2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 review
February 6, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 review
“With 201kW of power in a hugely versatile SUV, there’s a lot to like about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 V6”
Model tested: 2008 RAV4 CV6 – it’s the entry level in the V6 line up.
Recommended Retail Price: $39, 990
CarAdvice rating: 
More versatile than the four cylinder, well equipped, increased towing capacity
Fuel economy, if you utilise all 201kW of power on a sustained basis
Options fitted: None
Where it sits: There are now nine RAV4 models to choose from. Six four-cylinder variants and three V6 powered versions. The CV6 we tested is priced just above the 2.4-litre Cruiser 4-speed auto. The lowest price RAV4 is the 2.4L-litre 5-speed manual from $31,990 up to the high spec ZR6 3.5L V6 5-speed auto at $49,990.
And the meaning of RAV4 – Recreational Active Vehicle, four-wheel drive (technically, its all wheel drive)
- by Anthony Crawford
No one likes crowds. Whether you’re on a beach, in a shopping centre or in a queue to buy a movie ticket, they’re just no fun unless; you’re getting paid to perform in front of one.
The compact SUV segment is getting crowded. Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3, Nissan X-Trail, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-7, Holden Captiva, Subaru Forester, Kia Sorento, Ssangyong Kyron and whatever else I have missed.
And there are more players on the horizon. Volkswagen is soon to launch their own compact SUV the Tiguan, which will add even more choice for buyers.The pricing range for the above group starts at just on $34,000 and tops out at around $43,490. Overall, there’s a lot of value for money in this category, given the multi-purpose nature of these vehicles.
December 2007 vehicle sales put Toyota well in the lead with a massive 23.9% market share of all vehicles sold in Australia. To put that into proper perspective, Holden were second on the board, with a 12.1% share and Ford ran third, with 10.4 percentage points.
While Toyota doesn’t have a win with every new model it launches, their batting average, if you were into cricket (and I’m not), would be damn near a century.
Tags: Toyota Rav4, Toyota Rav4 CV6
333Nm @ 4700rpm. I think this is a little to high. Fine for a car that is meant to be a bit of fun but in a SUV it’s far too high.
Know somebody that owns one and they love it! They use it alot for towing.
Dont like the look of the steering wheel. The Rav4 V6 shares the same engine as the aurion (im sure, correct me if i am wrong). So the engine is built in Australia and the rest of the car is made in Japan.
duck, i will correct you then as the engine is shared but the engine is made in japan. it is the camry 2.4 that is made here.
Andrew they apparently ave 90% torque down low… so I wouldnt right it off. I agree Duck, I personally dont like the interior at all, but apart from that externally looks the part (LED brake lights are nice touch) and it has class leading power (like the Aurion)
They should bring out a diesel, Holden is the only car in the segment with a diesel in the Captiva range, even though it aint the most powerfulest diesel out there, at least there on the right track!
Duck the diesel is available in the UK It’s the 2.2litre 135KW. Not sure of the performance though. Why there aren’t more diesel available in Australia, nearly everybody seems to want one.
I think this is a great move by Toyota. These sort of vehicles really need a V6 so they arent under powered and over stressed with the little 4cyls. The V6 would have a far more effortless delivery of power than the 4cyl. To answer you question on page 3 Yes, Toyota have fitted the 200kw 3.5L V6 to a Corolla in Japan, I think it is a production model but Im not entirely sure.
Gibbo – your talking nonsense “Overstressed with a 4Cyl” How much does the car weigh and how much power does it have. There are plenty of 4 cylinder cars that weigh far more than a little RAV4. Nissan Navara 2.5diesel!!! Come on think about it.
Remember No Name, we don’t have a diesel variant here in Australia so Gibbo is spot on with his criticism of 4 cylinders in an SUV body of this size. As you know, with a diesel you have all that additional torque which pulls hard up hills. Try climbing Aston Hill in a poxy 4 cylinder petrol job!
No Name, the 2.5 in the Navara/Pathfinder is way too small, just like the 3.0 in the Patrols.
I predict they are a time bomb just like the 3.0.
In AU, we cover distances unthinkable in the UK, where 90% of the population hasn’t left the village of their birth. And the villages are 3 miles apart.
We need somewhat bigger engines. You’d appreciate why if you’ve ever driven westwards into the headwinds of the Nullabor. A 2.5 Navara is likely to need 3rd gear if towing a small van, 4th if empty.
