In 2009, the Toyota RAV4 offered two engine options in most markets: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder was the standard choice on most trims, while the V6 was available on higher trims and with all-wheel drive.
Engine options
The two engines below represent the common U.S. market lineup for the 2009 RAV4, including approximate power figures and typical transmission pairings.
- 2.4-liter inline-4 engine (2AZ-FE) — about 166 horsepower and around 165 lb-ft of torque; typically paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission; available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations.
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FE) — about 269 horsepower and around 246 lb-ft of torque; typically paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission; commonly found in all-wheel-drive models and higher trims.
Notes: Availability varied by market and trim level; some regions used similar engines with slightly different tuning, and gear ratios may vary by transmission option.
Why the engine choice matters for buyers
Performance and fuel economy
The 2.4L four-cylinder offers better fuel economy and is adequate for most daily driving, while the V6 delivers stronger acceleration and towing capability at the cost of higher fuel use.
In summary, the 2009 RAV4 offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6, with the V6 typically reserved for higher-trim, AWD configurations.
Summary
The 2009 RAV4’s engine lineup balanced efficiency and performance: a 2.4L inline-4 (2AZ-FE) delivering around 166 hp, and a 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) delivering around 269 hp, both commonly paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim.