The Toyota RAV4 has been grabbing attention since its debut back in the 1990’s. Today’s RAV4 is almost unrecognizable, compared to its earliest ancestors. Much in the way that Honda has changed their CR-V to match today’s market demands, the RAV4 has been completely remodeled for the new model year. Engines, transmission pairings and body panels have been revamped (along with the price); let’s take a look at what the new ride is all about.

The new Toyota RAV4 offers two different engines and three trim levels. You’ll find Base models, Sports models and the Limited Series rolling onto dealer lots in September 2008. The base model offers a 2.5-liter engine. This 4-cylinder provides 179 horsepower, with decent fuel mileage. The two-wheel drive versions can product 28 mpg on the highway with 22 mpg in the city. The 4-wheel drive version offers 27 mpg on the highway and 21 in the city. The 1 mpg difference is probably not enough to sway diehard 4×4 fans.

The upgraded models come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This produces 269 horsepower, with a mpg rating of 27 highway and 19 city. The 4×4 model offers the same 1 mpg reduction between city and highway driving as the smaller engine. That means that even drivers who want off-road capabilities can still realize fuel savings. [Read more →]

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BMW has long been one of the dominant luxury brands in the US and around the world. Their venture into the world of the SUV may not have been terribly auspicious, coming as it did when gas prices began to rise steadily, but they still make some of the best looking, best performing SUVs on the market. The BMW X5 garnered headlines when it first appeared, and the new 2009 iteration holds true to the legend of its predecessors.

What will consumers find with the 2009 BMW X5? Are there any significant changes to the platform? Here, we’ll take a look at the SUV.

While the gas-powered version will see no changes of note, the diesel version is a different story. It will be the first in BMW’s line of “clean diesels,” aimed at providing power and refined luxury in an economically friendly package. The diesel version offers an inline 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine capable of putting out 265 horsepower. The twin turbo chargers and direct fuel injection help ramp up the performance of this diesel, helping it to shed the image of slow, clunky diesels of years past. In addition, the diesel version is rated for 25 mpg on the highway, but only 19 in the city. [Read more →]

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