Forget what you thought you knew about the Toyota RAV4—the Toyota RAV4 V6 is here to shake things up with a powerful 269-hp engine, 246 lb-ft of torque, and a 7.4-second 0 to 60 start time.

Prized for its reliability, Toyota’s RAV4 model has been a staple of its lineup since it was introduced in 1994. Perfect for families and commuters alike, the RAV4 added a V6 engine in 2009 for a bit of extra power. The RAV4 V6 is a sporty Toyota compact SUV that transforms your otherwise boring daily commute into a driving experience to remember.

Interested in learning more about the RAV4 V6? You're in luck! We're here with a comprehensive guide on this special model.

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2012 Toyota RAV4 V6

Starting price: $32,565

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve alloy V6

Horsepower: 269 hp @ 6,200 rpm

Torque: 246 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm

0 to 60: 7.4 seconds

By throwing in a powerful V6 engine, Toyota completely transformed the RAV4. Once a compact SUV made for soccer moms, it became a sporty powerhouse that is fun to drive and reliable. Produced in eight show-stopping colors, the RAV4 V6 also features a rear spoiler and an optional sun/moonroof, all while its 3.5-liter V6 engine pumps out 269 hp.

Other standout features of the RAV4 V6 include:

A host of safety and driver-assistance features: The 2012 RAV4 V6 comes standard with an all-wheel automatic braking system, brake assist, daytime running lights, integrated turn signal mirrors, electronic stability control, child safety locks, and traction control.

Dual-zone automatic climate control: Along with its filtered air conditioning and optional heated front seats, the RAV4 V6’s dual-zone climate control system provides drivers with a comfortable driving experience.

Best-in-class infotainment: For an SUV produced in 2012, the RAV4 V6 features a host of impressive infotainment features, including an MP3-compatible sound system, satellite navigation, and satellite radio.

The RAV4 V6 also offered leather upholstery and electrochromic rearview mirrors as optional upgrades.

How’s the fuel economy?

What the RAV4’s V6 engine offers in additional power, it often lacks in fuel economy when compared to the RAV4’s standard four-cylinder engine. Where the 2022 RAV4 AWD boasts a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg, the 2012 RAV4 V6 only offers 22 mpg combined.

MORE: What is the Toyota RAV4's gas mileage?

Which Toyota models have the V6?

The same V6 that’s found in the RAV4 is also an option on Toyota’s Aurion, the Kluger, and the Tarago. The 2020

Toyota Camry

also offers drivers the option to upgrade to a V6 engine.

How fast is the Toyota RAV4 V6?

Despite the additional power offered to the RAV4 by its V6 engine, it’s far from the fastest compact SUV on the market, going from 0 to 60 mph in a modest 7.4 seconds.

Still, that’s a lot faster than the competition. Let’s take a look at the 0-to-60 times of a few other compact SUVs comparable to the RAV4 V6:

Ford Escape XLT Sport V6

: 9.1 seconds

Mazda Tribute V6

: 9.8 seconds

Mitsubishi Outlander VR

: 8.4 seconds

Subaru Outback 3.0R

: 8.2 seconds

While some of these models share the 2012 RAV4’s V6 engine, others feature a standard 4-cylinder engine. But even the fastest among these—the Subaru Outback 3.0R—can’t keep up with the RAV4 V6.

Key Takeaway The V6 engine gives the Toyota RAV4 more power, greater speed, and improved ride quality—but it’s at the expense of some fuel economy.

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Which is better: RAV4 V6 Limited or Sport?

The

RAV4 Limited

and

Sport

are both trim levels available on the 2012 RAV4 model. Because the two trims share so many of the same features and functions, it can be difficult to make a decision between them. Both trims feature identical V6 engines, fuel economies of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, and the same five-speed automatic transmission. When purchased new, only $1,000 separated the two trims. A decade down the line, less than $200 marks the average difference in price between the RAV4 Limited V6 and the RAV4 Sport V6.

But which version of the RAV4 V6 is better? The RAV4 Limited has a few standard features only available as options on the Sport. These include all-season tires, interior cargo shade, a luggage rack, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated mirrors, to name a few.

In the end, however, the trims are nearly identical apart from superficial upgrades.

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FAQs

Does the RAV4 come in V6?

Toyota discontinued the use of V6 engines in their RAV4 model when they introduced the fourth generation RAV4 in 2013. You can find used RAV4 V6 mo; howeverever, they are no longer available in new RAV4 models.

Are V6 RAV4s reliable?

Toyotas have a reputation for reliability, and the V6 engine doesn’t change that. In addition to a host of safety and driver-assistance features, the RAV4 V6 received a five out of five star overall safety rating from the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA).

Does the 2012 RAV4 have AWD?

Yes—The 2012 RAV4 is available in both FWD and AWD, depending on the trim level.

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