2008 RAV4 V6 vs RAV4 4I

[Monopoly]

I'm going to buy RAV4 2008 soon. I consider RAV4 Limited but not sure with 4cyl or V6. Could you please advise pros and con of V6 and 4I ? I'm living in Edmonton.

Thanks

[jcon]

V6 more money but better fuel economy. Towing capacity of 3500lbs.

I4 - Cheaper. More expensive on gas (go figure). Much less towing.



Most people find the I4 easy to drive with loads of power, but if you want to tow, you may as well go with the V6. The fuel difference is minimal but still there.

Drive both, see which engine you prefer.

[Drew_W]

Not surprising the I4 is worse on gas. It has to be pushed harder to move the car, so it wastes more gas. The V6 can move the car without breaking a sweat and without being worked hard at all, so because it's being driven conservatively, it'll give you better economy.

[seftonm]

Not surprising the I4 is worse on gas. It has to be pushed harder to move the car, so it wastes more gas. The V6 can move the car without breaking a sweat and without being worked hard at all, so because it's being driven conservatively, it'll give you better economy.
Generally, the more an engine is pushed, the more efficient it becomes in terms of brake specific fuel consumption. So the smaller engine is usually more fuel efficient at making the same amount of power because it is working harder. In the case of the RAV4, the V6 gets similar ratings to the I4 because it has one more gear than the I4.

[ES_Revenge]

Generally, the more an engine is pushed, the more efficient it becomes in terms of brake specific fuel consumption. So the smaller engine is usually more fuel efficient at making the same amount of power because it is working harder. In the case of the RAV4, the V6 gets similar ratings to the I4 because it has one more gear than the I4.

How does this make sense? So you're saying that redlining an engine before every shift, all the time will net you better fuel economy than short-shifting and getting into higher gears more quickly?

Or you're saying that if you take a car and load it up with sandbags/bricks in the trunk and people in the car, it's going to get better fuel economy than if it only had the driver and was otherwise empty?

Or are you saying something else? :confused:

[Monopoly]

In RAV4 brochue, it says:

Fuel Consumption rating:
City/Hi/Combined :

1. L/100 km

4I: 10.1/7.7/9.0
V6: 11.1/7.7/9.6

2. mpg

4I: 28/37/31
V6: 25/37/29

So V6 get more gas, right ?

[jcon]

Yes, normal city driving, the I4 will yield better fuel economy.

[seftonm]

How does this make sense? So you're saying that redlining an engine before every shift, all the time will net you better fuel economy than short-shifting and getting into higher gears more quickly?

Or you're saying that if you take a car and load it up with sandbags/bricks in the trunk and people in the car, it's going to get better fuel economy than if it only had the driver and was otherwise empty?

Or are you saying something else? :confused:
I am saying that an engine running at high throttle with high cylinder pressures to make a certain amount of horsepower generally consumes less fuel than an engine running at low throttle making the same power. The most efficient engine RPM is usually around 2000. Look at a BSFC map to see what I mean:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/climatechange/subgroups1/vehicle_technology/study2/Final_report/image/Final_27.gif

[ES_Revenge]

I am saying that an engine running at high throttle with high cylinder pressures to make a certain amount of horsepower generally consumes less fuel than an engine running at low throttle making the same power. The most efficient engine RPM is usually around 2000.
Ah. Yes that certainly makes sense, but it has little practical value IMO because people don't drive their cars to get set horsepower outputs.

It's not like you are going to drive the 4cyl version to get 95hp on average and then drive the V6 one to get the exact same average hp and then say "okay the 4cyl is more efficient". Sure that may be true but it's going to be next to impossible to drive the vehicle to get a certain hp output. Nevermind the hundreds of other varaibles/differences in the two models that may affect the overall fuel economy.

Fuel economy ratings are based (or are supposed to be based) on regular driving conditons and regular people driving, not some crazed robot looking for exact hp output, lol. :P

[meecha]

just bought an 08 rav limited. i went with the v6 because it only uses a little more gas, and you get a lot of extra power. the v6 is really fast. couldn't really see why to go with the i4 when the v6 gets pretty much the same gas.

