2008 Toyota Rav4

Toyota probably could have rested on its laurels with its third generation RAV4 compact crossover. Already, it had boosted its power and a bit of its size beyond the truly compact mold. For 2008, it became a matter of subtle tweaking.

2008 Toyota Rav 4 Interior

Now in its third year, the third generation RAV4 gets a vehicle immobilizer designed to prevent the vehicle from being started without the proper ignition key. The theft protection device is standard on the top Limited edition and an option on either the Sport or base model.

Toyota boasts of inventing the compact, car-based crossover utility vehicle segment about a decade ago that has spawned a number of imitators and has moved aggressively to maintain dominant presence. A major RAV4 focus with the current generation is drive-oriented, with the addition of an optional V-6 powerplant (five-speed automatic), delivering a husky 269-horsepower but respectable 20 city/25 hwy mpg in 4X4 mode. The standard 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower four (four-speed automatic) gets 21 city/27 hwy mpg in two-wheel-drive version.

Unlike Honda's CR-V, a key competitor, which moved its spare underneath, the Toyota RAV4 keeps a sportier look with rear-hung spare beneath a color keyed cover. That enhances its larger look with a three-inch longer wheelbase than before. It also diminishes the "oh so cute" appearance of earlier RAV4s as it competes with larger crossovers from Hyundai and Ford.

Despite its larger size, the restyled RAV4 maintains a trendy, sleek look. It gains wind noise control and improved aerodynamics with the removal of some exterior moldings. Layered hood construction helps mute engine noise. Wheels also define the variations with 16-inch steels on base models, 18-inch on Sport and 17-inch on Limited versions, both in aluminum alloy.

With more room among enhanced interior changes, RAV4 now adds Split-and-Stow third-row seating that is standard on V-6 models and available with the four. All three-row models come equipped with ascending and descending hill functions for added control and stability. Base pricing starts at $21,100 and tops out at $26,670 for the V-6 Limited.