Teresa’s View
For the RAV4’s 10th birthday, Toyota gave the spunky cute-ute an allover redesign. The 2006 RAV4 is larger, more stylish and, of course, more powerful. After all, what’s a redesign without a power boost, right?
When introduced in 1996, the RAV4 launched a new trend in car-based compact sport-utes, giving rise to an expectation of sedan-like ride and the equivalent in creature comforts.
With that kind of a start, it’s hard to know where to improve. The designers began with a significantly longer and wider base, allowing for a roomier, more modern cabin. A clever two-tiered dash puts the audio controls up high where the driver can more easily see and operate them. The former flower-petal-like climate controls are now recessed for a more conventional appeal.
Outside, a more aerodynamic shape helps to improve gas mileage and reduce wind noise.
Under the hood, the RAV4 offers an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 power plant. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers class-leading 269 horsepower and 246 foot-pounds of torque. Toyota says the extra horsies makes the RAV4 a more practical choice for those wishing to pull up to 3,500 pounds — with the available Tow Package — of play gear.
The optional V-6 engine gets an EPA-estimated rating of 22 mpg city and 29 highway for the two-wheel drive models and 21 city/28 highway for the 4x4 versions.
Don’t need the extra power? No worries. The standard RAV4 comes with an improved 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 166 horsepower. Fuel-efficiency ratings are only slightly better than those of the V-6. Documentation for my 4x4 tester with the four-cylinder engine says it gets 23 mpg city and 28 highway.
I’m not sure if it is because of the wider stance or the redesigned suspension, but I noticed a much smother ride and more stable handling, especially around corners, compared to the previous edition.
Despite the increase in size, the RAV4 still feels like a small rig, which is particularly handy if you have to maneuver in my bank’s parking lot.
What Is It?: The 2006 RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport-utility vehicle offered in either two- or four-wheel-drive. Toyota calls its trim levels “grades.” Thus they offer the Base grade, Sport grade and top-of-the-line Limited. Prices start at just under $21K.
The Back Seat: The increased interior space allowed designers to add an optional third-row seat — a first in the small SUV segment. However, only limber, petite children will be comfortable there. As always, the third row virtually eliminates cargo space, although the seat easily folds flat when not in use.
Safety: The RAV4 comes with the Star Safety System that includes traction control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. An improved vehicle stability control system includes steering assist to help anticipate the loss of vehicle control, automatically correcting a potentially dangerous situation. An electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel-drive based on road conditions. Pretty soon, these vehicles aren’t even going to need a driver!