2006 Toyota RAV4 Review

The Toyota RAV4 sport-utility vehicle -- original car-based compact "cute-ute'' -- is all grown up for 2006.

The RAV4 arrived in 1996 as basically an underpowered runabout. But it got continual updates as rivals like the Honda CR-V began challenging it.

The new, third-generation RAV4 is 14.5 inches longer overall than the 2005 model, with a 6.7-inch longer wheelbase (distance between axles) stretched to 104.7 inches for a better ride and roomier interior. The new model also is 3.2 inches wider and a tad higher at 66.3 inches. It's 325 pounds heavier at 3,300 to 3,677 pounds, depending on the trim level.

The redesigned RAV4 looks sleeker and is more aerodynamic, with an impressively low drag coefficient for less wind noise and better fuel economy. It still comes with front-drive or a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which has no low-range gearing because it's not meant for serious off-road use.

The RAV4 has become the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV class, with its new 3.5-liter, 269-horsepower V-6. About 70 percent of buyers, however, are expected to opt for the 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower four-cylinder, which gains five horsepower from 2005.

I tested the RAV4 with the V-6, which turns this SUV into a hot rod SUV (0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds). However, the throttle can be touchy when the RAV4 initially moves forward, causing unintended quick acceleration off the line.

The four-cylinder should be adequate for most buyers. But it can't touch the V-6's performance and offers no major fuel economy gain over the more potent engine -- at least on paper.

The RAV4 four-cylinder provides an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 on highways with front-drive and 23 and 28 with all-wheel drive. Figures with the front-drive V-6 model are 22 and 29, while the all-wheel-drive version provides 21 and 28. Both engines need only 87-octane gasoline.

The four-cylinder works with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 is hooked to a responsive five-speed overdrive automatic -- partly why the more potent V-6 provides fuel economy near that of the smaller four-cylinder. The shifter has a rather notchy gate, probably to prevent a RAV4 driver from accidentally selecting the wrong gear. A manual transmission no longer is offered.

The RAV4 officially provides seating for five adults, or for seven with the newly available two-place third-row seat that folds flush with the cargo floor. However, there's comfortable seating for only four tall adults with supportive front bucket seats and a decent rear seat that tilts and slides fore and aft to adjust leg room. That split-folding seat's seatbacks can be moved forward to sit flat and enlarge the cargo area, which is impressive and has a low, wide opening.

The cargo door gets a demerit because it has no separate-opening glass window. Also, it swings to the right, which can hamper curbside loading.

The third-row seat is rather hard to enter or leave and is just suited to small children. It costs $700 to $950, depending on the RAV4 trim level.

There are Base, Sport and Limited trim levels. All are offered with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). All versions also are offered with either the V-6 or four-cylinder. List prices range from $20,300 to $25,870. I tested the $25,190 Sport AWD model.

Toyota must have noticed that South Korean automakers are picking up more customers by offering even well-equipped base models. Thus, even the base RAV4 has a bunch of standard items, including air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The Sport trim level adds a sport suspension with large 18-inch alloy wheels. (Base four-cylinder RAV4s have 16-inch wheels or optional 17s, while V6s have 17s.)

Move to the Limited and added are dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power driver seat and in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 player -- but no sport suspension.

Standard safety items for all models include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control and an anti-skid system. Optional for all versions are front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags that include rollover deployment.

Options include a sunroof for Sport and Limited versions, while extras exclusive to the Limited include leather upholstery, heated front seats and rear DVD entertainment system.

The new electronic power steering is quick and, unlike some electric steering, doesn't feel numb. And the turning radius is tighter, despite the RAV4's larger dimensions. The ride with the all-independent suspension is firm but supple with the Sport, and handling is car-like, without the tippy feel when curves are taken at spirited speeds. Braking is impressive, and standard electronic brake force distribution allows safer emergency stops.

While nimble and more fun to drive than its predecessor, even the RAV4 Sport is no genuine SUV sport model such as the compact BMW X3.

Occupants sit fairly high, and large outside mirrors help provide good rear driver visibility. Hefty outside door handles and a moderate step-in height make it easy to slide in or out. Rear doors open wide.

Back-lit gauges are easy to read, but sound system readouts are virtually washed out by sunlight. However, radio controls are simple to use, and climate system controls are large.

There is a two-level glove box, and the upper one springs open and closed with a push button -- a nifty touch I've never seen. Front doors have storage pockets and rear ones have bottle holders and windows that roll all the way down.

More demerits: Inside door handles look and feel cheap, and the extremely heavy hood is held open with an old-fashioned prop rod instead of a hydraulic strut. At least fluid-filler areas are easily reached when you need to add engine oil and such.

The latest RAV4 is so advanced over the 1996 model that it almost makes the original seem like a collector's item from the distant past. 

2006 TOYOTA RAV4 

PRICES: $20,300-$25,870

LIKES: Redesigned. Larger. Roomier. More powerful. Third-row seat for kids. Good highway fuel economy

DISLIKES: Hatch door hinders curbside loading. Only a prop rod for heavy hood. Hard-to-see radio readouts.