The table below lists every trim of the 2008 Toyota Rav4 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.

Per-trim breakdown

Configuration Engine HP Torque Axle Tow (lb) GVWR Curb Payload
Base Front-wheel Drive 166 165 2.92 1,500 4,430 3,300 1,130
Sport Front-wheel Drive 166 165 2.92 1,500 4,430 3,373 1,057
Limited Front-wheel Drive 166 165 2.92 1,500 4,430 3,371 1,059
Base V6 Front-wheel Drive 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,600 3,527 1,073
Sport V6 Front-wheel Drive 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,600 3,549 1,051
Limited V6 Front-wheel Drive 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,600 3,547 1,053
Base 4x4 166 165 3.08 1,500 4,535 3,444 1,091
Sport 4x4 166 165 3.08 1,500 4,535 3,514 1,021
Limited 4x4 166 165 3.08 1,500 4,535 3,512 1,023
Base V6 4x4 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,720 3,655 1,065
Sport V6 4x4 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,720 3,677 1,043
Limited V6 4x4 269 246 3.08 2,000 4,720 3,675 1,045

How to interpret the headline tow figure

Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.

How this year compares to 2007

The 2007 Toyota Rav4 carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 2008 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2007 Toyota Rav4 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2008 Toyota models

The rest of Toyota's 2008 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.