2009 Toyota RAV4 Review: A Fantastic Year For The Dependable Small SUV

Alex Showalter

Jun 7, 2022

The 2009 RAV4 can last over 300,000 miles with only some paint and oil issues. At $8,798 – 13,572, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best compact SUVs.

The Good

Very dependable engines offered, handling is responsive and overall quality is high.

The Bad

Interior materials are cheap, the side-opening tailgate is tricky to load and the third row is cramped.

Is the 2009 Toyota RAV4 a Good Used SUV?

Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews praise the RAV4’s comfortable interior, dependable engines, and safety.
Reliability ratings are excellent. There are some improvements from 2008, and models from 2009-2018 are all good choices.
Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 is very quick for a compact SUV.
The RAV4 is a very safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good, at up to 24 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Dawn H

It will last over 20 years with good care given it

I like the way it rides. The only problem is it is too small inside

Betsy F

Not sure what you mean by 'title of your review'. 2009 rav4. Good vehicle.

There have been no problems with the vehicle other than normal wear and tear. Other than a couple of batteries, a new starter and routine maintenance, it has been an inexpensive vehicle to own. And it has always performed well. It is comfortable, rides well and has plenty of capacity for larger, longer items. It would nice if the average mpg was 30 or higher.

Jim Morrison

Reliability

I put new struts in thd front,sway bar links, and shocks and sway bar links in thd rear. The backing plates on the reaf axle have rusted, and i have new ones to install

Diamond H

It is very spacious and affordable.

I love my vehicle. It has so much space and very nice. Ride so smooth. Never have any problems with it. I never have any complaints. Toyota has really won me over. I will continue to buy with them.

Heather P

2009 silver Toyota rav4 review.

Pros: good on gas, easy to drive, big trunk for traveling, cruise control, spacious, easy to clean, safe to drive, love the silver color, holds it is value, good a/c and heat unit. Cons: radio is going bad, flat spots on tires due to a short SUV style, no Bluetooth, CD does not work anymore, needs an upgraded radio,

george V

Very reliable, no breakdowns.

Rides great. Very comfortable on trips.No issues or complaints.

Joy S

Sturdy family car. Good for hauling and camping. I

Good family car and spacious. Great for camping Love

Ilana K

I can drive from my house to Vegas in one tank of gas. Over 300 miles.

The back of my car squeaks. The radio volume varies. Gets good gas mileage. Comfortable ride. My car has been redesigned.

Negative Owner Reviews

Bert Gregersen

Bent valves and piston damage from loose timing chain

Timing chain loosened and jumped cog to put valve timing off. Bent intake valves and damaged pistons. Engine is a complete write off. Just reached 200, 000 km. Apparently rare occurrence, but I will stay away from this 2.5 litre engine in the future.

Donna Olson

Reliability

At 110,000 miles my rear differential needs to be replaced and it's quite expensive. My vehicle has never been abused. Wondering if this is popular with the Rav4. NOT HAPPY!

Sierra C

The one good thing about the vehicle is the amount of space.

The air went out about 4 months after purchasing it used and needed a new compressor. There are a lot of problems with my power steering. The wiring is very faulty, causing lights to come on and stay on even when there are no problems. Every time I fix one thing on the car, something else goes wrong. Very unreliable.

Ellaine M

Durability and It's brand and the comfortable of it

I like it because it has been our car for 5 years. But not much and I dislike anything

susan m

It has had several recalls that have been very inconvenient.

I like my Rav4. It has had several recall and repaired by Toyota free of cost. The performance of the car is good. It's comfortable but wish it was a little more spacious. I wish it had more drink holders. It could use more leg room but it's not crowded it would just be a little extra luxury. . A little extra space in the very back would also be nice. There is a moderate amount of space we have had pretty much just the normal problems with the vehicle. I've for the most part enjoyed my Rav4.

Shanna M

The amount of compartments are the best.

My car offers a sunroof which is nice for the summer. There are many compartments for storage. It does well in the snow. There is plenty of room in the back for hauling. I also like the racks on top because I can strap my kayak to it. I also like the heated seats.

Julie N

Rav-4: a good car for the money.

