Toyota RAV4 III (XA30, facelift 2008) 2.0 VVT-i (158 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.3 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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) Overview:

Toyota RAV4 (III (XA30, facelift 2008)). With 198 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1500 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.2 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.0 VVT-i (158 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A smooth and refined petrol engine, offering adequate performance for city and suburban driving, though not particularly sporty.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for a petrol SUV, but can be thirsty if driven hard.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban / Economy-focused Petrol

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Practical and spacious interior with good cargo capacity
  • • Strong fuel economy from diesel engines
  • • Capable 4WD system for light off-road and adverse weather
  • • Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting

Cons:

  • • Driving dynamics are uninspiring compared to some rivals
  • • Petrol engines can feel underpowered, especially with 4WD and automatic
  • • Interior materials, while durable, lack a premium feel
  • • CVT transmission (Multidrive S) might not suit all drivers
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(V: 2019 - September, 2021).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:RAV4
Generation:III (XA30, facelift 2008)
Modification (Engine):2.0 VVT-i (158 Hp)
Start of production:April, 2008
End of production:May, 2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:158 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:79.1 Hp/l [195mm less]
Torque:198 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:3ZR-FAE More details about the engine 3ZR-FAE
Engine displacement:1998
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:4.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.4 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.2 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.6 kg/Nm, 132 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1500
Max. weight:2070
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:570
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1752 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:586 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted towbar download:80 kg
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:20°
Wading depth:300 mm
Length:4415 mm mm [195mm less]
Width:1815 mm mm [49mm less]
Height:1720 mm mm [22mm less]
Wheelbase:2560 mm mm [130mm less]
Ride height (ground clearance):190 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.0 m [above average]
Approach angle:28°
Departure angle:24°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size225/65 R17
Wheel rims size6.5J x 17
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

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