2008 Toyota RAV4… A Little Bear!

There really is no real secret why Toyota is leading the auto manufacturers in this troubled economy; they have cars that people can use and save a more than a few bucks in the process.

Since Toyotas 1958 introduction of the Land Cruiser and Tyopet in 1958, they have been honing their craft, learning from their mistakes early on, in a lucrative marketplace dominated by the big three. Fifty years later they have emerged from an also ran to the predominant player serving up quality automobiles and trucks that deliver on value, quality and reliability with a dose of good looks; the perfect marriage of form and function. One of the beneficiaries of this keenly developed marketing exercise is the 2008 Toyota RAV4. To say that the 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a small sport utility is like saying Jennifer Biel is a girl; it’s just more than that.

A Closer Look

The RAV4 specs out quite similarly to many of the competitors in its class. The 105 inch wheel base compares favorably to the 103 cu. in. wheelbase of the Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, 104 for the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage and 105 cu. in. Mitsubishi Outlander, all contenders for the best of show in this popular class. The RAV4 is a standout in ride quality when compared to the Tucson and Sportage yet comparable to the others around town but leads the pack in ride finesses. The sporty and nimble ride of the RAV4 is where this spunky little Sport Ute separates itself from the pack followed ever so closely by the CRV, which would be the only other compact sport utility that competes head on with the RAV4.

The RAV4 handles city and country traffic with ease, maneuvering about, not in car-like fashion, but as a refined compact SUV. You feel the bumps in the road, and the suspension is tight giving the 105 cu inch wheelbase credibility, living up to the Sport moniker, yet there is a civility that lures the daily driver in us. The 3485 lb., 166 hp 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder produces plenty of muscle to get the RAV4 into fast freeway traffic or pass slow moving traffic on the back roads delivering lots of fun in the process. If that isn’t enough for you, there is a 3.5 liter, 256 hp V6 for the ultimate compact sport utility experience. The Honda compares favorably with its 2.4 liter though no 6 cylinder option is available at this writing.

While the RAV4 hauls loads of soccer gear and groceries, with 73 cu ft of cargo space, you won’t hesitate to get out into the woods though you are limited by the scope of the vehicles capacity to handle more extreme off road situations that can get you into trouble with a vehicle that has a 7.5” ground clearance. Keep in mind that while a sport utility, it has severe limitations over its medium and full sized counterparts.
The Honda is not as sporty riding with noticeable wind and road noise evident from the side glass and Bridgestone Duelers. The RAV4 comes equipped with Yokohama, a better choice for this class. The standard P250/70R16 are nicer than most tires in its class but there is a 17” & 18” option available on the 4WD Sport model provide the best ride in its class making it an exceptional ride choice.

Mechanically Speaking

The 4 speed automatic is relatively smooth shifting and quiet though a 5 speed automatic is available on the 6 cylinder and oddly enough the CRV which gives the Honda the edge in gearing especially city driving though it doesn’t make much of a difference at all in fuel economy. Gear changes were punctuated with a little hesitation which was a little disconcerting on the 4 Cylinder 4WD model.

Today a dialogue on Sport Utilities cannot go on without fuel consumption concerns. Fuel economy breaks down as follows:

RAV4
2WD 4 Cyl. 21/27 fuel costs 2464.00*
2WD 6 Cyl. 19/27 fuel costs 2689.00*

4WD 4 Cyl 20/25 fuel costs 2689.00*
4WD 6 Cyl 19/26 fuel costs 2813.00*


CRV
2WD 4 Cyl 20/27 fuel costs 2571.00*
4WD 4 Cyl 20/26 fuel costs 2689.00

*based on 45% highway and 55% city driving 15,000 miles annually

Just $349.00 separates the base 2WD model and the 4WD 6 cylinder model, which may be a deal maker for consumers where snow, off road conditions and pulling a trailer are a consideration. Towing capacity is a mere 1500 lbs for both the RAV4 and CRV with the RAV4 6 cylinder boosting that capability to 3500lbs, making it a more versatile hauler. Downhill assist control is a great help when towing a small trailer or loading/unloading on a boat ramp saving the RAV4 from submarine duty.

With a turning circle of 37 the RAV4 beats its competitor by two inches but equals it in 6 cylinder dress. Front to rear weight ratios are tied at 57/43 with the 6 cylinder spec’ing out at 58/42. Both vehicles stick to the road with the Honda displaying slightly more over and under steer. Four wheel drive is an option on both the four and six cylinder models and frankly the argument to a compact Sport Ute without 4WD capability is hard to make.

Front suspension consists of McPherson strut, stabilizer bars and hydraulic shocks with rear double wishbone coil springs and trailing arms with hydraulic shocks and stabilizer bars. The CRV features McPherson Strut with coils springs and a stabilizer bar up front and coil springs with a multi link suspension and stabilizer bar. Ride performance is tighter on the RAV4 with better, more tactile road feel which can be interpreted or characterized as hard riding, but keep in mind the short wheelbase and sporty intent. Antilock brakes all the way around, are standard fare and the RAV4 handle stops much like far more expensive models with no noticeable pedal fade. It bears mentioning the same applies to the CRV. The RAV4s brakes are as good as any antilock brakes I have experienced.

