The well-regarded 2009 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV lineup starts with a feature-laden Base trim and gets better from there. Powered by a standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that’s managed by a four-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel drive (FWD) ’09 RAV4 Base is capable of 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, all at an EPA-estimated 22/28 mpg. Since its towing capacity is a meager 1,500 pounds, a towing package isn’t even offered for the ’09 RAV4 Base. Standard safety features, though, abound throughout the entire RAV4 lineup, including four-wheel disc ABS with emergency braking assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear (and third row, if equipped) head airbags, active front head restraints (new for ’09), as well as optional (for the Base and Sport trims) daytime running lights.
The ’09 RAV4 Base, by no means a standout on the track, does come loaded with appearance, comfort, and convenience features – and room; a semi-cavernous 73 cubic feet of cargo space is available with the rear seats folded flat. Additionally, the ’09 RAV4 offers 16-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, five-passenger seating with front cloth bucket seats, reclining, split-folding rear seats, digital temperature display, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted buttons, air conditioning, and a single-CD player with six speakers. Options for the ’09 RAV4 Base trim include third row, split-folding bench seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, and a 6-CD changer.