Hi Reckless – yep get your point on the high mileages but you’d be surpised how many we rack up here. I for one travel about 33000Kms/year. My wife does 35000km/yr. We have a Audi A4 on our small fleet at work which is 2yrs old 180000km on the clock. We do tend to drive here rather than fly, somehow we manage in 4cyl cars in some horrendous weather conditions i.e. avg 2m rainfall per year
The 2GR-FE 3.5 v6 is a beauty from Toyota and a very capabale engine at that. So far Toyota Australia has utilised the engine in the Aurion, Tarago, Kluger and now the RAV4. Better still, it has been supercharged for the TRD Aurion.
Duck – the 2GR-FE is infact built in Japan whereas the 2.4cyl utilised in the Australian Camry is manufactured here in Oz.
Gibbo – you are right, Toyota have fitted the 3.5 v6 into a Corolla but it was into the revised edition called the Blade which has the 2.4 cyl. The name of the Corolla with the 3.5 v6 is called ‘Master G’ for those who are interested to learn more about it.
Would/nt it have been nice to have a test -v- test with tyhe same priced [but superior] Mazda CX7 at the same time?
C/A claimed they where going to test/review the CX7….WHEN?
Cheers
F-O
PS Might as well buy a Kluger its the same price, or as per, the better CX7!
Toyota aust needs to bring the 3.5 corolla here.
I really agree Mitch, if they’re serious in toppling that Commodore in sales once and for all. With the 3.5 Corolla should include VSC, independent rear suspension and maybe even 4WD to fight the Golf R32.
The only main thing wrong with the RAV is that certain models cost more than the Kluger, which is bigger, has the same engine and is a better off-roader.
Duck, you’re forgetting the Santa Fe diesel in this segement.
Beats the Rav 6 for torque, is a 4 cylinder (2.2) and nothing (including the Captivawoo) can match if for fuel economy. 4 cylinder rego too!
Slightly larger interior and matches the rav for build quality if not better.
Agreed may not have the same handling characteristics but this is mainly due to its slightly larger bulk/size. And who is this segment wants to flog their car?
As far as I’m concerned the Santa Fe is superior to the Rav in every department, including warranty.
Reckless, you’re always talk about the CX7 when SUVs come up. Face it, the CX7 is nothing more than an oversized sports wagon. No credible 4wd capability unlike most other things in this segment. It takes premium unleaded and its fuel consumption is horrendous. I’ve driven both the RAV and Santa Fe on the beach without any issues.
With 170mm of clearance, the CX7 wouldn’t get off the ramp! The Mazda salesman laughed at me when I queried its 4wd capabilities. Strictly road and a mud track for the CX7.
^Sorry reckless, above meant for Frugal!!!
Steve good reply, all roads is all i require ie snow, is ok for me.
U forgot to mention that the best
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Having already done 42000km in a 2.4 Rav4 Cruiser, I have no real criticism of its power output. I just wish it had the same 5 speed auto as the camry or V6 RAV.
I do like the idea of the V6 with 201Kw, but would prefer the UK’s 2.2 135kW diesel with its 400Nm of torque!
And the price for the V6 seems a little steep to me. Around 6K more than the same 4 cylinder model. I’d consider a new diesel auto at this price but not a V6.
Toyota Australia should have opted for the diesel instead, considering the Rav4 V6 is almost as much as the Kluger. I know Toyota stated that they were aimed at different markets but still, they’re spliting hairs.
Myke, i do kinda accept your comment but on the other side of the coin, Toyota has hardly put a foot wrong in recent years when it comes to determining the fashion of the market. It would be an honest statement to pass that they understand consumer fashion alot more then yourself or i.
bilstein, the 2.4 is in the base and the 3.5 is in the high spec. the blade 3.5 is 4wd and wait and see it will come here eg trd corolla, then what will people cry about if it does not have torque steer.
Toyota seem to know the market, but by the time they act on it, it is no longer relevant. Diesels have increased massively in popularility and a V6 Rav made have been more suitable a few years ago, but now a diesel might be more suitable. They didn’t opt to bring the ‘rolla with ESP, somewhat relevant two years ago during planning, but now it is a high importance to include ESP.
It would be awesome if we did get the 3.5L in the Corolla wiht AWD… certainly would change Toyotas image here, or at the very least, give the usual detractors something to try and whinge about as usual
That AWD Corolla should have been the first TRD. It would be a big hit here I’m sure.
Myke, your comment about the lack of ESP on the Corolla is whole heartedly to the point. Seriously, what the hell was Toyota thinking. Anyway, much critism has been charged Toyota’s way over it and it is my understanding they will fix the issue in August. Why then – i don’t know why.
