What is the fuel efficiency of a 2009 RAV4?
The four-cylinder 2009 RAV4 typically achieves about 24 miles per gallon combined, while the V6 version sits closer to 21 mpg combined. Actual fuel economy depends on drivetrain, transmission, and driving conditions.
The 2009 RAV4 offered two engines and several drivetrain configurations, which means there isn’t a single number that covers all models. Below is a breakdown of the official EPA estimates by configuration, followed by a look at real-world factors that can push mpg higher or lower in everyday use.
Official fuel economy by engine and drivetrain
These EPA estimates reflect common 2009 RAV4 configurations. They can vary by market, transmission, and tire size.
- 2.5L four-cylinder, front-wheel drive (FWD): 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined.
- 2.5L four-cylinder, all-wheel drive (AWD): 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined.
- 3.5L V6, all-wheel drive (AWD): 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined.
These figures are the EPA ratings most buyers looked at when the RAV4 was new. In practice, transmission choice and market can cause slight variations in the numbers you see in documentation or on the window sticker.
Transmission and market variations
Some 2009 RAV4 models used a four-speed automatic with the four-cylinder engine, while most V6-equipped versions used a five-speed automatic. Shifting behavior and gear ratios can influence city and highway efficiency by a mile or two per gallon in typical driving.
Real-world performance and factors that affect mpg
Actual fuel economy in daily driving often skews from the EPA figures depending on how you drive, where you drive, and how your vehicle is maintained.
- Tire condition and pressure: underinflated tires raise rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Engine maintenance: clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, and properly functioning oxygen sensors help maintain efficiency.
- Driving style: smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and steady speeds typically yield better mpg than aggressive driving.
- Payload and aerodynamics: extra cargo, roof racks, or bike mounts increase drag and reduce efficiency.
- Climate control: heating and air conditioning draw power and can temporarily lower mpg, especially in extreme temperatures.
In real-world conditions, owners may see mpg that are a bit above or below the EPA estimates, depending on how the vehicle is used and maintained.
Summary
The 2009 RAV4’s fuel efficiency depends on the engine and drivetrain: roughly 24 mpg combined for the 2.5L four-cylinder (FWD or AWD, with small variations) and around 21 mpg combined for the 3.5L V6 with AWD. Real-world mileage is influenced by tire pressure, maintenance, driving style, and load. Understanding the configuration you’re dealing with helps set realistic expectations for fuel economy.
Overall, for shoppers and owners, the 2009 RAV4 offered respectable efficiency for its class at the time, with clearer differences between the four-cylinder and V6 options that affected daily fuel costs and long-distance travel planning.
What year to stay away from RAV4?
Years to avoid for the Toyota RAV4 include 2001-2003 (transmission and ECM issues), 2006-2008 (excessive oil consumption), 2013-2015 (transmission hesitation and rough shifting), and 2019 (fuel pump failures, engine cooling problems, and engine issues). Additionally, hybrid models from the 5th generation may have issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery life, and some models can have paint peeling problems, especially around 2013.
By model year
This video explains the issues with the 2006-2008 model years: 1mCar ComfyYouTube · Jun 11, 2025
- 2001-2003: Potential for transmission and Electronic Control Module (ECM) failures.
- 2006-2008: Excessive oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L engine, and potential steering lockups.
- 2013: Reports of transmission hesitation, electrical fires, and paint peeling.
- 2014-2015: Transmission hesitation and rough shifting were common issues.
- 2019: Engine problems like oil leaks, cooling issues, and fuel pump failures were reported. Hybrid models also experienced issues with corroded high-voltage wiring.
By type of problem
- Transmission issues: 2001-2003, 2006-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2015, and 2018 models have been associated with transmission problems.
- Engine/oil consumption: 2006-2008 models are known for excessive oil consumption, and 2019 models reported engine cooling and oil loss problems.
- Electrical issues: 2013 models have been linked to electrical fires, and 2019 models had infotainment glitches (which were often resolved by software updates).
- Hybrid-specific issues: Some 5th generation hybrid models have had issues with high-voltage cable corrosion and battery longevity.
- Other issues:
- Paint peeling: Some owners of the 2013 model reported paint issues.
- Roof rack leaks: 2019-2021 models have been linked to leaky roof racks.
How many miles per gallon does a 2009 Toyota RAV4 get?
The 2009 Toyota RAV4's MPG varies by model and drivetrain, with the 4-cylinder, front-wheel-drive versions averaging around 24 MPG combined (22 city/28 highway) and the V6 models getting about 21-22 MPG combined. All-wheel drive and the V6 engine generally decrease fuel efficiency.
- 4-Cylinder FWD: Approximately 24 MPG combined (22 city/28 highway).
- V6 Models: Approximately 21-22 MPG combined (19 city/26-27 highway).
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): AWD versions are less fuel-efficient than their 2WD counterparts.
Why is my RAV4 consuming too much fuel?
Over time the fuel injector system can become clogged. This can lead to a drop in fuel efficiency as well as slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. If caught early, simply cleaning the injectors can solve the problem. As it progresses, the injectors may have to be replaced.
Is 2009 a good year for RAV4?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 530 out of 802 of owners (66% of them) rank the 2009 RAV4 five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2009 Toyota RAV4.
