The new RAV with 266hp!! I keep telling some of the V-8 knuckleheads on this site that the 4.0L V-6 in our 4Runner is capable of much more. Toyota could easily get 275hp out of the 4.0L engine used in the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra trucks. Trust me peeps.....it is and will be a RELIABLE toyota engine. Just because it makes a lot of noise doesn't mean it isn't well built.

Also, be advised that the Toyota Corporation is committed to increasing the amount of hybrid vehicles in its fleet over the next 5+ years. Like it or not, if the gasoline prices remain high then so will the demand for hybrids. Personally, I hope the next design Runner has the hybrid option.

As fas as the hybrid not being good for a heavy vehicle; the Chevy Silverado already has the hybrid engine. The race is on to develop more of them in the future. Right now under the Bush's administration (laxed pollution laws)....there is a big push for the return of diesels. The diesel engine manufacturers still have to do a good bit of improvement of removing particles to meet the strict state EPA standards of CA and NY. I, myself would not vote for diesel engines in the state of CA......we still have a big issue with the smog here.

I'd be more in favor of hybrid vehicles. Also add in the fact that diesel fuel costs more that reg unleaded......$3.32 vs $3.09 here in So. California. Moving toward diesel engines in the future still gives OPEC the leverage to continue to rape the American worker's pocketbook.

Well, then the solution is simple:
Diesel for the U.S., except NY and CA.

Now, regarding diesel price, the truth is that Diesel is 25% to 30% cheaper than gasoline, being closer to crude oil (less refined).

So it's just a matter of the US GOVERNMENT, not OPEC to reduce the excessive taxes.

Also, Uncle Sam would have to modify refineries to increase Diesel production capacity.

HP is not everything...in a truck, you want torque...and you want it at low RPMs. The 3.5L V6 in the new RAV4 is the same one in Toyota Avalon...it's a car engine.

(a little late to post on this thread but...)

I absolutely hate toyota for giving the Rav4 the same hp as my V8 4Runner...I've always wanted more power in my 4Runner (I planned on the TRD supercharger as part of my purchase only to find out no sc will be offered for the 05 V8) and now they go and give a mini-suv MY hp!!! grrrrrr the ONLY thing that would make me forgive toyota is if TRD would offer a SC (giving me around 370-400hp)

Toyota...look around....the new TrailBlazer SS with the vette engine (you can supercharge/turbo).......the Jeep with the hemi (that you can also supercharge)...some of us WANT lots of HP along with our luxury and offroad capabilities....you dont have to offer it stock, but at least offer it as an option!!!

I knew coming from a 600hp Supra I would never be satisfied with stock hp figures *hahaha*

I don't want to make you more angry, but the RAV4 actually has 5 more hp than your V8 4Runner. The RAV 4 has 280 hp and the 4Runner only has 275 hp! I thought you would like to hear that.:arrow:

actually, the 275hp i think should be about 8-10hp less because of the recent SAE certs, no?

The new RAV does have a nice clean look about it.

just saw the new rav4 limited 4 cylinder
at the dealership while i was warrenting the pipes on my runner
got to drive it wasent fast nor did it had nice ride feel
it was in red it looked like a tribeca from the side rear profile
there was plenty of space for the rear passangers the rear seats are adjustable interior room was plenty all around
interior was shabby and the cluster was no big deal not very cool looking from the inside.
screw on antenna wasen't impressive
overall wasent please