2008 Toyota RAV4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Other than some extra shine on the wheels, not much changed for the Toyota RAV4 in 2008. This compact SUV came out in 1996 and currently...
Other than some extra shine on the wheels, not much changed for the Toyota RAV4 in 2008. This compact SUV came out in 1996 and currently features 12 trims. Depending on the trim, you get a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower inline four or a 3.5-liter, 269-hp V6 engine. The inline four has a 4-speed automatic, while the V6 has a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the trim, the RAV4 has 4 doors and seating for 5 or 7. Gas mileage averages out to around 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Maximum towing capacity comes out to either 1,500 or 3,500 pounds, depending on the trim. All trims have 108.2 cubic feet of passenger space and 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Overall, drivers like the RAV4's sturdy frame, good gas mileage, and comfortable second row. On the other hand, some feel the interior could use work. Regardless, the 2008 Toyota RAV4 does just fine as an all-purpose SUV, so long as you don't go too far off the beaten path.
From a site user: The Limited trims come with Bluetooth and Homelink, but no in-dash navigation option. One can get an aftermarket Eclipse AVN-62D nav unit installed with new Bluetooth and an iPod adapter (you have to lose original Bluetooth if you swap out the stereo for the nav system). The 62D is used in other Toyotas, so it's essentially OEM. This swap adds $3,300 to the price, making the Limited AWD V6 RAV4 about $4,000 more than the comparable AWD 4-cylinder Honda CR-V (which comes with navigation, but not Homelink, Bluetooth, or an iPod adapter).
What owners say
"Overall, RAV4 owners love the spacious interior, good gas mileage, and smooth handling of this SUV. Many appreciate the V6 engine option for its power and performance. However, some drivers mentioned issues with rust and less impressive braking performance. There's a general satisfaction with the value it offers, especially for city driving and road trips."
The car is a very good value . Only need to work on oil consumption issues
December 12, 2024Good used vehicle with lots of meat left on the bone
January 16, 2026Japanese quality(unbreakable!), low fuel consummation(over 7.2 L/100km) good high speed - 215km/h, 0-100km/h in 10 sek. Very good off-road abilities... The interior is luxurious, the exterior is stylish!!! The handling is perfect, there is 9 airbags as serial... with 2 words - PERFECT S U V!!!! enjoy it:)
June 24, 2009What owners say
The car is a very good value . Only need to work on oil consumption issues
December 12, 2024Good used vehicle with lots of meat left on the bone
January 16, 2026Japanese quality(unbreakable!), low fuel consummation(over 7.2 L/100km) good high speed - 215km/h, 0-100km/h in 10 sek. Very good off-road abilities... The interior is luxurious, the exterior is stylish!!! The handling is perfect, there is 9 airbags as serial... with 2 words - PERFECT S U V!!!! enjoy it:)
June 24, 2009Love my RAV4. I like not having to worry about using too much gas when I run around town. It gets fairly good gas mileage. Maintenance has be very low cost. The brakes could be better on the 2008. I wish I had gotten the heated seats with the leather, Well rounded car for around town, back and forth to work. The 4 Cyl. has plenty of power for my needs.
June 2, 2014I did a lot of research up front before buying my first RAV4 with the new body style (which changed in 2006) I liked my 06 so much I traded it in for this 08. I work in the computer service industry and this vehicle has all of the features I needed with lots of cargo space and the 269 HP V6 with the 5 speed transmission (the same engine and power train found in the Toyota Avalon)it's great for crisp performance while still giving 23 MPG in the city.
April 19, 2011Performance is not so great, due to the 4 cylinder engine. V6 option would be different. The interior is much better compared to some of the other Toyota models. Lots of space inside, and customizable seating and trunk arrangement. Comes with a mp3 compatible stereo with adequate power. Not a serious off-roader but good enough to get over the necessary foot paths.
April 5, 2008I like the easy ways to reconfigure the inside of the car. You can use the storage area under the rear section, for hidden things. And you can pull a horizontal curtain at seat-top height to hide stuff in the upper part of the rear section. We find the swinging tailgate useful for delivering meals on wheels. The middle seats are really easy to fold for more cargo space.
July 29, 2023My first brand new car - the start of many! Great handling even with a chick driver. Spacious with loads of extra storage space under floor and movable seats. Personalised plates add a personal touch. First of new model and I LOVE IT!
October 9, 2009this particular 2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited had most of the options i wanted and the ones it did not i could add aftermarket products. I got the JBL high end Audio, The heated leather front seats, the sun/moon roof, the V6 with all wheel drive and pre-tow package which was most important to me for towing my boat. just have to install hitch and wire bundle. to tow 3500 lbs. blue tooth adapter to aux audio in to stream my music. Add a rear view camera and Im ready to go.
December 8, 2021Love the RAV4! Great value! Rides and drives much better than the 99 Cherokee I traded for it.
April 27, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,755 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $25,270 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,670 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $22,675 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,075 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $24,590 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,100 | Seating 7 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,990 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $22,500 | Seating 7 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Base MSRP $23,135 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,535 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 269 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$21,100 - $26,670
Current avg. market price
$7,725
Trending down by 1.3% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