Interior

Inside the RAV4 loses miserably to the CRV on aesthetics. Fit and finish is fine with solid material selection, but it misses the mark on a confused looking center stack. Housing the 6 CD player, telescoping wheel, awkwardly large heating /air conditioning controls, and twin glove box, the dash is a bit awkward looking though functional and ergonomic. Amber backlighting is a nice touch but is a little dated looking. Tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauges and LCD odometer and twin trip meters occupy the center cluster. The center stack design is almost Transformer – like which gives the CRV the edge in sophisticated interior space. The whole thing looks like a cheap boom box, though controls are well placed and minimal.

Fabric trimmed seats with 4 way adjustable are comfortable with side bolsters up front. Leg and headroom is generous enough for the taller drivers Rear seats are less accommodating making long trips of 4 hour jaunts. The optional third row seating is understandably challenging to get into but a welcome convenience for short trips back from the airport and nothing else, as they are cramped. Rear cargo space however is respectable at 73 cu. ft.

Safety features side, front and rear, side curtains and front occupant sensing system work in concert to assure occupant safety and helped garner above average government crash test ratings with less than perfect rating for passenger injury falling behind the best choice CRV in overall ratings for 2008.

Exterior

At first glance the 2008 Toyota RAV4 looks a bit like the Highlander with distinctive lines that are all 2008 Toyota RAV4. Roof rails add to the payload capacity of the RAV4 and a welcome addition for outdoors/sportsmen and travelers alike. Smart styling with large integrated bumpers and modern styling cues have given the exterior a fresh contemporary look. I particularly like the molded spare cover over the large rear hatch which makes best use of rear cargo space.

Colors are abundant though the darker side of the color charts isn’t adequately represented. Still, there are plenty of choices to accommodate most consumers.

Driving Impressions

I had to rent a vehicle recently and went to a local Enterprise to get the 2008 Toyota RAV4. While skeptical at first, I was quickly impressed with the road manners on this diminutive SUV.

My objective was Bear Creek Pa., a little hamlet just outside Wilkes Barre to work on a summer home of a relative. After plugging my iPod in the integrated jack, tossed tools in the back (leaving plenty of space left for our bags) I was off in Friday night traffic out of the Philadelphia corridor, which was particularly heavy on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with lots of stop and go. The RAV4’s climate control system performed flawlessly and I kept it on the entire 2.5 hour trip. I was able to shut out all exterior noise and relaxed with my music and view. The RAV4 has good visibility everywhere though I can see where some consumers may view the front side pillars as blind spots; they take a little getting used to. I liked the fact that there were three power outlets, which I used for a Garmin GPS and another to charge my Blackberry Curve.

The gated shifter is easy to get around in. Acceleration was peppy for a 4 cylinder; I found myself keeping up with traffic and had no problem passing at higher as well as lower speeds.

Once on the Northeast Extension, The hills started to factor in and I found the RAV4 struggled very little to climb but I could see the tachometer really climb and couldn’t help but believe a 6 cylinder would have been a better choice for these conditions. As Ginger, our Golden Retriever moved from window to window I lowered the rear electric windows discovering the driver window was the only one with auto up/down.

The gas gauge started to fall a little as I passed the 40 mile mark and we had comfortably fallen into the rhythm of the trip checking out what we could see of the Spring foliage. At one point we opened the windows and took in the glorious smell of this beautiful setting.

Driving 65-70 mph the RAV4 hunkers down and is sure footed on the highway. Expansion strips are noticeable but not annoying. We had to brake hard for the token idiot lane changer, which the Toyota did with ease, barely getting Ginger’s attention.

Once we had reached Bear Creek, we had traveled 123 miles and spent just under a quarter of the 15.9 gallon tank. I topped the tank off when I arrived and found that I used just under 5 gallons. A fill up at 3.89 a gallon would run $61.85 for a fill up.

Trekking up to the house, we were on a dirt road which can get a little rough kicking in the on demand 4 WD when set to auto mode. A manual locking switch maximizes torque to the rear wheels, but I elected to have it set to auto which delivered AWD whenever needed. Granted the terrain wasn’t that challenging, so this was the only time we needed it, but the auto on demand feature is nice to have. All in all, the trip was comfortable though I really couldn’t see another 1-2 hours in those seats; that might be intolerable.

Final Thoughts

Prices vary from a low of $21,500 for the base model to $27,070 for the Limited 4x4 model, which can easily top $30,000 fully dressed with options. Frankly, I find that a bit excessive for a vehicle in this class compared to the CRV’s modest $21,195 to $25,250 range, though it scores high marks on reliability and resale.

While conservative fuel consumption figures make the RAV4 a contender for your short list, there are other reasons why this Toyota shines in light of its competition. The sheer utility of this vehicle is reason enough to plunk down north of 20 grand for it but factor in good crash tests, resale and reliability and now you have a serious contender for your hard earned dollar.

Toyota warranties the 2008 Toyota RAV4 with a 3/36 on all components for wear and tear, 10/10 on engine, transmission, transaxle, 50 months/unlimited corrosion, 36,000 miles for accessories. A longer warranty would go far to make a more compelling argument for the RAV4, but as I have mentioned, they are reliable out of the box, and it may not be an overwhelming issue, certainly not a deal breaker.

After taking it out for a weekend, my impressions are good. While there are some minor issues with aesthetics; they don’t get you down the road. The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a great daily driver. With gas prices headed north of $4.00 a gallon, it may not be the panacea you are looking for, but if you need a vehicle in this class, it is as good a contender as any and certainly better, in my opinion, than most aside from the Honda CRV which is limited in the engine and drive train categories. After having owned Toyota products and experiencing an excellent dealer support network and diehard reliability, it almost makes its own argument for ownership.