power seats or steering wheel audio controls.
When you take into account the voluminous cargo room, bevy of features and optional V-6 engine, there's not a lot in this price range that can truly compete with the RAV4.