2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD

Like its Sport sibling, the midlevel 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD is equipped with the 179-hp, 172-lb-ft/torque 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The ’09 RAV4 Sport 4WD adds to this its sure-footed electronic on-demand four-wheel drive (4WD), with a center, automatic limited-slip mechanical differential and manual locking switch. The EPA estimates 21/27 mpg for the ’09 Sport 4WD.

Also in keeping with its front-wheel-drive Sport counterpart, the ’09 RAV4 Sport 4WD is delivered sans the third-row-seat option, but with 18-inch alloy wheels, standard, as well as the available touch-screen DVD navigation system, moonroof, rear-view camera, and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The ’09 RAV4 Sport 4WD also doesn’t offer additional axle ratios or skid plates for serious off-roading, though it’s more than adequate for snow, mud, and the occasional cow path.

By Eric Tallberg