Toyota RAV4 gets new 2.5 liter Dual VVT-i engine
Toyota has quietly put a mysterious 2.5 liter inline-4 Dual VVT-i engine into its updated 2009 Toyota RAV4 for the US market. The new 2.5 liter engine replaces the old 2.4 liter inline-4 VVT-i and has variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust.
The new engine is more powerful, producing 179hp at 6,000rpm and 233Nm of torque at 4,000rpm versus the 2.4 liter’s 166hp and 224Nm figures. Toyota says the 4-speed transmission mated to this engine is a new unit that is more compact, lightweight and efficient compared to the outgoing model.
No matter what, it’s still a 4-speed unit Toyota! Even compact budget Volkswagens are now available with 6-speed or 7-speed DSG boxes. Even Honda is putting at least a 5-speed in all of their cars now, except for the compact JDM K-cars. Anyway, expect this new 2.5 liter Dual VVT-i inline-4 to replace the 2.4 liter 2AZ-FE in some if not all markets.
The higher end 3.5 liter V6 unit remains unchanged, putting out 269hp at 6,200rpm and 333Nm of torque at 4,700rpm. The rest of the changes with the 2009 model RAV4 include different styling on the front and rear and various other different bits and pieces.
Look after the jump for a hi-res gallery.
PHOTO GALLERY: US market Toyota RAV4 Facelift
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo
August 13, 2008 @ 12:33 am
wow
new 2.5 litre engine
is this engine belong to zr series ??
output is not strong , 5 speed auto should put inside that car
hope the next facelift camry could have this new 2.5 litre engine and a new 2.0 engine also (which is 3zr-fae/3zr-fe )
August 13, 2008 @ 7:56 am
given how low tech all toyota models are, at least it’s got a new engine
August 13, 2008 @ 8:14 am
Hi… I’m Mr TOYOTA.. I like MONEY… I don’t like spending my money for something unnecessary like a 5 or 6 speed gearbox for my mid range models like the RAV4.. I don’t even think of hooking a 5 or 6 speed gearbox on the low end models like the VIOS… This is because I like MONEY… and I am Mr TOYOTA… And also, to all my beloved toyota owners, please come oftenly to the service centres so that I can take more of your MONEY for the genuine spare parts that costs a fortune to buy… THANK YOU…
August 13, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Hmm the rav4 looks ‘bouncy’
August 13, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
the one thing you are guaranteed to get from Toyoto is reliability and that is worth an awful lot
August 13, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
Uhhh…I drive a Toyota but I have to say this, “What’s there to shout about?” Doesn’t the Toyota Altezza (RS200) which also had the Dual VVT-I (correct me if I’m wrong) with it’s 2000cc produce more than this…like 210 bhp? Plus, what da’ heck? 4 speed auto? Aiyo…come on la Toyota, stop throw everything cool and latest tech just on your Lexus badge only la…sigh!
August 13, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
a cr-v, santa fe, freelander 2, qashqai is a much better car
August 13, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
Honda is comparable to toyota when we talk about reliability… but they aren’t so greedy… i own both vios and city.. all i can see is the price of toyota spare parts are at least a third higher than that of honda… it’s not going to be a problem for the first 2/3 years when you were given the toyota’s service voucher for the vios and honda’s 2 years free service, inclusive of labour and parts for the city… but after 2/3 years? I prefer the honda… no offence but toyota is overcharging us….
August 14, 2008 @ 2:18 am
RAV can never match the success of the CRV and alike! The RAV with bigger engine? or RAV simply just too late….
August 14, 2008 @ 10:15 am
4 speed auto is not exceptable from Toyota. This is blantant cut cost measure. If you are looking for SUV go for CRV.
Dont get me wrong I am not a Toyota Basher. hey I own a toyota( see my nic) but one cant keep quite when they say “Toyota says the 4-speed transmission mated to this engine is a new unit that is more compact, lightweight and efficient compared to the outgoing model”. Yes I agree but 5 speed with an extra ratio will be even better. It sound more like “we are cutting cost so take it or leave it” . To make matter worse…… 4 speed mated to 2.5 cc engine is un heard of in this generation.!!!!!!!. Wake you Toyota!!!!!!.
August 14, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
toyota rav4 got gearbox problem
August 19, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
The new 2.5 liter Dual VVT-i inline-4 engine is called “2AR-FE”
August 27, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
When will this be available locally?