Any word yet on the 2009....

[gjkiii]

I hear the back tire is getting moved...anyone know when it's due out?

[da_jazzee]

These are approximates based on the last two years:
Dealers usually start accepting orders for Ravs in June.
Delivery is usually sometime in Sept or Oct.

[charlesG]

If you want no tire, check out the British Toyota website It's available as an option on some of their more expensive models. But... the UK prices are higher.

Perhaps you could order the body part and retrofit your RAV4.

[Tom 2000]

2009s will show up at the dealers in September. Take a look at the link.

http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.html

As for the actual changes that the 2009 model will get, there's no news yet.

However, this is what I hope we get

1) Better headlights - HIDs would be nice, but I will be happy with H7 bulbs and projectors (like the Camry). This should make it a little brighter, but without much added cost.
2) Rear door/tire changed - If Toyota is opening a new factory just to cater to North American demand, at a minimum I would expect the door to be hinged on the driver's side, but I would like to have a hatch with a real spare tire stowed inside.
3) CVT transmission for 4-cylinder - The other markets (Japan) already come with these instead of the 4-speed auto. I'd want this as it would bump up the fuel economy a little bit. I am not expecting a 5+ MPG bump here, but a 2-3 MPG would be great.
4) Roof mount antenna - It's hard to beat tthe reception on an old-school fixed mast antenna on the fender, but I would prefer a roof-mounted antenna. Again, other markets have this already.
5) Smart Key with Push-button start - Doesn't have to be on every model. Even if it's just on the Limited.

[da_jazzee]

For 2009?
You're dreaming.
They'll be no major design changes for 2009.

[Elton Noway]

Originally Posted by gjkiii

I hear the back tire is getting moved...anyone know when it's due out?

All initial reports are the 2009 Rav4 is not due in showrooms until September!

Also pretty much agreed on is there will be no "major" changes from the 2008 model... although there may be a few minor tweaks.

That said... one interesting fact is that many 2009 models have already been rolled out, "including" many Toyota models, which begs the question... Why the delay on the Rav4? Why no 2009 photos? Why was it absent at this years Japan Auto show? While there is no proof , some have speculated that Topyota needs to clear as many 2008 models off US lots before they unveil the 2009 which could hurt 2008 model sales. Wishful thinking?

This website reportedly shows photos of a new 2009 Japanese model Rav4. The front end has a slightly different look and the the rear end is absent the rear tire. Hmmmm....

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/...4_we_will.html

That said, the "removal" of the rear tire is already an option on the British versions so its hard to say if this is a photo of the British model or if its any indication we'll see these changes.

While many US buyers keep pleading for a swing up lift gate, or at least a gate that hingles on the drivers side... industry report says we shouldn't expect any major model changes on the Rav4 until the 2011-2012 time frame.

[da_jazzee]

Elton Noway wrote:
"That said... one interesting fact is that many 2009 models have already been rolled out, "including" many Toyota models, which begs the question... Why the delay on the Rav4?"

Many manufacturers, including Toy, intro different models at different times of the year.
The 2009 Rav will be introduced the same time of year that it was last year, and the year before, and the year before.......

As you'll see in this chart the time between the first model introduced and the last of a particular model year might be as much as 6 months

(for example, look at the 2009 Initial Delivery Month)
http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.html