2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 review
February 6, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Nothing else comes close to the RAV4’s V6 power output although Mazda’s four cylinder CX-7 tops the torque output in this group, with an outstanding 350Nm to the Toyota’s 333Nm. However, the Mazda is the only vehicle with forced induction (Turbo in this case) so not quite a level playing field.
Toyota is clearly amortising their new V6 powerplant across as many platforms as possible, and why not. They have it in the Tarago (that has to be one of the quickest accelerating people movers on the planet) the Aurion and now the RAV4. Could they fit it into a Corolla?
It’s a remarkably smooth and free revving engine, delivering instant throttle response when needed. Perfect for safe overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.It’s not as fine tuned as something like a BMW X5, but steering input is reasonably sharp with 2.8 turns to lock. That’s good as far as SUV’s go.
It’s an electric power assisted rack and pinion set up, which has good feel and eliminates the need for hydraulic oil in the steering system, while saves fuel through reduced engine load.
Toyota has made huge gains in the ride and handling package over the second generation RAV4 which to be honest, I found downright uncomfortable. The ride quality is now surprisingly compliant, while all but dispensing with body roll, at least on initial turn in. This is true even at pace.
With this much power, you would expect nothing less than a high level of active safety on board this vehicle. The RAV4 V6 doesn’t disappoint. Besides the all-wheel drive functionality, there’s ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Steering Assist, Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
Like most Sports Utility Vehicles, the RAV4 V6 has some off road capability using a “torque on demand” all wheel drive system. Put simply, most of the time you will be driving via the front wheels only. However, if the front wheels are about to loose traction due to rain or even mud, the electronic AWD system will direct some drive (torque) to the rear wheels until traction is regained. It’s a great system for this type of vehicle, as it uses less fuel than a full time 4WD system.
If you intend putting this system to the test and want to do a little sand or mud hoping, then just push the AWD LOCK button for constant all wheel drive. Additionally, if you like to get of the line quicker than your two legged counterparts, you can select AUTO mode, which provides maximum traction for those moments.
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.