The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), available in three trim levels: base ($21,250), Sport ($22,825) and Limited ($23,505). For those prices you get front-wheel drive; a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline-4; and a four-speed automatic transmission. All V6 RAV4s come with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
All three trim levels are available with a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 and five-speed automatic transmission, and when so equipped MSRPs are as follows: base ($23,285), Sport ($24,740), and Limited ($25,420). Any of these is available with full-time all-wheel drive ($1,400).
Standard features for all RAV4s include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, MP3/WMA capability, and auxiliary input jack; power windows; power foldable mirrors; keyless-remote locking; 60/40 split second-row seats with manual recline and for-and-aft adjustment; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; three 12-volt power outlets; rear privacy glass; and auto-off headlights. The base four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels. All models come with a full-size spare tire.
Options at the base level include a third-row seat ($950), which also adds Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) to four-cylinder models; an in-dash, six-CD changer ($200); a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel ($120) and aluminum ($440-560); cargo cover ($140); roof rack with crossbars ($220); daytime running lights ($40); engine immobilizer ($60); and a towing package for the V6 ($160) that includes a heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission oil cooler, and 150-amp alternator. The tow package increases the RAV4's pulling capacity from 2000 to 3500 pounds.
The RAV4 Sport adds a handling-tuned suspension and P235/55R18 tires on alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, a roof rack with cross bars, heated outside mirrors; color-keyed trim outside and unique charcoal fabric inside. Options expand to include a JBL premium stereo with nine speakers, a six-CD changer, XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel controls ($890); and a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($900). But the third-row seat is not offered on the Sport.
The Limited model upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver seat, six-CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob, cargo area net and tonneau cover, full-hard spare tire cover, the new engine immobilizer, and other amenities. Outside, Limited is distinguished by a chrome grille and P225/65R17 tires on six-spoke alloy wheels; and a full, hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($700-810, depending on engine and drive combination), leather upholstery ($1,050), heated front seats ($440), plus the same JBL stereo ($640) and sunroof available on Sport. A rear-seat entertainment system ($1,705) is available only on Limited V6.
Safety features on all RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), and a tire pressure monitor.