Edmunds Full Test: 2006 Toyota RAV4

[CarShark]

Jumbo Shrimp



By John DiPietro

Date posted: 11-28-2005
Ten years ago, before the flood of current compact SUVs washed over the market, Toyota's RAV4 offered the Gen X and Gen Y folks an SUV that suited their supposedly active lifestyles.

Something that could handle foul-weather driving as well as a trip to the slopes or mountain bike trailhead. Something that had relatively small dimensions for an SUV, making it easy to park in the city. Something that had a frugal four-cylinder engine that promised 20-somethings 20-something miles to the gallon. Something journalists dubbed the "cute ute."

Well, this is America, the Land of Supersizing, so it was inevitable that the RAV4 would get bigger. And that's exactly what happened with the 2006 Toyota RAV4. Although this new RAV also debuts in Europe this year, they'll be getting the shorter-wheelbase version shown at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The difference in length is most noticeable by looking at the rearmost side windows. North America gets a third-seat option, Europe does not.

Would this upsizing kill the lovable, agile demeanor of the RAV4? Or would it take Toyota's entry-level SUV to new heights? We couldn't wait to find out so we got hold of a preproduction unit, a V6 Limited that was loaded to the roof rack with options.

More at Edmunds

[IAMCANADIAN]

Sounds like it's almost trying to outbeat the Saturn VUE with the 269 HP V6, essentially trying to outbeat the joneses but that's essentially what goes on in the auto industry.

[griswold44]

This SUV will be a huge hit. It has everything a small SUV buyer would want, and more.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by griswold44

This SUV will be a huge hit. It has everything a small SUV buyer would want, and more.

I'd like to say THANK GOD THERE'S NO MORE 4-CYLINDER!!!! My uncle had a 2001 Rav4, the 4-cylinder was so raspy and clunky and it was really narrow, he traded it in for a Sienna lol and then he traded it in for a Highlander. Because he does ads for a Toyota Dealership he gets free leases on some of their vehicles.

[cjrciadt]

The new Rav4 and Sante Fe maybe one of the best value pairs of almost any segment. Under the "base" model you can get the 3.5 v6 for about 23k MSRP!!!!! You get a CRV for 24k with alloy wheels with the 2.4 liter! Chevy better put at least the 3500 to replace to elder 3400 very quickly!!!!

[mjd1001]

If you use the links in the bar to the left, it shows the model they tested was a fully loaded "Rav4 L" which had a MSRP of about $31,000. Great vehicle yes...but at that price it is beyond entry level by a large margin. You can get a TrailBlazer SS with GM's discounts for not much more than that.

Also, remember Toyota doesn't offer too many different combinations of option packages. They list certain things as 'options' but good luck trying to find a stripped down version with limited options, especially at launch.

If you want a 6 cylinder with AWD, expect to be paying close to that $30,000 mark, esp if you want a Rav4 L.

[griswold44]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

I'd like to say THANK GOD THERE'S NO MORE 4-CYLINDER!!!! My uncle had a 2001 Rav4, the 4-cylinder was so raspy and clunky and it was really narrow, he traded it in for a Sienna lol and then he traded it in for a Highlander. Because he does ads for a Toyota Dealership he gets free leases on some of their vehicles.

The Rav4 still has a 4 cylinder.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by griswold44

The Rav4 still has a 4 cylinder.

i thought it was just a V6, but it makes sense. Still hopefully it isn't a little raspy thing.

[cjrciadt]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

i thought it was just a V6, but it makes sense. Still hopefully it isn't a little raspy thing.

Before it used the 4 from the Tacoma, now it uses the 4 from the Camry.
http://toyota.com/vehicles/future/rav4/index.html
Build your own, they changed the trim structure a little.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Originally Posted by cjrciadt

Before it used the 4 from the Tacoma, now it uses the 4 from the Camry.
http://toyota.com/vehicles/future/rav4/index.html
Build your own, they changed the trim structure a little.

I spose that much better but i'd take the V6 thanks.

[LAMRONH]

Originally Posted by cjrciadt

The new Rav4 and Sante Fe maybe one of the best value pairs of almost any segment. Under the "base" model you can get the 3.5 v6 for about 23k MSRP!!!!! You get a CRV for 24k with alloy wheels with the 2.4 liter! Chevy better put at least the 3500 to replace to elder 3400 very quickly!!!!

Where is the Saturn Vue? According to Edmunds, equipped with a MODERN! ohc V6 (courtesy of Honda):
MSRP Invoice
National Base Price (excludes destination charge)
A note about advertising fees $21,390 $19,733

The Sleepy General ...always reacting, never leading.
One thing Sleepy should do is make their highest power motors available on stripper models, like you could get in the 60s. The Nova with the 350 for cheap is a good example. How about a Malibu sedan with the 3.9 for $18,000? Impala V8 on the LS (and quit changing the frikkin model names!) for $23,000-24,000 msrp.
The bureaucratization of cluelessness is killing them, and unlike the government GM can't raise taxes or run perpetual deficits to save their arse.
The Sleepy General should cut the car guys loose and get rid of the clueless bean-counting morons who've been killing their products since the 1980s.
What is the General BEST known for? Hot cars? Spirited handling? Class interiors? Great styling? Hot windshield washer fluid? Blue light specials year after year?
The corporation and each division need to hump it and establish reputations that folks instantly associate with.

[Perfectionist]

Originally Posted by mjd1001

If you use the links in the bar to the left, it shows the model they tested was a fully loaded "Rav4 L" which had a MSRP of about $31,000. Great vehicle yes...but at that price it is beyond entry level by a large margin. You can get a TrailBlazer SS with GM's discounts for not much more than that.

Yes, but Toyota doesn't need these discounts to move their product. This Rav4 will sell very well, and since it's almost as big as the highlander, I'm assuming it will be growing in size quite nicely a little later.
Nice little truck. Interior looks nice too. (Typical Toyota I suppose)

[pagemaster]

Saw a 2006 RAV4. It was brown, it was a base model and it had the 2.4 engine.

All I have to say is that I almost fell asleep. It is so boring looking.

[pat99872]

Looks like its gona be a seller. finnally.. almost 10 years after it came out.. a V6

woo hoo

[AdmiralViscen]

Lamronh, the VUE's been around for years. How is the General not leading?