How many miles can a 2008 RAV4 go on a full tank?
On a full tank, a 2008 RAV4 typically covers about 380 miles in mixed driving, with a plausible range of roughly 330–450 miles depending on engine choice (4-cylinder or V6) and driving conditions.
What determines the range
The distance you can travel on a full tank depends on several factors, including the engine type, drivetrain, and driving style. The 2008 RAV4 offered two engine options and two drivetrain configurations, all using a similar fuel tank size but delivering different fuel economy figures.
- Fuel tank capacity: 15.9 gallons (approximately 60 liters) for most 2008 RAV4 models.
- Engine options and efficiency:
- 4-cylinder 2.4L: EPA estimates around 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway, about 24 mpg combined.
- V6 3.5L: EPA estimates around 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, about 22 mpg combined.
- Drivetrain: 2WD vs 4WD can cause modest differences in mpg due to weight and drivetrain losses.
Before listing the technical details, note that the RAV4's fuel tank capacity and efficiency sets the baseline for range.
In practical terms, this means a typical mixed-drive range of about 380 miles for the four-cylinder model and about 320–360 miles for the V6 model, with real-world numbers varying by speed, terrain, and cargo.
Estimated ranges by configuration
Here are the approximate ranges you might expect from common configurations, using the 15.9-gallon tank as a baseline and typical EPA-style fuel economy figures for each engine.
- 2008 RAV4 with 4-cylinder (2.4L), 2WD/4WD: roughly 350–430 miles depending on driving conditions and mix of city/highway miles.
- 2008 RAV4 with V6 (3.5L), 2WD/4WD: roughly 320–360 miles under mixed driving, with better highway efficiency pushing toward the upper end.
These ranges provide a practical benchmark for planning trips or daily use. Real-world mileage will vary with speed, terrain, load, and maintenance condition.
Summary
The 2008 RAV4’s range on a full tank centers on a 15.9-gallon tank. With a 4-cylinder engine, expect around 380 miles on average; with the V6, closer to 320–360 miles in mixed driving. Always consider your specific configuration (2WD vs 4WD) and current vehicle condition for the most accurate estimate.