It runs well. We like it. One time, it conked out in the middle of an intersection. That wasn't great. But overall, it is gotten a lot of mileage and it is a nice midsize car. We've all driven it, and have always really liked it. Our other cars in the past haven't lasted as long as this one has.

Emily M

It is the best car I have ever owned.

I like how big it is. I hate the look of the vehicle I wish the radio was updated, and I wish it had better gas mileage.

What Do Critics Say About the RAV4?

Consumer Reports says the RAV4 is a great well-rounded package, with above-average owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the RAV4 a 4.4/5 liking the powerful V6, but disliking the budget interior.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the RAV4 4.4/5 and enjoy the low ownership costs, but dislike the low towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Toyota RAV4 Have?

Some common issues found on the RAV4 include peeling paint, high oil consumption, and whining noises coming from the rear end.

Peeling paint is the most common complaint from owners showing up at around 85,000 miles. Paint that isn’t properly cared for will begin to fail, and costs about $1,000 to repaint each panel.

High oil consumption is another issue that shows up at around 125,000 miles. Most Toyota engines consume more oil than other brands to help protect internal parts. Mnay owners simply check their oil regularly and top it off as needed.

A whining sound in the rear happens on some RAV4s at around 80,000 miles. The noise usually comes from the rear differential. Repairing the coupling in the differential costs about $1,500.

There are 15 recalls, with the most serious ones being for rear suspension components, which can increase the risk of an accident if they fail. Most of the other recalls are for window switches.

How Long Will the 2009 Toyota RAV4 Last?

A properly maintained 2009 RAV4 can last over 300,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles longer than rivals like the Nissan Rogue. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to competitors, at $440 per year, according to data from Repair Pal.

Most 2009 RAV4s will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the blower motor for $230, the tie rods costing $150 each, and the wheel speed sensor which costs $450.

Dorothy A

Yes very reliable, the only time I had trouble is when the battery went dead. Otherwise no problems at all.

Anita F

It is a very reliable vehicle. It has not disappointed me in any way. Drives really good and very low maintenance.

Grace M

It is very reliable. No specific problems. Will last as long as you take care of it. Taken many trips with it and never had problems.

Rae M

Nothing beyond normal wear and tear - would buy another one in a heartbeat. Handles great and has been a totally awesome, worry free vehicle.

Lar P

Yes, the RAV4 is a reliable car. No major problems. With regular routine maintenance it runs well.

Chris H

Very reliable. Since owning the vehicle only had to get new brake pads and routine oil changes! Cheap parts to fix.

Rachel I

IT IS RELIABLE AND HAS BEEN USED TO TRAVEL TO BUSINESS TRIPS and other personal vacations without any problems

Jill B

I find the Toyota RAV4 to be very reliable. I've owned it for 10 years. It has about 140,000 miles. Aside from regular maintenance, there have been no major problems.

How Much Is the 2009 Toyota RAV4 Worth?

Blue book values range from $8,798 – 13,572, making the RAV4 around $1,500 more expensive than a Jeep Commander or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $21,500 to $27,810. Depreciation is better than average, losing only about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the RAV4?

There are three models of the RAV4 available. A new infotainment system was added for the 2009 model year, with a complete redesign coming in 2013.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
Cruise Control
AM/FM/CD Stereo With 6-Speakers and 3.5mm AUX

Sport is a step up, adding:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Sport Tuned Suspension
Fog Lights
Black Exterior Trim

Limited is the luxury version and has:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Dual-Zone Climate Control
9-Speaker Premium Stereo With 6-CD Changer

Base

269 HP 21 MPG

View Details

Sport

269 HP 21 MPG

View Details

Ltd

269 HP 21 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the RAV4?

The base engine is an average 2.5L-4-cylinder which makes 179 horsepower and gets up to 24MPG combined.
An available upgrade is a powerful 3.5L V6 making 269 horsepower, which gets up to 22 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking only 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the RAV4 Come In?

How Big Is the RAV4?

The 2009 RAV4 is an average sized compact SUV similar to the Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin and it is one of the only SUVs in its class to offer a third row. Seating in the third row is cramped, and best suited to younger children.

Cargo space is similar to rivals, offering 36.4 cubic feet of room behind the backseats, and up to 73 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

How Does the RAV4 Compare to the Competition?

