What Is It?
2006 Toyota RAV4
What's Special About It?
The '06 RAV4 marks the third generation of Toyota's lovable little SUV. Only now it's not so little. Nearly all dimensions have grown — the wheelbase now at 101 inches (up 3 inches), overall length stretches to 173 inches (up 6.4 inches) and width expands to 71.5 inches (up 3.2 inches). Lest you worry that has turned this "cute 'ute" into a bulky truck, take note that the height remains low at 66.1 (just 0.4 inch taller) and the turning circle is actually 3 feet tighter.
The styling is less busy than before — the odd concavities and oversized Nerf strips on the body sides are gone — and the RAV4 has a more serious, chiseled look. It also works better aerodynamically as the Cd is just 0.31, making the new RAV4 the slipperiest vehicle in its segment. It also promises less wind noise.
Toyota executives boasted about the "premium feel" of the cabin and they weren't blowing smoke — there's less hard plastic, the gauges are electroluminescent like a Lexus' and the front cupholder is illuminated.
The rear seats are not only split and able to recline, they also slide back and forth 6.5 inches to allow either passenger space or cargo capacity to be optimized. And Toyota's "Easy Flat" system only requires you to pull a lever to instantly get a flat load floor. No removing headrests or flipping up seat cushions required.
Although Europeans can choose between frugal gas and diesel engines, U.S. models will naturally come with more powerful choices, a 2.4-liter inline four making 166 hp and a powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horses. Transmission choices remain a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Both front- and four-wheel-drive models will be available and stability control will be a new, and standard, feature for the RAV4.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With high gas prices forcing Americans to get more realistic about vehicle choices, the more spacious but still four-cylinder-powered RAV4 should have no problem finding fans. — John DiPietro
2006 Toyota RAV4
What's Special About It?
The '06 RAV4 marks the third generation of Toyota's lovable little SUV. Only now it's not so little. Nearly all dimensions have grown — the wheelbase now at 101 inches (up 3 inches), overall length stretches to 173 inches (up 6.4 inches) and width expands to 71.5 inches (up 3.2 inches). Lest you worry that has turned this "cute 'ute" into a bulky truck, take note that the height remains low at 66.1 (just 0.4 inch taller) and the turning circle is actually 3 feet tighter.
The styling is less busy than before — the odd concavities and oversized Nerf strips on the body sides are gone — and the RAV4 has a more serious, chiseled look. It also works better aerodynamically as the Cd is just 0.31, making the new RAV4 the slipperiest vehicle in its segment. It also promises less wind noise.
Toyota executives boasted about the "premium feel" of the cabin and they weren't blowing smoke — there's less hard plastic, the gauges are electroluminescent like a Lexus' and the front cupholder is illuminated.
The rear seats are not only split and able to recline, they also slide back and forth 6.5 inches to allow either passenger space or cargo capacity to be optimized. And Toyota's "Easy Flat" system only requires you to pull a lever to instantly get a flat load floor. No removing headrests or flipping up seat cushions required.
Although Europeans can choose between frugal gas and diesel engines, U.S. models will naturally come with more powerful choices, a 2.4-liter inline four making 166 hp and a powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horses. Transmission choices remain a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Both front- and four-wheel-drive models will be available and stability control will be a new, and standard, feature for the RAV4.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With high gas prices forcing Americans to get more realistic about vehicle choices, the more spacious but still four-cylinder-powered RAV4 should have no problem finding fans. — John DiPietro
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