Toyota has released pricing for its refreshed 2009 RAV4 compact SUV expected in showrooms this September. The entire lineup has increased in price by an average of $224 or 0.9 percent compared to last year, but revised styling and a new line of engines should make the price increase more than worthwhile.
The front end of the 2009 RAV4 gets a new grille and a reworked bumper, while the rear gets fresh styling as well with a new step bumper and redesigned taillights. The fenders feature wider flares at all four corners and the mirrors have been revamped for a smoother, sleeker profile. New wheels round out the list of standard exterior enhancements, but an optional Sport Appearance Package is avaliable on the top-flight V6 4WD model that offers chrome accent trim, spare tire deletion with the addition of run-flat tires, heated side mirrors, a chrome exhaust tip, and an exclusive exterior color.
Three standard trim levels of Base, Sport and Limited will be available in either front- or four-wheel drive and with an all-new 179 horsepower, 172 lb-ft 2.5-liter four-cylinder (up 13 horses and 8 lb-ft from 2008) or the existing 269 horsepower, 246 lb-ft 3.5-liter V-6. Base pricing ranges from $21,500 for the Base level trim model with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine to the Limited's $27,810 that features four-wheel drive and the bigger V-6. For 2009, all models are available with Extra Value Packages aimed to combine multiple features into one grouping.
Toyota claims the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that replaces the outgoing 2.4-liter unit is more powerful and fuel efficient. Under the hoods of 4x2 RAV4s, the powertrain is said to achieve an EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. As expected, four-wheel drive cars suffer slightly and receive an EPA fuel rating of 21 mpg city and 26 mph highway. Models employing the bigger V-6 attain a rating of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway in 4x2 trim, while 4x4s get a bit less at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Source: Toyota