Name: 2008 Toyota RAV4
Brand: Toyota

Toyota RAV4

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2008 Compact SUVs Ratings

2008 Toyota RAV4

$7,000 - $7,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

$3,500 - $4,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2008 Dodge Nitro

$4,725 - $5,425

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

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2008 Ford Escape

$4,200 - $5,050

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

$4,200 - $5,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda CR-V

$6,625 - $7,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Element

$6,825 - $7,575

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Tucson

$3,400 - $4,825

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti EX

$5,525 - $5,925

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Compass

$3,625 - $4,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Liberty

$4,575 - $5,175

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Patriot

$3,675 - $4,250

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Wrangler

$9,400 - $11,600

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Sorento

$4,350 - $5,775

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Sportage

$4,475 - $4,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda Tribute

$4,525 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercury Mariner

$3,750 - $5,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,350 - $5,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Rogue

$4,050 - $4,400

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Xterra

$5,025 - $6,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Torrent

$4,100 - $4,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Vue

$4,200 - $4,625

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Forester

$4,700 - $6,500

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$3,950 - $5,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

$12,650 - $13,275

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Model History

2019-

Current Generation

The popular RAV4 was redesigned for 2019, with new proportions and a more-rugged appearance. The standard 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers relatively quick acceleration. The hybrid version feels energetic, with the electric drive producing immediate and quiet motivation from a standstill. There’s limited lean when taking corners and responsive steering, but the RAV4’s ride is stiff and a little jumpy, and the noisy engine hurts the driving experience. All-wheel-drive versions allow the driver to select modes to optimize traction on sand or mud. Fuel economy is commendable at 27 mpg overall for the non-hybrid version. The hybrid model gets an impressive 37 mpg. Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard, but no Android Auto until 2020. Toyota’s Safety Sense safety and driver assist suite is standard, and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. For 2021 a plug-in hybrid version, called RAV4 Prime will be offered. The Prime has 302 combined hp and AWD is standard. Toyota says the Prime can travel about 42 miles on electric power. A new Woodland Edition was introduced for 2023, highlighted by different suspension tuning, unique interior and interior trim bits, special wheels, and chunky all-terrain tires. All 2023 models also came standard with an updated infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are no longer available for 2025. The plug-in hybrid version is no longer called Prime and is instead badged with the acronym, PHEV.

2016-2018

2016 Redesign Year

Freshened for 2016, the cabin is quieter; the ride is smoother; and offers a frugal hybrid version. The energetic 2.5-liter four-cylinder and smooth six-speed automatic returned 24 mpg overall in our tests of an AWD version. The hybrid version gets a terrific 31 mpg overall. Handling is responsive and very secure. Inside, the controls are clear and intuitive. The 2016 RAV4 offered a suite of advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking which became standard equipment from 2017 on.

2013-2015

2013 Redesign Year

This version of the RAV4 is roomy and versatile, as well as a wise choice as a used car. The 2012 to 2015 vintage handles nimbly and gets 24 mpg in the AWD version. But the ride is a bit stiff and the cabin is rather loud. Most versions are XLE, which adds auto climate control and a sunroof. For a power seat and lumbar support you'd have to get the Limited. The 2.5-liter engine is quite energetic and the transmission shifts smoothly. Controls are clear and easy to use, access is easy and the rear seat is roomy.

2006-2012

2006 Redesign Year

RAV4s from 2006 to 2012 had a side swinging rear gate, which is cumbersome. They also offered an optional V6 that was smooth and powerful as well as an optional third row seat. Rear seat accommodations are roomy and the cargo area is generous. Don't expect crash safety to be as up to snuff as more recent RAV4s, but stability control is standard. Responsive handling and a fairly comfortable ride made it easy to drive. Controls are also very user friendly, including the ability to pair a phone via Bluetooth.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

Avoid buying a RAV4 older than the 2004 model year, as they lack electronic stability control. Otherwise, the RAV4s of that vintage have nimble handling and compact dimensions that made them fun to drive and very maneuverable. Ride comfort and noise isolation were ok for the time but not a match for newer versions. A side swinging door makes loading and unloading rather cumbersome and doesn't shelter from rain. Rear seat room and cargo volume are modest.

1996-2000

1996 Redesign Year

Introduced for the 1996 model year, the original RAV4 ranked among the best of the small, car-based SUVs. Available in both two- and four-door versions, it delivers carlike driving manners and a comfortable ride, though noise from the driveline can be intrusive. On the down side, the engine isn't very strong, the rear seat is tight, and cargo room is scant.

Toyota RAV4

2008 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2008 Compact SUVs Ratings