2008 Toyota Rav4 CV6 review
May 25, 2008 by Paul Maric
2008 Toyota Rav4 CV6 Road Test
Model tested: Toyota Rav4 CV6
Recommended Retail Price: $39,990.
Options fitted: None Fitted.
Rear leg room, universal styling.
Understeer, driveability, torque steer, steering feel, power delivery, sound system.
CarAdvice rating: 
(2.00)
– Review by Paul Maric, photographs by Toyota.
Soon after its release, I drove the Toyota Rav4. At the time of its introduction to the market, it was only available as a 4-cylinder. I recall being disappointed with the lack of power from the engine, which struggled at times to haul the car’s mass. Toyota has addressed these concerns and stuck the same engine as the Aurion underneath the Rav4’s bonnet. Case closed, Paul is now happy. Err…not quite.
I took the new V6 Rav4 for a spin and it was interesting to say the least. Packing some 201kW and 333Nm of torque, this V6 motor is certainly no lightweight. Weighing in at 1655kg, the Rav4 is quite a light ‘SUV’ in relative terms. The 200mm ground clearance increases the centre of gravity and the semi-off-road capable tyres reduce grip levels. This set of factors makes for quite a challenging combination.
My first encounter was a truck with loose cargo travelling under the speed limit and partially in my lane. I had to pass it, so I sank the boot in and received the shock of my life as the car torque steered in several different directions. The V6 engine sends power through the front wheels and only redirects it to the rear wheels if it detects slippage.
If I thought that was bad, the following day it started raining. Pulling away from an intersection in peak-hour traffic required a decent prod of the throttle to hurry things along. Stabbing the loud pedal produced a flurry of wheel spin (typical of an overpowered front-wheel-drive vehicle). No problems I thought, in a matter of moments power will be sent to the rear and we will have more traction with which to work.
Well, I can’t say I was wrong, power was sent to the rear but this turned a slight bit of understeer into obvious oversteer and I had to correct the rear to bring it back into line. If I thought this car was bad in the dry, it was potentially dangerous in the wet.
The surge of urgency delivered by the engine hits all at once and is extremely sharp. To the regular driver, this can come as a total shock in certain situations. It’s way too much power to be sending through such a vehicle and in my opinion, it should have been down-tuned to reduce the spasmodic delivery of power, perhaps with more concentration on producing torque.
Interior room is impressive, as are the ergonomics of the seats. They fold down quite easily and provide easy entry/exit for children and adults. The sound system is quite average and the head-unit looks poorly integrated, unfortunately this is a trait shared with the Corolla and Kluger.
The quality of plastics is good, but some feel a bit cheap (like the dash surrounds and door handle surrounds). Interior room is great for a small family and the styling is good enough to keep the masses pleased. Fuel economy on test was reminiscent of a V6 – around 11-litres/100km.
Priced from $39,990 for the base model CV6 (as tested), prices move onto $43,990 for the SX6 and max out at $49,990 for the ZR6. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V offer a better package. If you are desperate for a V6 though, Mitsubishi’s offering is far more linear and smooth and is capable on mild off-road tracks. The Outlander’s engine is well behaved and can be controlled by steering wheel paddle shifters – a quaint touch.
As for the Rav4. If driven sedately it’s a car you could live with. But if the off chance arises where full power is required, you would need to be paying full attention.
Click here to read Tony’s review of the 2008 Toyota Rav4.
CarAdvice overall rating:
How does it drive:
How does it look: 
How does it go:
2008 Toyota Rav4 CV6 Specifications
Engine: 3.5-litre
Power: 201kW
Torque: 333Nm
Top speed: N/A
Safety: Electronic stability control- front air bags – side airbags – curtain airbags – front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.
0-100km/h: N/A
EuroNCAP rating: N/A
Turning circle: 10.6m
Fuel tank: N/A
Fuel consumption : 10.5 litres/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91RON unleaded
Print it: 
Realcars, I usually don’t read the rubbish you write since quite frankly it’s not worth my time. When last I attempted to engage in an intelligent debate with you we had to adjourn since you are all too easily confused. However in this case I’ll make an exception. Go back and re-read what I wrote CAREFULLY then stop making a fool of yourself.
Oops just spotted my error – it does do it automatcally. I’ll stand corrected folks.
Sells by the dozen here (UK) in diesel form.
Phil … Toyota does not advertise the TRD Hilux as a HSV or FPV ute alternative although the TRD Lux would be alot more useful to me given it’s versatile nature.
The RAV4 is a great medium sized SUV and has proven it’s worth from many years of strong sales and good reports. I test drove the V6 RAV with my wife recently and can honestly state i disagree with the greater proportion of this review. My wives aging RAV4 has been a great unit and i defantly recommend the car if that is ones choice of vehicle.