The Honda CR-V is a popular competitor that costs about $1,000 less. Technology is better in the CR-V, but the RAV4 offers a more powerful engine. We recommend the RAV4 since it lasts a little longer, but both are fantastic compact SUVs.

The Toyota Highlander is another SUV from Toyota costing about $1,000 more. Passenger space and interior materials are nicer in the Highlander, but the RAV4’s compact size makes it better in cities. We recommend the Highlander if you need the room, but otherwise the RAV4 is good.

Ranks #2 Compact SUV by Owners

2009 Land Rover LR3

4.67

Tie

2009 Honda CR-V

4.5

Tie

2009 Toyota RAV4

4.5

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota RAV4?

Dorothy A

Yes, it was purchased used and now has 185000 miles. No problems with it, it has cruise and remote start, which is great in the wintertime.

Anita F

Yes, it is a very good vehicle. I am glad I made the decision to buy it. I have not had a single problem with my car, the only work I put into my car is an oil change.

Grace M

Very good car. Durable and reliable. Perfect size for travel. I am loyal to the make and model. Dependable car.

Rae M

Absolutely! It has given us very little trouble, and what there has been most have been normal wear and tear. Am disappointed that we've had to replace struts - but that has been the only major issue in all these years.

Dan S

Yes! It is a reliable car. It gets decent gas mileage. Repairs have been minimal. Its ride is smooth and it is easy to handle.

Michelle P

It is very good. Very reliable vehicle. Easy ride comfy seating and gets great gas mileage. Don’t care for the tire on the back which the new models do not have. New rav4 are very sharp looking. Would recommend.

Elizabeth A

It is dependable it also has great speed. The parts and motor have longevity. No major breakdowns. It is economical and roomy.

Lisa L

Yes, I agree that the Toyota RAV4 is a good vehicle. It gets decent gas mileage in town and on the highway. It’s a great car for hauling large items with good storage. Also, 4 wheel Drive is a bonus for driving in snow and oversand.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Nancy T on April 3, 2021

It's roomy and big for a SUV, although my model is old, which has a tire in the back, it's a great car!

I love it. It's a SUV, which is higher than a car, and it is roomy.

Susan M on March 30, 2021

I love my RAV4. I bought the model with the more powerful engine and I never have problems accelerating. It's big enough for kids and cargo but not so big that it feels like a tank. My only issue is that there's a blind spot on either side so I have to be careful changing lanes.

For an SUV, it's peppy and somewhat sporty. It's a great size, too.

Alphonse S on March 20, 2021

Its reliable... Its saves on gas... It's the type of car you can depend on not breaking down...

I like my vehicle because its reliable. I haven't had any major issues out of my vehicle. It runs like a champ...

Connie B on March 19, 2021

Excellent SUV for the money.

My car has 126000 miles on it and is still going strong. It has been a very reliable car and I would recommend it totally. There is plenty of room in it for adults even in the back seat. The on issue I have with it is the low quality of the paint job. It has bubbled up and peeled in areas on the hood of the car. Even with that I would buy again.

christina h on March 17, 2021

Toyota Rav4 is super reliable!

My Toyota Rav 4 has been a great car. I purchased it used with less than 100,000 miles on it and am now at 149,000. The shocks need to be replaced but overall have not had to do to much more than normal maintenance.

Nancy K on March 15, 2021

With the 6 cylinder engine it has a lot more power then a 4 cylinder.

It is the perfect size for me. It is a 6 cylinder with 4 wheel drive and it has a lot of get up and go.

janet w on March 15, 2021

It is dependable. It seems to always go with no engine problems,

It is the right size SUV, not too big. Has good storage room. It is roomy for passengers.Gets good gas mileage.

grace M on March 12, 2021

Very reliable and durable.

This car is very durable and versatile. I have had this vehicle for 10 years and have not have had major problems with it just the yearly oil change and other little stuff like that. Very reliable. I take it on long trips all the time. Very good mileage.

Holly G on March 7, 2021

Perfect for everyday commute with great handling and ample space.

My 2009 rav4 is a great vehicle. It has everything I need and want in a vehicle. I am single with no children and do not transport other people, so I often keep the second row seating folded down, creating a large trunk space. It has ample room for my hockey equipment, gym bag, groceries, and more. Living in New England, this vehicle handles well in the snow with the 4-wheel-drive option. However, I did not realize before purchasing that the 4wd option automatically shuts off if you drive above 20 mph. Despite this, it handles pretty well in sleek conditions above 20 mph. Seating is very comfortable, visibility is great, and the overall feel of the drive is smooth. Great little SUV!

Maria S on March 3, 2021

The thing I like about my Toyota RAV4 is the spare tire on the back.

I have had my RAV4 almost 10 years and really had no major issues at all other than just general maintenance things you know like oil changes, tires, and a new battery. It has a lot of room and I really like how it rides. It is a great car. The only thing I would have had that do not have is a sunroof. Had that on my other car and I miss it on my Toyota.

james G on February 23, 2021

Tried and True Toyota Rav4

It's in fairly good shape for an older car. Most recent work involved removing the muffler and exhaust pipe below the catalytic converter. The only thing I dislike about my car is that it makes a squeaking noise because of one of the belt wheels in the engine.

Jade M on February 20, 2021

It is a smooth ride. It is comfortable and enjoyable to drive. I like being in my car.

I don't really have any major complaints. I had a problem with a rattling sound for a while and it turned out to be a heat shield. That was an easy fix by a friend.

george V on February 9, 2021

Very reliable, no breakdowns.

Rides great. Very comfortable on trips.No issues or complaints.

Lila B on February 6, 2021

Great car for a first time driver with pets.

It is a really reliable car for being 10 years old. The gas mileage on it is around 21 so not bad for being such a large car. It's great for fitting a full size great Dane in the back. The steering wheel sometimes locks when I try to turn on the car but that happens in a ton of different cars. Overall a great car.

Jolie B on February 1, 2021

Love the RAV4, great for adventures

I love our RAV4 we even converted the back into a fold down makeshift tent where we sleep when camping! The car is great for adventures and everyone always comments how roomy the back seat is. We have had no issues with the car thus far. We wish we would have purchased the car with a third row back seat.

Jacob J on January 19, 2021

Great car with a bad sound system.

Decent acceleration and ride quality. Poor visibility looking backward. Has a full size sore which is nice, and the rear seat lays down flat. Weakest point is the sound system. The speakers and amp are of the lowest quality. Please consider an aftermarket solution if you love music.

Ben F on January 3, 2021

The car handles well and has plenty of power.

The brakes often squeak when the car first starts or if it's cold and if it's wet. I think it's a smooth ride. I would recommend all weather mats. The driver's seat could be more comfortable and I wish there was navigation and upgraded radio with a screen.

Marco L on December 31, 2020

Reliable, but not in the snow.

This car has been incredibly reliable except for a few issues I've experienced since purchasing this car. I've had a constant minor squealing noise occurring without explanation. I've taken it to several car mechanics with no luck in solving the issue. Another issue that is present would be that the car is EXTREMELY light. I live in a snow heavy state and even with all wheel drive, this car is NOT good in the snow.

Sierra C on December 31, 2020

The one good thing about the vehicle is the amount of space.

Linda W on December 29, 2020

I feel it is a good running car and has all the necessities.

Good runner. It has issues with the rear suspension and knocking noise, it could have been from overdue repairs needs not done by the previous owner. Comfortable to ride in for 4 even though it seats 5 rather to close. Good gas mileage and easy to drive.

Anna H on December 20, 2020

Adventures galore in my RAV4.

I drive about 60 miles a day to work and school and my RAV4 has been an absolute joy to drive. I sometimes go off-roading a little and the 4 wheel drive is wonderful! I have purchased a fold up twin mattress for the back of the SUV for long trips that turn into surprise overnights and it is perfect! I wanted adventures when I bought my car and I have lots more adventures in my RAV4. The mpg is decent for an SUV and the limited edition is comfortable for long trips. I also love my 12v wall plug in and use it several times a week.

Andrea G on December 4, 2020

Great gas mileage and runs great for a nine year old car.

No complaints, It's a great car. Room enough. Great gas mileage.

Lucy H on December 4, 2020

Sporty exterior for trekkers.

Problems are the brakes will squeal when it is fairly new. It has spacious interior. It is pretty gas efficient. The trunk is spacious for groceries and etc. There is a spare tire at back of car. It sits pretty high up so provides better view than others.

susan m on November 28, 2020

It has had several recalls that have been very inconvenient.

Christine D on November 26, 2020

Very reliable and gas friendly.

I have minor problems, like a couple battery and brake change and have to replace all my tires once. Performance is outstanding and this is a very reliable car and it is very comfortable and the features suit me. I would definitely recommend this car to anybody that likes smaller SUVs.

Christian R on November 22, 2020

It's flexible for suburban life

I love the flexibility of the car in that it can be a regular street car, but it has some all-terrain capabilities and performs well in the snow. I dislike that it doesn't have trailer hitch hook-ups, and the size and gas mileage could be better.

Diane C on November 11, 2020

I will always drive a Toyota RAV4. Powerful when you need it.

RAV4 is an extremely reliable car. Has been everything the manufacture states. Would highly recommend this vehicle to everyone.

Katie O on November 11, 2020

It's reliable. Over the last 6 years we've had very few problems with the car.

It's an older car but still very reliable with few problems. It fits our size family well and makes it easy for us to get kids and all their stuff toted around. And it's a comfortable ride!

Vaughn P on November 10, 2020

The rave 4 handles very good for a small SUV.

I very much enjoy our 2009 rav4. It has been a very reliable vehicle and is comfortable to drive. I am 6' tall and have more than enough head and legroom. It gets great fuel mileage as well and handles good in the snowy weather. Storage is also very good. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that is looking for a reliable vehicle that is not to big or small that gets good fuel mileage.

JACE BRAND on November 10, 2020

Quality

Awesome car good quality and a great price fells fast and has off-road capabilities a good family car loads of room 100% recommend

Donna C on October 30, 2020

It has never broken down.

Like the size, miles per gallon, handling, safety. Dislike that 4wd will only activate up to 25 miles per hour, then it unlocks automatically.

Sandy B on October 29, 2020

It is very safe and high up and doesn't need servicing very much

I love being high up and feel it's safe. I don't like the dinky back up camera

Tara N on October 29, 2020

Best vehicle purchase- reliable, comfortable, practical, and enjoyable!

My Toyota RAV4 has been a reliable vehicle for 9 years. It is comfortable to drive and has never had any issues aside from regular vehicle maintenance. I have moved 7 times since purchasing the vehicle, and it can surprisingly hold the majority of my belongings (aside from furniture). The visibility is great, and it is overall a safe functional vehicle.

Brenda H on October 27, 2020

Toyota Cars are awesome. Comfortable, roomy, and pretty decent on gas.

I have no problems with my vehicle. It is the perfect size. It fits 5 comfortably with plenty of room in the back.

Maria H on October 25, 2020

It's been very dependable with only moderate maintenance

I do like my Rav4 but not as much as my previous/older model, which had better sightlines and maneuverability

Carol Dillen on October 17, 2020

Air Conditioner - amplifier, compressor or both or as simple as a fuse!!!

The ONLY problem we've had is with the DEALERSHIP when getting the air conditioner repaired. Seems they don't know what they are doing. 2017 we have amplifier replaced. We weren't told that compressor may need replacing as well which of course it did - another $1700. We decided to forego the luxury of air conditioning. Two years later, we decided that we fixup the 2009 Rav 4 and it would do us another 10 yrs. We got an estimate at the Toyota Dealer which was more expensive than quoted in 2017 but, hey -- inflation, right. WRONG. Turns out the Toyota Dealer estimate did not quote Toyota Parts -- we unknowingly ended up with an after market compressor - quoted part wasn't available so they used different after market compressor -- it failed. Not once, but twice. Then we're told we need the Toyota brand compressor which is now worth $2300. Installation labor in 2017 was $207 and installation labor in 2019 cost is $425. Now we find out it could originally have been as simple as the fuse for the magnetic clutch or CLOGGED air conditioner drain tube.

Johanna S on October 9, 2020

It is very reliable. It is a 2009 and I've had very little problems with it.

