Why Toyota Should Bring Back the RAV4 V6 Engine

I bought a base trim 2008 RAV4 with the V6 option and it has been a good option for me. I live in a hilly area of NH and most of my mileage is going up or down hills. I like another currently unavailable option, where only in low gear the RAV4 optionally will pulse brake to slow it to about 5mph. This is perfect for getting down my steep driveway when covered in an ice/snow condition. I might buy a new RAV4 again if these two options were available but I do not expect that to happen.

As a kid, I remember the only emission device on our 1964 Chevrolet Biscayne was a PCV valve in the valve cover. As emission and safety regulations increased, automakers had to design vehicles that complied with those regulations. Or to put it another way, the government was in the car design business. This isn't an anti-government rant, it is fact based on a 55 year observation from 1964 to present day.

As far as a RAV4 with a V-6, it ain't gonna happen......it's all about gas mileage. That is why we see so many turbo engines these days. Yep, 4-cylinder engines for improved mpg and the added turbo for increased power. And don't get me started on the stop-start feature on some vehicles these days. And those folks that buy total electric cars....well they don't pay into the gas tax kiddie......so they are assessed an additional tax on the tag renewal to make up for that revenue loss. Let no good deed go unpunished.

In my estimation the 2006-2012 RAV4 V6 4WD, remains the ultimate compact SUV in fun-to-drive, features, value, and reliability. Rather than just admiring, I
purchased two 2012s – which, currently, I have no desire to replace. Even the
tire/wheel size is perfect for this vehicle: P225/65R17. From the 2013 model
year forward, the RAV4s have not impressed me at all but have not had the same effect on the non-enthusiast American auto buying public – which mostly is
enamored with transportation appliances. If I were to fulfill a wish, a contemporary
vehicle acquisition would be a 2019 BMW X3 M40i. Addendum: If Toyota can
successfully sell lackluster transportation appliances, aka RAV4s, why bother with V6 engines or anything for enthusiasts? Excellence is being replaced by Toyota's disingenuous marketing – sizzle without the steak.

V6 Water pump replacement is 1200 dollars as they almost have to remove the engine. Putting a v6 In a bay designed for a 4 banger, has consequences.

Would love to see Toyota bring the V-6 back to the RAV4, and would plan to purchase one. Unfortunately, Toyota has no V-6 to put into it as the 3.5L one from the Camry should fit, but has too much power, and would kill the 4Runner. A turbo would be a better engine, like a 2.0L one, but then the RAV4 would cut into the Lexus NX300 sales, and also Toyota does not use any turbos in the US unless it has a Lexus badge on it other than the Supra. In the end, Toyota painted themselves into a corner, and their only solution is to offer a RAV4 as a hybrid with more power as a performance variant, rather than maximizing it for fuel economy. Hence, while I would prefer to be wrong on this one, but in all likelihood the current engine offerings are as good as it gets- and hence why I don't own a RAV4.

I still own a V6 Rav4 in SX6 spec. Its just done 132000km and its still like new. I pull trailers and boat with it. Go camping. Mrs drops kids at school. Its a do everything suv. Massive luggage space. We also have a new Xtrail TI with 18000km but the Xtrail isnt as good and will be traded first. The RAV will stay for a very long time. Unless Toyota sell another with the 2GR engine.

Question for the article's author:When you state that " as I would guess that sales for V6 might have totaled only 10% of overall RAV4 sales".How are you coming up with that figure?I have been looking all over for the 2006-12 figures of 4 vs v6 but have not managed to find any.I am currently in the market for a 2012 RAV4 limited 4WD V6 and have been noticing the flood of used models with the 4Cyl vs the V6 with the V6 being a lot more scarce but would never have guessed the the larger engine only accounted for 10% of sales.Would have guessed higher like maybe 25%.Thanks

We bought a 2019 Camry due to the rave 4 cyl we wanted a tow vehicle for our camper instead we bought another passenger car the Camry we are hoping they will bring back the 6

I need to replace my 2008 RAV4 and considering there are no more V6 engine options, what would you recommend ?