The V6 RAV4 is easily worth 3.5 stars or more and anything less is crazy.
Mighty Titan u are just a one eyed Toyota patriot.
No need to get personal although being a fanatical Toyota man you have a very thin skin.
Don’t read what I write Titan as it probably passes right over your head anyway.
Off to the funny farm in straight jackets the reviewer is crazy!!!!!
I see, so I’m a one eyed Toyota patriot am I.
Why, because I don’t agree with you, or because I thought the reviewer could have done a better job? Again CAREFULLY read what I wrote and then please point out where I said that Toyota is the best and every other car manufacturer out there is rubbish.
It seems Realcars, as soon as someone disagrees with you, you immediately label them a Toyota fanatic whether it is warranted or not.
Booter … competant is good and can even be better then some. There is nothing wrong with the everyday driveability of Toyota’s, they are fine. Most models also come with high NCAP ratings and a good array of passive and active safety hardware. All-in-all, Toyota’s are equally as safe or safer when compared to rivals.
Yaris – 5 stars
Corolla – 5 stars and i believe ESP will be added to the range in August.
Camry – 4 stars
Aurion – 4 stars and bettered the Commodore in the NCAP tests and the Wheels Active Safety Programme.
Hilux – 4 stars and better then most of it’s rivals including the Navara, Bravo and Ranger.
As a complete package, most Toyota’s are balanced products hence why they sell so well.
Come out of the closet Titan.
Let the world see your cardigan!!!
But seriously I doubt if we will ever see so much passion over a Toyota again.
I read what u wrote and I am printing a copy to frame and hang on my wall as I type.
As I have already stated(self important mode)what Paul found in the handling department sounds pretty feasible if u look at the total equation especially if u gave it some stick(or needed to in an emergency). Didn’t this fall over in a wheels road test? Sorry longer wheelbase version.
Anyway, its got stability control hasn’t it so leave this on and drive like a typical Toyota driver and u should be alright.
Lemmings line up at the Toyota sign at the edge of the cliff and prepare to jump!
Realcars, I would tell you to STFU and GTFO but I probably would get banned ;) You have just reaffirmed why I don’t usually pay any attention to you. Have fun
Jason (Toyota propaganda profesional) said:
“Yaris – 5 stars”
Just tell that to the parents of the dead kids who were unlucky enough to know an owner of a yaris and were sitting in the back seat in that minor rear-end crash that killed them!
Pedestrians have more of a chance than Yaris back seat passengers.
Likewise Titan. I hope u and your Toyota are very happy together.
YER GOLF, AND WHEELS HAVE CERTAINLY MADE IT UP TO HOLDEN EVER SINCE :)
Epica’s are better than Camry’s, captiva’s can compete with the cx7, regardless of the fact that it DNF the test. The Caprice is better than BMW…yer, journo’s that tell it as it is, is there one in this country?
Thank god u are back TP.
There was this other Toyota Fanatic Titan and he was really Nasty.
At least Toyota drivel is successful despite the handling attributes or lack of their models i.e skinny tyres and all.
TP:
I drive a ‘93 V6 Camry Vienta and it has torque steer, so I have no doubts a ‘90 model does too.
Having driven the Aurion, it too has noticeable torque steer, can’t imagine what it’s like in a V6 Rav4!!! Heaven help the soccer mums who encounter it in the wet accidentally!
I think it is hot when u talk about your v6 widebody Camry TP.
Finally a solution to flabby arm syndrome.
As usual Realcars is parading his anti-toyota flag.
It’s funny as I have seen on numerous occasions this fellow allege other posters (eg. TP and dingo) are paid advertisers by none other than Toyota.
Are you being paid yourself by the other Manufacturers? If not you should certainly make some enquiries.
ho poor TP is he not happy because someone gave a Toyota a bad review you need to face it man the only thing Toyota have going for them is reliability and fuel economy because other than that there average in every other aria.
and most front wheel drive have torque steer thats why i will always stick to RWD cars like commodores and falcons its the best thing about the escort handles like an AWD on a track and without any type of torque steer all it needs it bigger brakes.
hey TP what about the TRD Aurion it cost as much as the old F6 and torque steers like theres no tomorrow as most reviewers said it had to much power going to the wrong wheels.
anti spam word is Ford lol
yet the falcon is still quicker what dose that say hmmm that it delivers the power better than the Burion the falcon is currently Australia most refined engine and most people prefer the ford I6 to Toyota’s V6 ( witch is still better than the holden crappytec).