However, i will disagree with you that diesls have increased massively amoung many examples outside of dedicated commercial and 4×4 markets. Well, in Australia anyway. Yes, some examples now exist but i certainly will not say they are selling in great numbers because quite frankly, they are not.
That to one side, Toyota is certainly doing thier bit when it comes to going cleaner and greenier as every petrol engine nows comes with no less then Euro4 compliant status (as with most other vehicles) while being most active with hybrid technology that only now other manufactuers such as Ford and GM are beginning to take more seriuosly despite thier earlier critism aimed at Toyota for persuing such avenues.
Infact, just so Ford America could get into the act, they now purchase dated Toyota hybrid tech while Nissan utilised a dated Toyota electric motor in the US sold 2.5 medium class Ultima.
And while discussing diesel examples, while Toyota may not currently be big on the idea bar the Corolla in Europe, they are certainly charging ahead in leaps and bounds when it comes to diesel utilisation amoung it’s commercial and 4×4 fleet.
Mark, it is good to see that Toyota is making advancements into performance orintated vehicles again and i look forward to the future of them.
For myself, i like to think that TRD Australia will play thier small part in the game with such examples as the TRD Aurion and Hilux. Also, TRD being involved with Neil Bates and Simon Evans driving the ARC Corolla’s in our own rally championships is an added value to our own (home grown) but somewhat minor participation in Toyota’s global guest to regain lost credentials in performance and motorsport recognition.
Hi All,
I picked up my V6 Rav4 Sx6 model in december last year. Previously i have owned the X-Trail & Mazda Tribute. Have to say the Rav is a Great Car. Very Pratical & yes shes Fast! have to watch the accelerator…. Love the Bluetooth & I-Pod input & shes Practical….
Just came back from a trip on the NSW North Coast & she took all the luggage with ease. Handled the roads beautifully even the crap Lakes Way road near Forster !
About my only complaint with the vehicle is that it still has the Rear Door Setup, when most now have switched to the more user friendly Tailgate Setup. But other than that a great car & highly Recommended. Mine is the Mid Range Model With Sunroof & 17 Inch alloys, got it on Road for $45,000. Also have to say the fuel consumption is fine, it only has a 60 litre tank & can do at least 550klm per tank with regular everyday driving.
Cheers
Toyota will gain even more market share.
Just needs a manual version of the V6 for us old school drivers who don’t want the Hilux.
Cheers.
Bilstein, Luke GT, Awsome Aurion. One person, one PC, Paid by Toyota.
Have you killed off “Dingo” for good?
No Name: The 2.5L 4 cyl TURBO DIESEL in a Navara has over 400nm of torque, which is nearly double that of a similar sized 4 cyl petrol engine. The V6 option in the RAV 4 offers more satisfying levels of torque with out needing to work the motor as hard as you would with a 4 cyl petrol motor to get any where near similar performance.
Bilstein – to quote here “And while discussing diesel examples, while Toyota may not currently be big on the idea bar the Corolla in Europe, they are certainly charging ahead in leaps and bounds when it comes to diesel utilisation amoung it’s commercial and 4×4 fleet.”
Toyota Australia are NOT taking the diesel bit seriously. All of Toyotas vehicles are available in Europe with a diesel engines; none of which are as good as Euro diesels. Have a look at toyta.co.uk . They could easily bring these to Australia tomorrow, why don’t? Reading the above comments seems like there is much demand that Toyota like others seems oblivious to.
There does seem to be a problem all manufacturers (excluding Ford) in Australia about selling vehicles in demand ie small cars, and meduim large diesel engine cars.
I promise you…get in a 2.0 litre diesel and go for a drive you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Scuse me i’m a diesel head ranting.
Its a market thing, in Europe there would be huge demand for Diesel, in Australia even if there is some being a small country it isnt worth it. In saying this my thoughts on Diesel are its useless, Toyota have hybrids which through Lexus are slowly making their way into everyday cars, thats going to make its way to Toyota, so while toyota have practical hyrbids the rest will still be using old technology in the Diesel (I will expect Andrew or whoever go on about how Diesel is better but the fact is it still emmits crap into the air… which is linked to cancer… and hybrids are only going to get more efficient in the coming years).
Well Toyota is sure taking their time with hybrids, excluding Lexus only the Prius is available with a hybrid engine. I wouldn’t call diesels useless, there rise in popularity isn’t going to stop suddenly and drop with everyone fleeing to hybrids.
