2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 Review

Model Tested: 2008 RAV4 CV6 its the entry level in the V6 line up.

Recommended retail price: $39, 990

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.

CarAdvice rating: 4/5

Pros: More versatile than the four cylinder, well equipped, increased towing capacity

Cons: Fuel economy, if you utilise all 201kW of power on a sustained basis

The Meaning of RAV4 Recreational Active Vehicle, four-wheel drive (technically, its all wheel drive)

With 201kW of power in a hugely versatile SUV, theres a lot to like about the 2008 Toyota RAV4 V6

No one likes crowds. Whether youre on a beach, in a shopping centre or in a queue to buy a movie ticket, theyre just no fun unless; youre 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, theres 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 doesnt have a win with every new model it launches, their batting average, if you were into cricket (and Im not), would be damn near a century.

I put it down to Toyota reliability and piece of mind. If you work hard for youre weekly earn, and youre not on Macquarie Banks payroll, youll probably be exercising a fair degree of caution before you hand over $35,000 plus, for a new SUV. I know I would.

With Petrol prices hovering around $1.34 per litre (even if you remember to carry around a stack of those Coles/Woolies discount dockets which arent out of date) you might be forgiven thinking a four-cylinder SUV is the way to go these days.

There is a fundamental problem with four cylinder petrol engines and SUVs weight, and too much of it. They might be slightly more economical but by God, when you need to climb a hill faster than a power walk, youll be praying to a supreme being, for a 201kW V6.

Not only do the majority of four-cylinder models struggle for pace on steep inclines, but its that ear-piercing scream of the engine under load, which I consider a modern form of torture. Its comforting to note then, that the 3.5-litre V6 engine adds another 76kW to that of the 2.4-litre RAV4 and I for one wont be arguing with Toyotas claim of 7.4 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. And thats on regular 91 Octane! This is a quick SUV.

And dont think for one minute that you are going to save a packet in fuel costs with a four-cylinder either. Because you tend to drive these smaller engine SUVs with a lead foot most of the time, it is quite likely that a light foot in a V6, will be on par. In fact, the difference between the 2.4-litre and 3.5-litre RAV4 models is around one litre/100km. Marginal at best.

Nothing else comes close to the RAV4s V6 power output although Mazdas four cylinder CX-7 tops the torque output in this group, with an outstanding 350Nm to the Toyotas 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?

Its a remarkably smooth and free revving engine, delivering instant throttle response when needed. Perfect for safe overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.Its not as fine tuned as something like a BMW X5, but steering input is reasonably sharp with 2.8 turns to lock. Thats good as far as SUVs go.

Its 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 doesnt disappoint. Besides the all-wheel drive functionality, theres 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. Its 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.

My dreamboat is a 20 ft Bayliner Bowrider although, Id probably settle for a shiny new tinny with a good size outboard. Bayliner is a top-notch sports boat builder and this beauty weighs in at 1,789 kg (with trailer).

That wont be a problem for the RAV4 V6, which can pull up to 1900kg, thats 400kg up on the four-cylinder RAV.Styling wise though, there isnt much to distinguish the RAV4 V6 from its lessor powered, four-cylinder sibling. Apart from V6 badging with chrome grille and darkened headlamps, both variants look identical.

While I also found the previous generation RAV4 somewhat cramped, the new model has grown considerably, like every other new generation model released these days. Im betting even the Smart fortwo has expanded its waistline a few millimetres. With 20% more interior space, the RAV4 is now a comfortable place to be.

Moreover, its an intelligent design. Flip the remote release, and the rear seats fold virtually flat, opening up a huge, but also practical cargo area. If thats not enough, lift the rear deck floor cover, and you can access another 90 litres of stowage.

Im betting most folks out there in the real world have had a whinge or two about the size of glove boxes these days. Some of them barely accept the owners manual, and thats only if you ram it in with brute force. If you buy a RAV4, youll get two!

Initially, I was going to commend Toyota on the standard level of kit in this entry level CV6, but at $39,990 you should expect nothing less, with the level of competition in this category.

What I will praise is the MP3 direct input on the head unit. This will please those millions of Ipodians throughout this vast land. But if you havent caught up with this century, you can also burn a disc off your PC, which will play in the six-speaker single CD unit, which produces decent audio clarity.

The rest of the kit includes; air conditioning with manual HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) knobs which to be perfectly honest, are easier to use than most automatic climate control systems.

Tilt and Telescopic steering column adjustment is a welcome addition (important in the pursuit of the perfect driving position), as is cruise control, power windows and mirrors, steering wheel audio controls and 17-inch wheels (these are steel, youll need to upgrade to the SX6 for alloys) round out the more interesting inventory.

While I wouldnt call the interior plastics high grade, more middle of the road, there are sufficient metal look accents, which at least make it look interesting.

Airbags total six including, side curtain shield, dual-stage driver and front passenger and front seat side airbags.

While Toyota might be selling a trick load of the new RAV4s, they would sell a lot more if they made a three door variant. It seems odd that you would forget about an entire generation of young single buyers which after all, made the RAV4 the hot seller it is today.

With only a slight increase in fuel consumption but significantly more driving pleasure, Id have to go with the RAV4 V6

Photographs and review by Anthony Crawford

CarAdvice ratings

Overall: 4
How does it drive: 4
How does it look: 3
How does it go: 4.5

2008 Toyota RAV4 CV6 Specifications

Engine: Quad-cam V6 petrol
Power: 201kW @ 6200
Torque: 333Nm @ 4700
Transmission: 5-speed electronic auto
Top speed: 210 km/h
0-100km/h: 7.4 seconds
Emission rating: Euro 1V
Turning circle: 10.6
Drive: Part time AWD
Fuel Type: 91

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