[seftonm]

Fuel economy ratings are based (or are supposed to be based) on regular driving conditons and regular people driving, not some crazed robot looking for exact hp output, lol. :P
Fuel economy tests simulate regular driving conditions through a standard test, where acceleration rates and steady state speeds are the same for all vehicles. Look up FTP75, and HWFET if you are interested. Since the RAV4 V6 and 4-cyl weigh approximately the same and have similar drag coefficients, the horsepower at any given instant during the test will be very close to identical between the V6 and 4-cyl.

How fast I accelerate and drive does not depend on how much power I have available but rather the traffic conditions, so I would use similar amounts of power regardless of whether my RAV4 had a V6 or I4. Maybe people in Toronto drive differently? I don't know.

[ricky13579]

i just got a v6 sports as well. i like it.. the RPM is pretty low most of the time, even when the car was going uphill or accelerating.

V6 for sure.

[henry495]

I recently test drove the Sport V6 because the Limited V6 was unavailable while I was there. I got a brochure and one of things I noticed is that for some reason the turning circle is 2 ft bigger for V6 compared to inline 4.

Does anyone know why?

Also has anyone try parking the V6 vs inline4 to see whether there is noticeable difference?

[kenbong]

Just picked up my 2008 V6 Limited a couple of months ago. For the minimal amount of extra gas it uses over the V4, I'd say go for it. It's torquey as hell and moves surprisingly fast. My only "complaint" is that the throttle isn't as linear as I think it should be. It's a bit hard to have a smooth takeoff (eg. from a stoplight) with the V6.

[vickyvictoria]

i don't want to work... i want to bang on my drums all day..... :cheesygri

[Dat_Nammer]

I'm planning to buy an 2008 Rav4... I went to the dealership and asked for the Limited 4-cyl. They tried to sell me one for CDN: $36,400.:( For those of you who purchased a Limited V6, can you tell me how much you paid? Assuming it was in Canadian dollars... I want an idea of how much I can pay for a V6. If anyone has purchased a 4-cyl I would like to know how much you paid as well. Thanks.

[meecha]

wow that seems like a lot. is that with taxes in, or are taxes on top? i paid atleast $2000 less than that, and that was before the new price drop last month and a v6 limited b package

[bionicbadger]

Drive both, see which engine you prefer.

I don't know anyone that would prefer the I4 based solely on driving. The reason to get the I4 is always financial: its cheaper initially and cheaper on gas.

[new_vr]

I don't know anyone that would prefer the I4 based solely on driving. The reason to get the I4 is always financial: its cheaper initially and cheaper on gas.

I have read one review, I forget from where though, where they complained of torque steer in the v6, and thus preferred the i4.

[B0000rt]

I have read one review, I forget from where though, where they complained of torque steer in the v6, and thus preferred the i4.

Umm, the vehicle is 4WD so when, if any torque steer starts to happen, the rear wheels will kick and, and start a power slide ;)

For American prices reference sake, I paid $27,700 out the door in New Jersey for a 2007 Sport V6 4WD w/ Sunroof & 6CD changer in August of 2007, and no, I haven't imported it yet.

[mr_raider]

I recently test drove the Sport V6 because the Limited V6 was unavailable while I was there. I got a brochure and one of things I noticed is that for some reason the turning circle is 2 ft bigger for V6 compared to inline 4.

Does anyone know why?

Does the V6 have bigger wheels? It may get less clearance for turns.

Most likely the RAV4 is a modified FWD platform. It probably has tranverse mounted engine and transaxle, with some kind of torque transfer to rear wheels in case of slippage. The larger engine and larger transaxle may take up more space in the front of the car, allowing less space for the wheel to turn.

[Dat_Nammer]

wow that seems like a lot. is that with taxes in, or are taxes on top? i paid atleast $2000 less than that, and that was before the new price drop last month and a v6 limited b package

Did you buy yours in Ontario, Canada? The salesmen tried to sell me a 4-cyl Limited MSRP was 29 something plus tax, same as pricing on Toyota website which was dropped. After all the charges he said it was $36,400. It sounded like a ripped so we said bye.

