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Posted June, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Toyota RAV4

By Thomas E. Bonsall

The all new Toyota RAV4 compact sport utility made its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last fall. It was launched in America last December and is now available at the Toyota dealer nearest you.

I've been giving a lot of thought to the ideal configuration for a vehicle. These days you have so many types from which to choose. You can buy a small car, a mid-sized car, a large car, and then repeat the process with sport-utility vehicles. I won't even go into out-and-out-trucks — the Ford F150 pickup is still the best-selling vehicle in the US — because their appeal to me as an everyday "driver" is zilch. Of course, you may think differently. If so, more power to you.

Having grown up in the longer-lower-wider era of the 1950s and 1960s, the trend to shorter and taller SUVs has caused me more than a little amusement. (For a possibly humorous manifestation of this, click here to see "Delaney's Revenge" elsewhere on this site.) Lately, I have come to see the compact SUV of the RAV4/Honda CR-V type as perhaps the best compromise. They offer a good mix of economy car fuel economy and maneuverability, with the upright driving position and carrying capacity of an SUV. Most are available with four-wheel drive, as well. A good example of this breed is the new RAV4, which we just tested.

The next-generation RAV4 rides on an all-new platform that is significantly longer and wider, inside and out, with a roomier and more convenient passenger compartment. (The US version has a longer wheelbase than the European version, in fact.) The new RAV4 is not large, mind you, but it has lost the borderline claustrophobia of previous generations. With an increased length of more than 14 inches, a new seating design features second row seating for three and optional third row seating, a first in the small SUV segment. The seating allows for numerous seat fold-down configurations, and under-floor storage (on models without the third-row seat), providing cargo space comparable to a mid-size SUV. Among the array of interior features new to the RAV4 are optitron gauges, cruise control with lever-operated brake deceleration, dual zone automatic air conditioning, audio mini-jack port, and a dual glove box.

The RAV4 offers an optional all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that generates 268 horsepower — more than some V8-equipped larger SUV's. The fuel economy is still fairly decent at 21 city and 28 highway. Our test vehicle came with this V6 and we found it to be peppy and flexible in all normal driving circumstances.

The standard powertrain is an upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i. This engine delivers 166 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful in the small SUV segment. The increased power of the two powertrains is matched with improved fuel efficiency, too. While we liked the six, we probably would have preferred the four for its superior fuel economy rating of 24 city/30 highway.

The RAV4 is equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes an enhanced version of Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Brake Assist. The RAV4 also offers optional driver and front passenger seat-mounted side, and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

Ride and handling is significantly improved. The RAV4's new platform includes a redesigned suspension, which is coupled with a more responsive new electronic power steering system. The new Sport edition features standard 18-inch alloys, helping to provide enhanced performance handling. Additional Sport edition features include overfenders, privacy glass, roof rack, and a unique interior seat fabric for a more aggressive appearance. A new Limited edition offers increased interior refinement, which includes dual zone air conditioning, power driver seat, an upgraded audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and available leather-trimmed interior seats.

Our test vehicle was the Sport edition with the V6 and four-wheel drive. The sticker, including options of which there were very few, came to $27,154. That's not much moolah for a vehicle these days and the new RAV4 has a lot to offer. It drives well, it's comfortable, reasonably fuel efficient and not bad looking. (The latter comment is one we can't make about several recent Toyota models.) Indeed, we liked the RAV4 a lot and like the configuration, too. Go for it. R&D