I love that it sits high off the ground, has AWD for the winter months (this has come in handy many times), and that it is reliable. I do wish that I had purchased it with more features, but at them time I could not afford it. It also has enough room for my adventures and for when I need to load up equipment for work.

Chris R on October 6, 2020

It is the most reliable car on the market. Anyone with a family should be looking for one.

My Toyota Rav4 is very reliable. Easy to drive and comfortable. Great storage and safe in all weather.

Lindsay A on October 5, 2020

I love my rav4 however others looking into purchasing one need to do some research on the recalls, no matter what year. My 2009 rav4 has quite a bit of recalls, granted none are serious and not life threatening vehicle recalls but they are still recalls and the list is very long.

The gas mileage on my 09 Toyota Rav4 is amazing, much better than my previous car. The storage space and seating is very reasonable and spacious for a crossover SUV. A great feature not known to most is that you can purchase a special tow bar for the Rav4 so that you're able to tow up to 1500 lb on the v4 model without the towing package and on the v6 models with out the towing package 2000 to 3000 lbs and with it 3500lb.

Emily B on September 28, 2020

Reliable, safe, long-lasting car.

The RAV4 is an ideal size. Just large enough to not feel unsafe on long trips, but small enough to drive around, and park in, the city. The car is now almost ten years old and has been reliable in all kinds of weather. The back seats fold down, which is extremely useful for transporting large and bulky items.

Ny D on September 20, 2020

It has two extra storage areas under the bed in the rear of the vehicle.

My car is roomy for a four door SUV. It has ample storage in the back and it does not have many blind spots. It is a quiet, comfortable ride. It does extremely well with gas mileage and it does not cost a lot to re-fuel. It is very reliable and has been easy to maintain. This model does not have the newer luxuries like Bluetooth but I am able to still use my phone to listen to music.

Sarah S on September 15, 2020

Love the feeling of stability and weight of the vehicle while driving.

Love Toyotas. They are dependable, easy to drive and comfortable. I have owned 3 Toyotas and have put more than 280, 000 miles on all of them with very little repairs to engines. The only complaint is the hesitation in acceleration due to the emissions controls.

Adam G on September 13, 2020

It's quick, comfortable and gets decent mileage

I like that the vehicle has a V6 which unfortunately, toyota no longer offers. It could use better brakes.

Ruth B on September 10, 2020

Great customer care and service.

I love my Toyota and we have had several of them over the years. We only buy Toyota because of the dependability, comfort, and they are fun to drive. They also are extremely dependable and the service centers are comfortable and the mechanics take the time to listen.

Lauren M on September 4, 2020

Great back door for tailgating!

I had an issue with my air pressure indicator light, but it was an easy fix by my mechanic. I really like having a skylight as my last car didn't have one. I also like having the option to lock the windows as my niece and nephew enjoy putting them down when they're in my car.

Dan C on August 30, 2020

The safety and the price is a great concerning

It is reliable, great riding and no maintenance required

Sue K on August 28, 2020

It rides great. I have had no problems with the car, routine maintenance only. I would definitely recommend this call to friends.

I love most things about my car. The gas pedal is a bit touchy, but you get used to it. I had a problem with the paint peeling , but Toyota fixed the problem by giving me a new paint job at no cost.

Penny H on August 26, 2020

Road trips are the best with my Rav4

Room for everyone. Fun to drive. I love road trips in this car. Kids can sleep comfortably in the back at night. Feels safe to drive. Good gas mileage in road trips. Room for dogs in back. Love the light blue color. Gas mileage around town is low. Cost too much to run errands,

Ellaine M on August 17, 2020

Durability and It's brand and the comfortable of it

I like it because it has been our car for 5 years. But not much and I dislike anything

Kelly R on August 15, 2020

Reliable, Trustworthy and Safe for the Family

When I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2009, it was top notch and the features that came with it were pretty normal for a smaller SUV. The size is perfect enough for a family of 2 adults, small child and 2 dogs. 10 years later I still feel safe in this vehicle and have only had minor repairs needed. There have been some recalls for various aspects, but all have been addressed and didn't alter my opinion. This vehicle isn't made to be the fastest as it is a 4 cylinder; however, I didn't purchase it for the speed, I cared more for the MPG to which it is above average I believe based on a smaller SUV.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.