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Toyota RAV4 III (XA30, facelift 2008) Long 2.5 VVT-i (179 Hp) ECT
Overall Rating
Toyota RAV4:
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers. The RAV4 is the best-selling sport utility vehicle of all time, having sold over 10 million units by February 2020. In February 2025, the RAV4 replaced the Ford F-150 as the top selling car in the United States, after nearly four decades of the F-150's reign.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability of a mid-size car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (XA30, facelift 2008) Long Overview:
Toyota RAV4 (III (XA30, facelift 2008) Long). With 233 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1541 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.5 VVT-i (179 Hp) ECT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides adequate power for daily driving and highway merges. While not as potent as the V6, it offers smooth and predictable acceleration suitable for most needs.
Fuel Economy
Expected to deliver competitive fuel economy for its class, offering a more balanced approach between power and running costs compared to the V6.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent Toyota reliability and durability
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity (Long version)
- • Powerful V6 engine option for strong performance
- • Available 4WD for enhanced versatility and traction
- • Comfortable and composed ride quality
Cons:
- • V6 fuel economy can be high, especially in 4WD variants
- • Interior materials feel somewhat dated compared to some rivals
- • Noticeable road and wind noise at higher speeds
- • Steering can feel vague at higher speeds
- • Not as engaging to drive as some competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (XA20, facelift 2003) 5-door: 2003 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | RAV4 |
| Generation: | III (XA30, facelift 2008) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.5 VVT-i (179 Hp) ECT |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 179 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.8 Hp/l [415mm more] |
| Torque: | 233 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 2AR-FE More details about the engine 2AR-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.4 l |
| Coolant: | 6.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 98 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.5 kg/Nm, 152.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1524-1558 |
| Max. weight: | 2145 |
| Max load: | 587-621 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2067 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 348 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 680 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4620 mm mm [415mm more] |
| Width: | 1816-1854 mm mm [81mm more] |
| Height: | 1684-1745 mm mm [14mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2660 mm mm [170mm more] |
| Front track: | 1560 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1560 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 190 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.6-11.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 29° |
| Departure angle: | 25° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | ECT |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 274-300 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 284 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/70 R16; 225/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
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