Sport models have 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, fender flares and fog lamps. Four-cylinder-equipped base models have standard 16-inch wheels, while V-6-powered base models and Limited versions get 17-inch wheels.When equipped with the 50/50-split, flat-folding third-row seat, the Toyota RAV4 can seat up to seven people. Seating for five is standard.
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| 2006 Toyota RAV4 |
Additional Limited features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-CD changer, automatic dual-zone climate control and heated mirrors. Sport models have dark charcoal-colored fabric seats.
The RAV4's standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder develops 166 horsepower and 165 pounds-feet of torque; it teams exclusively with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Antilock brakes, traction control and Vehicle Stability Control are standard. Roll-sensing side curtain-type airbags for the first two rows of seats and side-impact airbags are optional.
There’s big news for the new RAV4, headed to dealerships soon: V-6 power and third-row seats.V-6 power in the RAV is a long time coming, but third row seats? Really?
While the proportions have stayed roughly the same, truth is, the little RAV4 sport-utility is no longer that compact. The upsizing of the Toyota RAV4 stretches it by 14 inches overall and puts it at only about 3.5 inches shorter overall than the Highlander, with a wheelbase about two inches shorter than the Highlander. Helping to create a more communicative driving experience is Toyota’s Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system, which gives more road feel at all speeds.
The Toyota RAV4 has always had enough power with the standard four-cylinder engine, but a portion of Toyota RAV4 shoppers — and of course the motoring press — has always asked for more power. All U.S.-bound RAV4 models have an automatic transmission, with no manual option, but they’re very frugal. The front-wheel-drive 2.4-liter returns EPA fuel economy figures of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, which is the highest in its class, not counting hybrids. Toyota is planning on making 70 percent of RAV4s with the four-cylinder, at least initially.
The Toyota RAV4takes VSC a step further by interfacing the system with the Electronic Power Steering system, allowing the system to provide more or less assists as needed for a particular situation. As before, the RAV4 will be available in both front- and four-wheel-drive versions, though a part-time on-demand 4WD system replaces the former full-time viscous-clutch all-wheel-drive system. Front-wheel-drive models come with a limited-slip differential to help aid grip in limited-traction situations.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is controlled by an in-dash switch and helps moderate speed on steep descents. Though HAC and DAC are mainly designed for off-road situations, they’re standard on all V-6 models, and, oddly, on four-cylinder models with third-row seating.
The four-cylinder will still be the most popular engine choice, though; Toyota anticipates that about 70 percent of RAV4s will have the four and 55 percent of all RAVs will be the base Standard Grade trim. Initially, 56 percent will be 4WD.
But now that the Toyota RAV4 has sized up so much, there’s a pretty big jump from Toyota’s Matrix hatchback to the RAV4. We’re also curious why, considering all the standard electronic safety aids, side airbags remain an option on the RAV4, while for many of the competitors they’re standard. Late next year, the Toyota RAV4's bigger sibling, the Highlander, will be replaced by a larger, sleeker model.