Toyota RAV4 V6 2009 Review

Whatever else Toyotas may be known for, it's rarely about driving involvement, let alone excitement. So it may come as a surprise, even a shock, that when the RAV4 V6 is driven with incisive feet, quick hands and an open mind, you're in for some rather good F-U-N. Yes, the other over-used eff word: Fun. Readily tapped here in a very effective, if slightly naughty, point-and-squirt sort of way.

True to form, when rollicking through roads' interesting bendy bits there's no danger of confusing this Toy-boy with a sportscar for handling agility and finesse. Still, given the elevated height, portly weight and defining chassis/suspension priorities peculiar to all-wheel drive softroaders, it must be said that the RAV4 V6 manages all 'dynamics' duties with trustworthy competency.

What sets this model apart from other RAV4s, and also from whole the legion of urbane-orientated mid-size four-cylinder SUVs, is the engine and the yee-hawingly responsive performance. Few if any four-cylinder models come within the proverbial bull's roar of the RAV4 V6 for instant accelerative gratification -- even the turbocharged Forester and CX-7.

Think 0-100km/h in under 7sec, and 15sec or so for the 400m dash. No problem. All it takes is a firm stab on the pedal and the RAV is outta there, with the ebullient V6 engine and smooth five-speed auto making light work of it.

Better yet, for overtaking and climbing the rolling response is even more urgent. Spur the V6 into action and its usual purr becomes a meaty snarl as the revs surge and the autobox whisks down a gear or two, unleashing an eye-widening thrust that's easily forceful enough to shorten your breath.

The only comparable-size soft-roadies that come within coo-ee of the RAV4 V6's lusty response are the Audi Q5's 3.2 FSI V6 and 3.0 TDI V6, and the 3-litre straight-six petrol and diesel BMW X3s. But while those models have competitively feisty engines, they're much costlier than the Toyota (by at least 20 to 30 grand!) and also 100 to 150kg heavier.

Considered in the ever-important context of price, the RAV's stiffest challenge all round could be its own big bro', the Toyota Kluger. Although the Kluger is a larger package and significantly heavier again, it shares the same powerplant (as do the Aurion and V6 Taragos), and roams the same price ranges as the RAV4 V6 on several levels.

The six-cylinder RAV4 with fewest frills to its CV6 name stumps up at $41,490 (plus the usual dealer and on-road costs). The SX6 variant lists at $46,290, and at the top of the family tree, the ZR6 asks $51,290 before the inevitable other-charges.

While the three versions' mechanical elements are from the same pod, they differ materially in features and equipment. For instance, while the far from impoverished CV6 boasts a full complement of airbags, traction control, stability control, descent control, cargo net, two-way steering wheel adjustability and other such assets, it runs steel wheels (17-inchers) and has a single-disc CD player.

The SX6 steps up a notch with alloy 17s, Bluetooth, CD stacker, auto headlights and electric sunroof among its extra attractions. To which the ZR6 (as tested) adds leather trim, sat-nav, heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, audio/video DVD faculty, and more. Plush is the word that comes to mind.

So, fear not, our ZR6 week went most comfortably, thank you. It went reasonably economically too, for the test's 11.1L/100km average (on standard 91RON octane, as a bonus) is within sight of the RAV4 V6's official 10.6L/100km consumption number.

At the heart of it is one of this era's most highly regarded engines. Ably transmitted by the RAV's five-speed auto and on-demand all-wheel-drive system, the 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6's grunty 201kW power and 333Nm torque help explain the 1655kg wagon's effervescent mumbo. Prompt delivery guaranteed.

One isn't compelled to exploit the V6's power of course. To keep conservative pulse rates out of the red, the engine is perfectly happy any- and everywhere from idle to over 6000rpm.

Cruising, the V6 just lopes along at more than 50km/h per thousand revs; doing barely 2000 rpm for 110 clicks. But there are always overtaking and other needy occasions when the V6's commandingly vigorous acceleration is exactly what's wanted.

By the same token, the RAV's rush sometimes invites deployment simply because its butt-kickin' can-do feeling is a real hoot, and almost irresistibly more-ish.  Yet even when pedalled with verve, the ZR6 sustains its sense of refinement and dynamic decorum. The test ZR6's only drivetrain blemish was a light, though persistent, whine audible whenever using power, but absent during overrun.

In most respects the RAV4 V6 is a pretty handy way to go places, for the driving's as accommodating as the cabin. Although the electrically assisted steering gives little feel for the road, it's quite responsive (around 2.8 turns lock to lock) and generally well weighted. The brakes are amply arresting for on-road driving, while the push-button downhill engine/brake control adds surety on loose or slippery steep descents.

Hard cornering body-roll is well contained by the RAV's disciplined suspension. It's sufficiently firm that while the leanings are noticeable, the transitions aren't sloppy, nor the roll angles excessive. At the same time, the ride quality is nicely comforting with generously cushy absorption of bumps large and small.

To its credit, the RAV also changes direction with confidence. In corners, the chassis settles securely and co-operatively with a very real sense of front-rear balance. Although the handling's understeer is ingrained, the roadholding is respectably adhesive for the well planted tyres grip strongly, only emitting mildly scruffy squeals when severely provoked.

From the helm, the ZR6 lives up to its range-topper status. Relative opulence is evident wherever you look and touch. The views forward and to front three-quarters are noticeably better than in many SUVs, the Kluger included.

As a rule the ZR6's furnishings and features are all you'd expect. Still, the cabin can't escape a few quibbles, including door armrests that are hard-ly welcoming to sharp elbows.

While the instrument dials are eye-catchingly graphic, the info displays in the speedometer and atop the centre console appear a bit bargain-basement due to spindly black digits on a watery orange background. And why is there no indication when the cruise control is 'set'? Must be cheaper that way.

Moving beyond the reasonably roomy splitfold rear seat, you get good-size boot space, said to be 540-litres worth. Following RAV4 tradition, the side-hinged tailgate is still questionable when parked on a steep camber and/or too close to something behind. A wind-down tailgate window would help.

The rear-mounted spare wheel benefits boot space in two ways -- even though the floor is lower than usual, it covers a useful 90-litre compartment. Also, the above-average floor-to-roof height means the RAV accepts upright pushbikes and such more readily than nominally larger boots but shallower cavities, like the Kluger's.

Count that as another plus-point among the many plausible reasons why the functional, personable and entertainingly driveable RAV4 V6 deserves earnest consideration. The V6 engine not only stands the RAV4 apart from its four-cylinder peers, but also means it punches above its weight and station in any company.

Added to which, it's Fun. Not your usual Toyota, then.

Price guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $51,290 (automatic transmission only)
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): metallic paint $350
Crash rating: not tested
Fuel: Standard, 91 RON
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 10.5
CO2 emissions (g/km): 246

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0