The optional V6 engine in the 2008 Toyota RAV4 sends this crossover compact to the top of its class. The 269 hp, six cylinder engine accelerates excpetionally well and compares in fuel economy with others in its class. This third generation RAV is a beefy vehicle with 73 cubic feet of cargo space and room for five passengers to sit comfortably. The third row seat provides enough room for two children or two small adults. There are lots of cubbies, 10 cupholders, and other family friendly features like an available rear-seat DVD systerm.

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 is a crossover SUV that is sized between the compact and midsize categories. There are 3 trim levels, the base, the Sport, and the Limited. Standard seating is for five, but the third row is optional on the base and Limited levels which increases the capacity to seven people. Standard features for the base trim level are 16? steel wheels with optional 17? alloys, rear tinted windows, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, tilt/telesxcoping steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack and a 6 speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player. The Sport trim level includes 18?alloy wheels, foglights, a sport tuned suspension, heated side mirrors and many exterior details.

The Limited trim packaged features, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17? wheels, an 8 way poer driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and an in dash 6 CD changer which comes optional in the to lower trims. Options for the Limited trim package include heated front seats, rear seat DVD system and leather upholstery. The Limited and Sport trims come optional with upgraded, 9 speaker stereo systerm with satellite radio cpability, sunroof, and Bluetooth.

A 3.5-liter V6 is optional on all trim levels coupled to a 5 speed automatic transmission. This V6 can produce 269hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain gets almost the same fuel economy as the less poerful 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine which comes standard and delivers 166 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The V6 gets 19mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway. Getting four wheel drive only results ina loss of 1mpg on the highway. The RAV4 V6 4WD has been tested at 0-60 in 7.2 seconds.

All RAV4s may be equipped with front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The front wheel drive models have a limited slip differential while the electronic 4WD system sends most of the power to the front wheels while it identifies potential slippage. The RAV4 offers a 4WD lock feature that fixes the front/rear power split at 50/50 for snow driving and off-road driving.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side airbags and full length side curtain airbags come standard with every 2008 Toyota RAV4. Vehicles which come with the V6 and/or the third row seat also come equipped with hill-start assist and downhill assist control. The RAV4 earned the top rating in many of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests.

The interior of the RAV4 features reclining rear seats, and they can slide forward or rearward 6.5 inches for increased cargo or passenger space. The RAV4 can instantly get a flat load floor with the flip of a lever. With the flat load floor, there is a maximum of 73 cubic feet of cargo. The RAV4 does feature a side-hinged tailgate which can be a bit inconvenient in tight spaces.