2009 Toyota RAV4 Facelift with New Engines Debuts in Bologna - 37 High Res Photos

Along with the revised 2009 Yaris and Aygo, Toyota's Bologna Motor Show stand also hosted the debut of the facelifted, European market RAV4 SUV. The cosmetic changes are rather difficult to spot, being limited to a new chrome grille treatment, revised headlamps and tail-lights, turn indicators that have been relocated to the door mirrors and restyled bumpers. There's also a different alloy wheel design or two. Inside, changes include new materials and colors as well as the availability of a 'sport' flat-bottom steering wheel.

Under the hood, Toyota's engineers have been busy tweaking the RAV4's mechanicals as the facelift model receives a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine developing 158HP and 196Nm of torque that's hooked up to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optionally, to a newly developed CVT transmission called Multidrive S. Toyota promises that the new 2.O VVT-i engine is not only more powerful but also 5% more fuel efficient that the outgoing 2.0-liter unit it replaces

Toyota has also revised the 2.2 D-4D diesel engine that gains new piezoelectric injectors. The result is a 14-horspower bump to 150HP while torque increases by about 10% to 340 Nm between 2000 and 2800 rpm. The diesel engine is also available with a new Sports Direct Shift 6-speed automatic transmission.

Sales of the revised Toyota RAV4 will begin in Europe in early 2009.

Toyota RAV4 V6 Performance Sport Concept Premieres at SEMA

If the sole purposing of creating this concept was to hide the fact that it's a Toyota RAV4, then admittedly MV Designz did an excellent job. The RAV4 V6 Performance Sport Concept gets a custom-made wide bodykit accented by 22-inch Alloy Wheels, a hood scoop, a panoramic glass roof, billet door handles and, new front and rear faceless fascias. According to Toyota, interior modifications to the RAV4-based concept are limited to a new upholstery by Reyes. Maybe it's a matter of personal taste, but we get the feeling that if MV Designz hadn't "surgicaly" replaced the RAV4's face with a Pontiac-like mask, we might have actually liked the outcome.

2009 Toyota RAV-4 with new 179HP 2.5L Engine

Toyota has announced pricing on the 2009 M.Y. RAV-4 that features minor styling changes along with a new 2.5-liter engine that replaces the previous 2.4-liter unit. Set to arrive at Toyota dealerships in early September, the average MSRP for the RAV4 will increase by $224, or 0.9 percent with prices ranging from $21,500 for the Base grade front-wheel-drive with a 4-cylinder engine to $27,810 for the Limited grade four-wheel-drive with a V6 engine.

The new 2.5L unit that produces 179 HP at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM (versus 166 HP and 165 lb.-ft. respectively of the previous 2.4L), is matted to a new 4-speed automatic transmission. According to Toyota, fuel efficiency is improved over the 2008 RAV-4 2.4L with EPA mpg estimates of 22 city/28 highway on 4x2 models and 21 city/27 highway on 4x4 models. The top-of-the-line 269 HP 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged. -Continued

For the 2009 M.Y., the RAV-4 has been refreshed with a revised grille and front bumper, new fog light trims and redesigned tail lamps. Additionally, all models, except the 4WD V6 with the new Sport Appearance Package, include a redesigned rear step bumper with a black protector molding while the Sport Appearance Package receives a clear rear bumper protector. The Base and Limited grades feature new 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and the Limited also adds overfenders, new color-keyed power heated turn signal side mirrors and a unique grille design with chrome accents. The Sport grade adds a unique redesigned rear spoiler.

In terms of equipment, all 2009 models get standard front seat active headrests and an engine immobilizer. Additionally, the Limited grade adds a new standard Smart Entry system while the Sport and Limited grades offer an available integrated backup camera linked to an electrochromic mirror. Integrated XM satellite radio is a new feature for 2009, while the Sport and Limited grades also offer a new low-cost navigation system.