[evolution921]

I'd say get the V6. I haven't driven either RAV4 before, but I've driven a 4cyl Camry, which I believe use the same engine (diff power figure, so i'm not sure). Anyways, it felt underpower hauling a 4200 lb car, I can imagine it to be worst for a 4500 lb truck. On the other hand, I've also driven the V6 Camry, which looks like the same engine as well. It accelerate with much more authority, and I certainly don't feel that it struggle on the highway.

[rogerfan]

4cyl is enough for the city drive.
If somebody has rav4 4cyl base model with leather options and share to me, I will highly appreciate. Thanks.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Umm, the vehicle is 4WD so when, if any torque steer starts to happen, the rear wheels will kick and, and start a power slide ;)

For American prices reference sake, I paid $27,700 out the door in New Jersey for a 2007 Sport V6 4WD w/ Sunroof & 6CD changer in August of 2007, and no, I haven't imported it yet.

Why would the rear wheels "kick in"? Torque steer is caused by unequal length drive shafts and suspension "slop", not wheel slip, and the RAV4 doesn't have full time AWD/torque split.

Full time AWD "prevents" torque steer by simply never delivering more than 50% (or whatever) of the torque to the front wheels.

You can simulate the I4 on the V6 by not stepping on the gas so much - you'll be slower and have no torque steer, just like an I4. :lol:

[B0000rt]

Why would the rear wheels "kick in"? Torque steer is caused by unequal length drive shafts and suspension "slop", not wheel slip, and the RAV4 doesn't have full time AWD/torque split.

Full time AWD "prevents" torque steer by simply never delivering more than 50% (or whatever) of the torque to the front wheels.

You can simulate the I4 on the V6 by not stepping on the gas so much - you'll be slower and have no torque steer, just like an I4. :lol:
RAV does have VSC so if the vehicle was torque steering without any steering angle input, it would compensate by engaging the rear wheels, or braking whatever it calculates...

Besides, you can lock the 4WD on the RAV by pressing the 4WD Lock button which will enable full time mode until 25mph :D

[ES_Revenge]

RAV does have VSC so if the vehicle was torque steering without any steering angle input, it would compensate by engaging the rear wheels, or braking whatever it calculates...
Torque steer does not necessarily create an "incorrect" yaw (or under/oversteer) situation though, so stability control will do nothing for you. If stability intervened on torque steer it would also intervene anytime you were turning on a road that wasn't exactly level (e.g. a banked turn/ramp on a highway) because the vehicle will be turning more than the steering angle provides for. That certainly isn't the case. Stability control systems do indeed use steering angle information but they don't intervene based on your rate of turn, they intervene based on the vehicle yawing excessively/unintentionally/in the wrong direction.

Besides, you can lock the 4WD on the RAV by pressing the 4WD Lock button which will enable full time mode until 25mph :D
An option to lock the diff (or whatever the "lock" button does), sure, but there's reasons you don't always want to do that either. At least it disengages automatically though so you can't forget to turn it off--that's good.

[Derfel]

Wait a minute - when did the RAV4 stop being 100% 4WD? My 2005 is always in 4WD mode...

[ES_Revenge]

Wait a minute - when did the RAV4 stop being 100% 4WD? My 2005 is always in 4WD mode...
He probably means the system is reactive instead of preventative/"proactive". Probably why he said "torque split" on there as well? I'm not sure exactly what components make up the RAV4s AWD system so I can't be sure, but that's what it sounds like he meant anyway.

What's also silly is that Toyota calls it "4WD" when it's actually an AWD system, but they seem to do that as a company policy (same thing on the Highlander for example), so at least it's consistent I guess.

[Derfel]

From the RAV4 FAQ:

If you have a 2-Wheel-Drive RAV4, then it is powered by the front
wheels only.

If you have 4WD, a full-time system puts power down to all four wheels
at all times. Some refer to this as an "all-wheel drive" system, rather
than 4WD, but AWD usually refers to "reactive" systems that delay
transfer of power until after slip is detected. The RAV4 drive system
is most correctly called "Full-time 4 wheel drive." It is reported that
25% of the engine power is normally sent to each wheel.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

That FAQ is talking about the older generation RAV4, which may very well have have been full time AWD. According to the Toyota site the current generation is not.

