2009 Toyota RAV4

BILL PETRO PHOTO

The 2009 Toyota RAV4 has an upgraded 2.5 L four-cylinder engine that puts out more horsepower and torque.

Michael Banovsky

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

windermere–You can tell when all the pieces fall into place with a vehicle. Not just the model itself, but everything – from where it's built down to the buying habits of consumers. This sort of synergy is needed if the 2009 Toyota RAV4 hopes to stave off CUVs in Canada's most competitive vehicle segment.

The vehicle you see here is the most interesting choice in the RAV4 range, the Sport four-cylinder – with an upgraded suspension as well as an all-new engine, at a price just above $30,000.

Toyota acknowledges the market has shifted to an almost 50/50 split between four-and six-cylinder sales in the small sport-utility class, and expects it to move closer to 60 per cent of sales in favour of the four pot. Look for more upscale options to start appearing on the more fuel-efficient four-cylinder models as the trend continues across the segment.

There are now 14 different packages for the RAV4, encompassing both four-and six-cylinder models. That's 40 per cent more choice, according to Toyota. Previously, the vehicles were built in Japan and shipped here, where certain options were then added at the port of entry into Canada.

This single change elevates the vehicle above many of its competitors in the class, including the Honda CR-V. Why? The CR-V offers only five factory packages. If you're willing to wait for exactly the truck you want, Toyota simply offers more choice.

But Honda still makes for good competition, because its interior shows more attention to detail, and its standard five-speed transmission helps highway fuel economy. The CR-V's handling is more car-like, and its two-level rear load compartment is great for separating shopping.

A segment newcomer, the Subaru Forester, is also worth a look because of its rugged design, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and lower entry price. It's also one of the few vehicles in its class that still offers a manual transmission; the Ford Escape and Suzuki Grand Vitara are others.

One of the welcome tweaks for the RAV4 this year is a standard meter that instantly shows the fuel consumption.

Not that the new 2.5 L four-cylinder motor really requires a light foot, but it's important to be reminded of your lead-footed tendencies from time to time.

Power is up 13 from 166 horsepower, torque has been improved, and the all-new motor is more efficient, benefiting from variable valve timing and a variable-length intake system.

The motor is bolted to a four-speed automatic transmission that can be locked in four-wheel-drive via a dash-mounted switch. It doesn't turn the RAV4 into a Baja bruiser, but the button is nice to have.

Another improvement for 2009 is standard electric power steering, which takes a considerable load off the motor, helping to improve efficiency and road feel.

Also included are whiplash-reducing active front-seat restraints, activated when a person slides into the seat. A mechanism then brings the headrest forward and up to catch their head, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries. Apparently, the system costs about $70 per seat – which begs the question of why they're not standard on every seat.

Other standard safety gear includes six airbags, three-point lap and shoulder belts, child seat anchors, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist (to assist a driver who has not pressed the pedal far enough during a panic stop), and electronic brake force distribution (to maximize stopping power by using the tires with the most grip).

Inside, little is changed from previous RAV4s. Simple controls, comfort-oriented cockpit, and soft-touch surfaces mean it's a comfortable place. An optional extra in some models is a rear camera that uses the rearview mirror as the monitor when reversing. Neat.

Also impressive on five-passenger models is the two-tier rear-load floor that could seemingly accommodate a Yaris. Seven passenger seating is an option.

On the downside, the truck has a few foibles.

First, the centre armrest's hinge is relatively flimsy and flexes quite a bit once opened. Second, without the rear cargo cover, the empty space aft of the rear seats amplifies road noise and can make conversing with the front-seat passengers difficult.

And while the Sport model's suspension and large wheels improve handling (and looks), on some highway surfaces I noticed a bouncy ride – not too great for sipping a double-double at speed.

Because the new CUV will be built at the company's all-new Woodstock, Ont. plant, the vehicles are trucked directly to dealerships across the continent. Meaning, of course, that there's no time to add features before it shows up on a dealer lot. It also means that greater choice of factory-equipped options.

The truck I drove was equipped with a package that adds leather, a power driver seat, and heated front seats, bumping its price to $32,280. That number compares with others similarly equipped in its class, like the Honda CR-V EX-L for $35,190, Ford Escape XLT with leather for $28,894, and the Nissan Rogue SL AWD "Leather Package" for $32,998.

For the power-hungry, you can upgrade to a 269-horsepower six-cylinder RAV4, starting at $29,100 – a near-$5,000 premium over the base motor.

In all, it's a compelling refresh for one of the most popular models in a saturated market. The fact it will be assembled in Canada makes it that much more appealing.

Travel was provided to freelance writer Michael Banovsky by the automaker. banovsky.com

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