TP when was the last time you drove a RWD car?I think you may have forgotten.
Phill i don’t think TP has ever driven a RWD before
No, I am not paid(can u suggest some contacts)just find it amusing how devout Toyota Lovers are.
Form a sect and get Tax free status. There’s a tip!
TP is a virgin in more ways than one!
Titan I am confused again. Are we talking Burions,Klaggers or Rav4/6 or Rav 6/4?
I’m only say what i read and most reviewers say its a stupid move that ford are making to go to a v6 because the I6 is class leading and a world class and not a hand me down like the Toyota Engine as well as the falcon has the best 6 speed auto on an Aussie built car.
Lets all hold hands and go to Toyota brainwashing school with TP.
TP once i get the injection installed on my 2.0L i’ll show you how real cars handle the escort is know to be one of the best handling car of it’s decade and there fords most successful car ford ever rallied and its still used today
last i checked most reviewers were putting the falcon up there with BMW’s as well as the commodore and they cost half the price of one
technology has nothing to do with it it the way the suspension is built and it 29 year to be right not 50 witch rs front and rear antiroll bars and leaf spring rear suspention.
just because a car is newer don’t mean its better look at the old Shelby Cobras they have 4W independent suspension.
“Which” EscortGhia, which!
RoFlmaTiC I\’m going to need a little more info than that
have they done one against the new falcon i don’t think so
Yes it did TP. The reason I know about torque steer and what it feels like is because my 1991 Camry that replaced a line of rear wheel drive company cars had spades of it. I’m sorry you can’t believe me.
For the record, it was a 2 litre manual (remember the 3rd gear synchro?) with heavy manual steering. The effect may well have been masked if it had power steering and the 1993 2.2 litre CSi that replaced it didn’t display the trait at all. That was a slothful automatic, which probably helped also.
the only fwd car Iv’e like was a little mid to late 80 co corolla it was a sports model cant remember what it was it was my sisters first car i think it was a twin cam 2.2L or something used to drive it on my L it had truck loads of torque steer but it was fun as hell to drive an it still didn\’t handle like my escort i would like to see some car pull out of stings like i have in this car.
regardless the arguements this article has seized, I am simply happy to see the existence of car reviewers who do not promote Toyota. Good on you, Paul!
tp I4 are like I6 they deliver power down low and rev hight unlike v6 witch start to deliver power high and have a small torque range like most V8 and like the aurion dose the reason people love the falcon 6 because of the effortless power you dont have to rev the crap out of them
TP, you’re quite wrong. You’re very wrong in fact.
Minis had torque steer. Did you know that? Probably not.
The 2 litre Camry was quite a goer, but I don’t think you have the breadth of car knowledge to understand that power steering generally masks the effect. The car was manually steered. Come to think of it, the Camiras had it as well.
Lol. I know for a fact that Camiras don’t torque steer. Had one for about 3 months while my cousin was overseas. Aweful car, but definitely no torque steer haha.
you need a little torque for torque steer mate and amiras don’t have it awful cars
When you stomped on them, they did. In normal driving, no. Same with the Camry. Hope that clarifies it.
I disagree Golf, I could floor it not holding the wheel and it would go dead straight.
it must of been running like crap
Hey JBot; check your PMs – on the forum
That’s okay, Jbot. You weren’t there and I was a 19 year old given an errand to do in a brand new 1983 Camira and saying, “hehe, let’s give this thing some stick around the corner here and…HOOLEY DOOLEY!!”
Bear in mind that the expression has been used ever since the advent of front wheel drive and long, long before 200 killer wasps were sent through the front wheels.
NO SHYTE…………CARADVICE IS BECOMING A TET A TET USELESS SOCIAL CLUB AS OFF TOPIC BLAH BLAH BS AND OFF TRACK.
Toyota Supporter
i agree the new V6 will be crap but just because the I6 is going don’t mean its crap its the best engine in a Aussie car at the moment and last i checked Toyota’s quality has gone down hill to how mean car roll that a DSP on them witch is meant to prevent it i would rather a car that will be worth money in 20 years than a car that is just going to be a bucket of crap like all Toyota’s.
Hi Escort Ghia and Realcars. Ask the site managers for my email address and don’t respond to recent posts.
I wish I could be excited by Toyotas!
Toyota Supporter U seem to be the one with the issues as u can’t handle criticism.
If Toyotas are so fantastic it shouldn’t matter to u what anyone says.
Your call sign says it all I think.
Yeah know what u mean Golf I had an Alfa Camira as a company hack. Both the 1.6 then the much better injected 2 litre. The injected 2 litre was a little rocket!150,000 klms when it was traded and didn’t miss a beat.