Keep pushing for the V6 4 Wheel drive! In my travels I have driven many of the new 4 cyc RAVs and they just don't compare--they seem to try so hard. I keep holding on to my V6 hoping Toyota will bring back the v6...Toyota has stated Federal Regulations require each automaker to not exceed a MPG quota based on their fleet. Since Toyota has the Tunda, 4-runner, etc., the RAV 4's V6 was dropped. I don't want a Hylander...toooo big

I'd love to replace my 2011 RAV4 Limited 6 cylinder with a new RAV4. But with no 6 cylinders on the horizon, I'll keep this one. After 9 years driving with the get-up-and-go my 6 gives me, new RAV4s drive gutless. No power to get out into traffic when entering from an on-ramp. Just disappointing performance after something great doesn't sell me on a new RAV4. It appears that no manufacturer offers a small SUV in a 6. I looked at the small Lincoln SUV and it's equally disappointing.

I was on a business trip in 2010 and rented a 4 cyl Rav 4. Was NOT impressed. It felt like a SUV Corolla. Then by chance I test drove a 6 cyl Rav 4. Night and day. I bought it the same day. Still have it, and love it. 10 years and 110,000 miles. It's time to get a replacement, but I won't even consider another Rav 4 unless Toyota offers a 6 cyl again.

I had driven a girlfriends 2008? 4 cylinder extensively. It impressed me with its size handling (for what it was), and even its performance (again, for what it was). I would not have bought the 4 cyl though. Come 2012, wife and baby, and a move to snow and ice country we looked at Subaru, but their 4cyl engines are anemic at best, the 3.6 outback very expensive. The margin on the rav4 v6 was much less. 9 years and 91,000 miles, and it has been the perfect family of 3 car. It does get bad gas mileage (worse than my 400hp sedan on the highway), but mechanically is very sound. Fun to drive for what it is. Adequate power to keep up with the horsepower wars of the last 8 years, and few design flaws. Very little I would change on this car. It has excellent traction and stability control (tested skiing and doing donuts in icy/snowy parking lots) Like all Toyota’s, the steering column is designed to take off America sized kneecaps, and the second row arm rest top surface also serves as the back of the luggage area (fixed in 2013 with a pocket). My sister has a 2018 or so. It’s a nice car, emphasis on car, less trucky than our rav4. The four cylinder wail gives the sound of performance to the unknowing and It has many refinements. Still, this will be our last RAV4...there is no way to replace the power. These are cheap used. A great bargain and a bit of a sleeper in the car based suv world.

I have an 2011 V6. Will not give it up until Toyota builds something better.

Bought a RAV4 V6 Limited premium brand new in 2008. I am very satisfied with the power and quietness of the V6. it now has 210K km and 13 years. intend to keep it again for another 3-4 years. I would definitely buy another one with the V6.

I have a 2007 V6 with 167,000 miles. I LOVE MY VEHICLE!!! But I am feeling the need to start shopping for my next one so I am not desperate when the time comes. Can someone tell me whether the hybrids compare in power to the V6? I can afford a newer hybrid, but I am really tempted to buy a 2012 V6 that has only 60,000 miles. I would have to fly about 500 miles to get it.

Perhaps some people like to tow things.
The RAV 4 V6 can pull a 3500 LB trailer, 0 to 60 in less than 15 seconds (actual consumer reports test data). The late model RAV4s towing capacity is 1500 lb why even bother towing at all?

Can the V6 be removed from the old RAV4 and installed into a new RAV4?

I have a 2008 RAV4 with a V6 engine. It's been the best vehicle I've ever owned. It now has 335,000 miles. It needs new shocks and the transmission may not be in the best of shapes but after Toyota repainted it due to the peeling paint it's still an awesome looking vehicle. I had a 2003 RAV4 with the four cylinder, and it pales in comparison to the V6. The closest thing Toyota has for a RAV4 I might get is the prime, which pairs a 4-cylinder with the electric motors.

I loved my 2007 v6 RAV 4 and would do anything to get it back. It was recently totaled in an accident. It had the right pickup and I loved the way the back opened sideways. What are the chances of finding something like this again

I bought a 2010 v6, my wife won't touch the 2019 CRV anymore and says it's a rocketship. I will probably buy a second one.