Toyota RAV4 III (XA30, facelift 2008) 2.0 VVT-i (158 Hp) 4WD


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 (~9.6 l/100km). With a weight of 1550 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 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) 4WD Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a versatile driving experience with the added traction of 4WD, though performance is modest.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is slightly higher due to the 4WD system, making it less efficient than its FWD counterpart.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Winter Conditions / Light Off-road

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) 4WD
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:9.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.5 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.8 kg/Hp, 101.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 127.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1550
Max. weight:2070
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:520
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 permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
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

Your first impression of the Toyota RAV4 in one word? Go!