[ronjdv]

Hello! My wife and I are looking to buy a used RAV4 in this generation, probably between 2007-2012. As you know they look very similar from the outside in this body style, so what are the differences?

What changes did Toyota make (good or bad) in the RAV4 from 2007 to 2008? What changes from 2008 to 2009? and so on... up to 2012.

I am mostly interested in safety features, but I would love to know any and all changes.

Here are some examples of what we would be deciding between:
2012 RAV4 base model w/ 42k miles
2011 RAV4 base model w/ 70k miles
2010 RAV4 Limited w/ 70k miles
2009 RAV4 Limited w/68k miles
2008 RAV4 Limited w/100k miles
2007 RAV4 Limited w/ 52k miles

It's easy to make a decision looking at the number of miles, or whether it's a Limited, Sport or base model, the features each one includes, but I want to know about the things I can't see.

One example is that I read somewhere the 2009 has a 2.5 4-cylinder engine. This was an improvement over the previous model's 2.4 engine.

Thank you,
Ron

 

[RTexasF]

The 2.4l engine is a known oil burner/user, not all but most. I would stay clear of that were it me. The 2.5 has proven to be reliable without any major problems. That would be 2009 forward. You don't mention which engine on any of the above choices. Are you wanting four cylinder or V-6? All wheel drive or front wheel drive?

 

[ronjdv]

I don't think it matters to us 4-cylinder or V-6, and we would definitely want 4WD/AWD

 

[vanib]

Checkout this post: http://www.rav4world.com/forums/96-4-3-general/154273-differences-10-11-12-a-post1511154.html

 

[Canon101]

If it does not matter to you about a 4 or 6 cylinder then get the V6. It is a power house in this vehicle with a very limited difference in fuel economy (I have heard as little as 1mpg). This way you are not limited with what you can do with the Rav down the road.

 

[JuneBug]

Hello! My wife and I are looking to buy a used RAV4 in this generation, probably between 2007-2012. As you know they look very similar from the outside in this body style, so what are the differences?

The most changes occurred in the 2006 model year, and again in in 2009. You can read about the changes at this link:

http://www.rav4world.com/forums/104-r4w-members-only/60448-mods-maintenance-pdfs.html

Where you will find this: New RAV4 Features: 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011 - 2012

 

[ronjdv]

Thank you all!