[Derfel]

I guess I might be buying out my lease on my 2005 then. All-time 4WD has been awesome, and I'd hate to lose it.

[new_vr]

I guess I might be buying out my lease on my 2005 then. All-time 4WD has been awesome, and I'd hate to lose it.

If you are really worried about your awd, get an audi or a subaru. Otherwise, I don't think the new generation will be that much worse then the old one.

[bionicbadger]

I guess I might be buying out my lease on my 2005 then. All-time 4WD has been awesome, and I'd hate to lose it.

Honda "real time" 4WD isn't that great. You can see tests here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

Its a subaru propaganda video, but it does make a point, and shows how other AWD systems behave.

[RiceKing]

I test drove both the 2008 Rav4 and Outlander 4 cylinder models. With 5small to medium sized adults in the vehicles. They both were terrible to get moving from a stop.

The V6 comes with a 5 speed auto, HAC and DAC.

Decided on a 2008 Rav4 base with 6 cylinder. $30,300 out the door from Mayfield Toyota Edmonton (July 2008).

CarCost Canada invoice price before PDI, air tax, tire tax etc:

2008 Rav4 Base 4 cylinder: $24,100
2008 Rav4 Base 6 cylinder: $26,403
2008 Outlander ES 4 cylinder: $24,963 (-$750 gas cards and $1000 Dealer Diamond Trading Dollars. WestSide Mitsu charges $399 doc fee!)

Rice

[mr_raider]

Honda "real time" 4WD isn't that great. You can see tests here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

Its a subaru propaganda video, but it does make a point, and shows how other AWD systems behave.

And whether it is applicable to real world driving is up for debate. If all you need is a little help getting up the hill in snow, anything is fine.

[irish80ca]

I'm getting a 2008 RAV4 in another few weeks when the lease runs up on my current Saturn (boooooo Saturn).

Anyway, the dealer near me has offered me a 2008 4 cyl. RAV4 Sport Demo Model currently with 13,000kms on it. It's in excellent shape.

They want $465/month taxes inc. for a 4 year lease with a buy out of $12,900 plus taxes.

OR

$610/month for 5 years to buy it.

From what I read the isn't sounding like much of a hot deal... I wanted to keep my monthly payment at no more than $400 if possible.

Anyone know of a better deal? I'm looking in the GTA/Durham Region area.

[ES_Revenge]

From the RAV4 FAQ:

If you have a 2-Wheel-Drive RAV4, then it is powered by the front
wheels only.

If you have 4WD, a full-time system puts power down to all four wheels
at all times. Some refer to this as an "all-wheel drive" system, rather
than 4WD, but AWD usually refers to "reactive" systems that delay
transfer of power until after slip is detected. The RAV4 drive system
is most correctly called "Full-time 4 wheel drive." It is reported that
25% of the engine power is normally sent to each wheel.


Ah so the RAV4, the older one at least does drive all four wheels all the time.

However the rest of that FAQ "answer" is totally wrong. That is and AWD system, not a 4WD system. AWD has nothing to do with it being reactive or preventative, it mainly has to do with it being permanently on/non-defeatable, and also what is used to achieve driving the wheels (differential, coupling, transfer case, etc.). If anything a system that is preventative is even moreso an AWD system than is a reactive one.

[B0000rt]

IF anyone is looking into the 09 RAV4 Front Fascia's been updated, and some other stuff too:
http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17025&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

OOOglay imo.
http://www.rav4world.com/2009_photos/010_2.jpg
http://www.rav4world.com/2009_photos/line_drawing_front.jpg

[cq358]

OH MY,.. the v6 grill has a "GM" feel into it ..just missing a gold bow-tie.sor of like Uplander's little brother :cheesygri .. The new bumper is thicker and mounted lower than the previous one which improve low speed collision protection.