Perhaps that is just your opinion TP and not Toyotas, but most car companies see the potenial in diesel engines. BMW for example expects in the next six years, diesels will take 80% of sales in Australia. Honda is no longer making a hybrid for the Accord (for the US) instead are opting for a diesel engine (where atm the demand for diesel is low).
Myke, agree with you and i don’t. Toyota enjoy thier Diesels as much as most but at this point in time are investing more so with suppling thier popular range of commercials and 4×4’s with great examples and yes maybe they should be showing more interest in thier cars… perhaps.
Regardless, as we speak today – Toyota, Honda and Lexus ( that i think straight of the bat) are the only manufactuers selling hybrids in Australia.
In the US – The hybrid Camry is very popular and gaining more so at every passing year while Toyota Australia are ‘apparently’ evaluating the same option for it’s local manufactuered Camry’s and possibly the Aurion.
Each company is doing thier bit but in different ways. Yes Disels have gained in popularity but so have hybrids evreybit as much if not more so.
How often do the batteries need to be replaced and what is the cost?
Humble Hyundai have achieved near Hybrid level economy/emissions with their i30 oiler and it’s only early days.
The Aurion engine has been shoehorned into the Tarago to keep up with Kias Grand Carnival 3.8 ltre offer. Aurion engine in RAV 4 is in answer to Santa Fe’s new 3.3 v6 pearler.
I think the Koreans have got Toyota spooked.
Hardly… the Kia Grand Carnival has had that many horror stories published about it, I really doubt they feel threatened by them… the Odyssey maybe, not Kia. Even then hardly threatend, more getting a market share… they now have a people mover that can beat a Commondore to 100!
i nearly wasnt going to stick my head in on this on and was avoiding it out of fear that it would already be a shyte fight.
well done guys in not ruining it
TP,
thanks for then mention earlier (re diesel) ha ha ha
come on mate you got that cancer causing particulates in diesels from me didnt you?? come on mate…….
well im glad i could teach you something ha ha ha
actually im not a big diesel “ranter”, remember i wave the LPG flag if any.
diesels, hybrids, and LPG are all only alternative solutions until something such as hydrogen is online.
the thing is hybrids still use petrol so they still put bad stuff in the air too.
diesels are taking off when you are talking small cars. the question should be who desnt have a small diesel car???????????
i cant figure out why toyota dont have a diesel rolla here…..it would surely boost their sales in the quest to overcome the “king of sales commodore”. it isnt really going to cost them anything to bring it here is it? i mean all they have to do is spin off a few more and put a shipping ticket on them bound for AUS.
RAV V6……
well this is exactlly why toyota is running wild with sales. they have a massive range of vehicles on offer. also they are very versitile and efficient in using the one engine in multiple exercises.
how many vehicles sport this 3.5L V6 now?????
even though im sad to see ford drop the I6, it seems they are determined to run a little more fluently like toyota has been for years in running the one engine/platform in multiple vehicles.
as many have said, yes i would also think why not get the kluger over this???? i mean you may aswell get the slightly bigger/better car for the same dough……
the interior doesnt look that flash, but i still havent found a toyota interior that looks good.
Realcars – i believe Toyota has got everybody spooked. The 2GR-FE is an absolute gem by all means and out classes most engines of the same category. Truth be told, Toyota shoehorning the 3.5 V6 into the Tarago, RAV4 and Kluger will most likely keep them up and above that of most competitors and no-doubt sales will reflect.
I believe the word you were looking for is ‘remaining competiive’ and that is something Toyota has been able to tighten the screws down upon very much so over the past couple of years and the success of it all is showing.
And, if the Koreans have got Toyota spooked, i believe Holden and Ford would be spooked even more so sense it is thier sales on the decline not that of Toyota.
Andrew – the question should be, who does have a diesel small car not who doesn’t. I believe that would be a far, far more accurate question to be asking.
Judging by Toyota’s current sales obliviation of everybody else, do you really want to see Toyota increase that more so by introducing a diesel Corolla. Already they outsell Holden and Ford combined on some months and you are trying to get them to extend that further. Have a think about what you are saying.
Have you ever thought that the styling of the RAV4 and Kluger will appeal to different tastes. Obviously offering a wide range of vehicles (even if they do overlap to a point) is the way to go because if you stop for a minute, surely you have to note that Toyota’s success couldn’t come as a greater example.
Styling, well that is subjective and personal. Personally, i like most of Toyota’s latest styling and thier interior design is certainly on the good side aswell. But then again, i guess strong sales in also a testimony.
