SLegacy99

Thats the one.

For comparison's sake:

2008 2.4L Rav 4
2WD:21/27 MPG
4WD:20/25

2009 2.5L Rav 4
2WD: 22/28
4WD: 21/27

Why the new engine still only gets a 4 speed boggles my mind. But thats good efficiency right there.

jruhi4

I didn't know about that new/upgraded 2.5-liter 4 for the RAV4. Thanks for setting me straight.

Threxx

Europe will get it before us? That seems odd considering the US is all about Hybrids and Lexuses while Europe is all about diesels and is new to the Lexus thing.

spwolf

said who?

it seems there will be 2 Lexus hybrids - lexus prius and larger one based on larger platform (will also have Toyota version)...

We never heard of lexus prius coming to USA, so I am not sure if that will be the case. Quite possibly larger car will come to USA and smaller will go to Europe. Makes a lot of sense...

Threxx

Said who about what? I said several things.

-Lexus is newer in Europe than it is in the US. That's a fact
-Europe has been heavy on diesels, lighter on hybrids than the US. That's a fact
-Europe will get it before us. I don't know if that's a fact... that's why I used a question mark. The title specifically says Europe will get it in 2010. If the US was going to get it in 2010 or earlier I have a feeling that the title wouldn't specify Europe as the 2010 recipient of this vehicle.

Please be more clear what you're questioning so I can answer your question.

LexFather

Europe might get an all hybrid lineup or very close to one, this will help Establish them as the alternative energy leader in Europe.

I believe the car might have a traditonal sedan look, not a hatch.

spwolf

Crazy number of Lexuses are Hybrids in Europe, % wise, even if they dont sell many of them.

Toyota sells only 1 Hybrid in Europe - Prius, vs 3 in USA. And Prius is car built for USA, which means that for the price (which is large due to taxing in Europe), it isnt sporty/luxurious enough, which all new Prius is supposed to fix next year when they plan to double the sales.

Huge differences between markets is reasons hybrids are still not big in Europe - mostly because most popular cars in Europe are B and C class hatchbacks (Yaris and Corolla hatch), which, in Europe, means 22k USD difference between Yaris and Prius (22k), and 15k USD difference between base Corolla and Prius. Not to mention that Toyota is not huge in Europe - it is 7th best selling manufacturer there which lowers the hybrid numbers even more.

In reality, hybrids are more suitable for Europe than diesels due to mostly city driving, but again problem is that previously there was an single model, which was expensive, slow and not luxurious enough compared to similary priced vehicles (for instance Euro Accord/TSX is priced the same as Prius, while in US, difference is >10k).

Now come 2010, Toyota will build 1,000,000 hybrids per year, and >20% of that is going to Europe, with many more hybrid models coming up, more suitable for European market and of course new Prius, which now has 160hp and is supposed to be sporty and luxurious enough for Europe.

ST430

fyi - i purchased a 2009 RAV4 w/ the new 2.5L AR engine several weeks ago as my everday commuter. In mixed 85/15 city/hwy commute, I have averaged 27mpg over 600 miles. The 4 speed is old, but it still cruises around 1200 rpms on the freeway in top gear for around 35+mpg if you're not a lead foot.

spwolf

hows NVH/Response on that new engine? I was never fan of old AZ series while I am impressed by smaller ZR engines just introduced...