Toyota is pleased to announce the introduction of an all new, 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine. The 2AR-FE will replace the current 2.4L, 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE) in the RAV4. Significant improvements in both power and efficiency have been achieved. The new engine features Dual VVT-i, a variable length intake manifold system (ACIS), a 3-stage variable oil pump and other state-of-the-art, highly efficient, lightweight and clean emission technologies such as Tumble Control Valves (TCV). As a result, horsepower increases by 13hp to 180 and torque improves by 7 lb-ft to 172. In addition to greater performance, a marked improvement in fuel economy has also been achieved. Combined city/highway fuel consumption for the 2.5L equipped RAV4 is rated at 8.6L/100km. (9.7l city 7.2l highway) This represents a 4.4% improvement over the 2008MY RAV4 equipped with the outgoing 2.4L engine.

With 180hp, the new 2.5L will have the highest horsepower rating among naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder equipped models in the segment. In addition, the 4-cylinder equipped RAV4 will also be one of the most fuel efficient, non-hybrid Compact SUV's in the market.

However, the 4 speed auto will be carried over for the 4 cylinder models.

[cq358]

:arrowu:

[karrie_bearrie]

I don't know anyone that would prefer the I4 based solely on driving. The reason to get the I4 is always financial: its cheaper initially and cheaper on gas.

I must agree with the above, that is why we didn't buy the V6 engine. We figured it doesn't make sense to throw in a few more grand to race off to the next traffic light or traffic jam in that matter. The I4 base was good enough for us!

[Drew_W]

I must agree with the above, that is why we didn't buy the V6 engine. We figured it doesn't make sense to throw in a few more grand to race off to the next traffic light or traffic jam in that matter. The I4 base was good enough for us!

You can push the V6 throttle lighter to give you the same ooomph off the line as the I4. It also makes engine noise quieter, and gives you better highway passing performance without revving the engine up to 4-5k as you'd have to with the I4. There are ways to drive a V6 almost as economically as an I4, with the aforementioned fringe benefits.

[ES_Revenge]

You can push the V6 throttle lighter to give you the same ooomph off the line as the I4. It also makes engine noise quieter, and gives you better highway passing performance without revving the engine up to 4-5k as you'd have to with the I4. There are ways to drive a V6 almost as economically as an I4, with the aforementioned fringe benefits.

But in this case the V6 is already better on gas than the I4 vehicle, so you don't even need to drive it any different than "normal" to beat the ages old 4cyl they are using. However the new I4 for 09 is a different story as posted by someone above.

What I'd like to see is the difference in insurance, as the V6 has a whopping 280hp.

[Drew_W]

But in this case the V6 is already better on gas than the I4 vehicle, so you don't even need to drive it any different than "normal" to beat the ages old 4cyl they are using. However the new I4 for 09 is a different story as posted by someone above.

What I'd like to see is the difference in insurance, as the V6 has a whopping 280hp.

In insurance? I did some quotes on Camry I4 and V6, and the V6 came out cheaper (you can try this on belair's website).

Interesting that Toyota developed a new engine for this. Wondering if it'll make its way into other vehicles (like the underpowered Camry compared to the Accord) for '10.

[mr_raider]

In insurance? I did some quotes on Camry I4 and V6, and the V6 came out cheaper (you can try this on belair's website).

Interesting that Toyota developed a new engine for this. Wondering if it'll make its way into other vehicles (like the underpowered Camry compared to the Accord) for '10.

Not a fan of large displacement 4s. Too much vibration, though the low end torque is good to have.

[Drew_W]

Not a fan of large displacement 4s. Too much vibration, though the low end torque is good to have.

Noise is my issue since it has to grumble a fair bit to move a large car.

[B0000rt]

You can push the V6 throttle lighter to give you the same ooomph off the line as the I4. It also makes engine noise quieter, and gives you better highway passing performance without revving the engine up to 4-5k as you'd have to with the I4. There are ways to drive a V6 almost as economically as an I4, with the aforementioned fringe benefits.
The tip in for the 2GR is soo sensitive. It's quite hard to ease it on the V6 as it's electronic throttle is really touchy.

Noise is my issue since it has to grumble a fair bit to move a large car.
If noise is an issue, you don't want the RAV4, not enough sound deadening material, V6 or I4 for that matter heh. Actually the muffler they put on the V6 grumbles alot.