Being a typical male, as soon as the V6 was released, my husband started doubting whether we should trade in our (8mnth old) Cruiser. We chose the Rav after weighing up all the pro’s and cons of all the suv’s on the market and it came out tops -for our needs, that is. The kids love the space (and the reclining back seats). After much deliberation we decided that seeing as the vehicle had already taken us in the utmost of comfort up snowy mountains and everywhere else, what would be the point? The little badge that says “V6″? Honestly, if you want a “brute mobile” buy a V8 Ute!
Hi Sue
great to hear from a woman regarding the great 4 vs 6 debate. Interesting to hear your comments as looking at new xtrail, rav4 4 cyl and honda crv. Not a car head so all gets so confusing- need the room from the rear so xtrail is great but must say the interior of rav far outways it-especially the ease of the back seats flipping down-any other plusses would be great to hear-havent got in a crv yet but from all the reviews I think it will be a rav4 or xtrail(mountain bike and cello need to fit). The rav4 seems a little more zippy than the xtrail-I’m a pretty busy mum so not just dropping kids at school and going to get my nails done you know?!
Has anybody got RAV4 running on LPG?
I think that with prices for diesel rocketing up is LPG the only alternative for keeping cost under reasonable level.
Hi all,
just bought a rav4 to tow my caravan, hope it’ll do the job. It’s a (UK) 2.2 D-4D 136hp picking it up in about 2wks, all other 4×4’s drove like 4×4’s but the Rav held the road great, any comments ??? thanks !
Although X-Trail was the other option it drove badly and at virtualy the same hp I hope that I’ve made the right choice. The others ie. Kia, Hyundia etc although they ARE fantastic cars they loose more money than any of their competators, for now, when they build up their name for the great cars they are the other 4×4’s can look out. Being British isn’t it a shame that Landrover can’t keep up wih their rivals, as being British that is the car of choice.
Toyota NZ has released the Corolla with a 1.4TD engine and 2.0TD engine. The 1.4 has a 5-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 has a 6-speed manual. The RAV4 is available with a 2.2TD engine with a 6-speed manual. Toyota reckons the 1.4 will use 5.0 litres per 100km, the 2.0 – 5.4 litres per 100km and the 2.2 – 6.6 litres per 100km. Diesel is cheaper to buy in NZ than it is in Oz, however diesel vehicles are subject to a Road User Charge which for a normal passenger car is a bit over $30 per 1000km. Toyota Australia is lagging so far behind it is not funny.
20 somthing males like my self seem to be loving the rav4 especially the v6 range. i intend on buyin the Sx6 09 model I CANT WAIT!
I bought new SX6 V6 Rav in Dec 2008 – the first of the new model. The fuel consumption is 14.6l/100km so very thirsty. The smell is terrible not sure whether leak through back door. The car seat is very uncomforatable on long trip and took it out on the beach recently and it is hopeless – bogged it – and the old 96 rav powered past. I think I made a bad choice and don’t recommend this car!!!
Well I have been looking too long now the price has gone up by $1,895.00 to a RRP of $52,745 for the ZR6 the one I had my eye on.
My old RAV4 is on LPG and I’d like to equip an SX6 with the LPG fuel conversion – Yes I really do do enough K’s to justify it.
I’d like to get as much of the tank into that 70 Litre storage well as possible as if it were mounted above so I had the tank in the back plus couldn’t use the storage well would really suck. Hope that the conversion guys can find a solution to use as much of the space as possible!!
The Guys at the Toyota dealership inform me that the heads won’t take the strain from LPG – so looks like I’ll have to go for the 4-cyl. Just hope I can find a tank that fits in the 800×450 storage well without protruding too much (the old tank is 1m wide and 350dia.
We’ve had our RAV4 V6 for around 6 months and so far it’s all been good.
Our longest trip so far has been a run to Port Macquarie for a weekend. The fuel economy was very good. Keeping to the speed limits both ways we averaged around 8.8 l/100 km. The vehicle is comfortable for a tall driver and luggage room is suitable for a wife who likes to pack for every eventuality.
Bought one in Oct 08 and I call it “the snake” as it rattle from all direction, back door rattle noise is really bad. can not have my laptop bag on the front seat without putting the seat belt on it or I have a very annoying alarm buzz, same alarm buzz if I leave the key in , other alarm buzz if I leave the car running to open a gate ( no seat belt????? )those alarm should be optional they drive my nuts.
Also been told by Toyotta after the sale that I could not put the car through a car wash as I would loose the stupid spoiler.not good fuel wise, Will not buy another ever.I am selling it