The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is all new, with more power, more room, and more seats. The presentation is seamless, the driving pleasurable and the packaging delivered with the usual Toyota aplomb. The RAV4 and the Honda CR-V essentially created this class. With the availability of a V6 engine, three rows of seating, and the virtues mentioned above, Toyota has now climbed back into the lead with the new RAV4.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Irving, Texas.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
2006 Toyota RAV4 ($20,200); RAV4 Sport ($21,775); RAV4 Limited ($22,455)
electronic stability control; ABS, BA and EBD; traction control; frontal airbags; tire pressure monitor
Safety equipment (optional):
front seat-mounted, side-impact airbags and front- and second-row seat side-curtain airbags
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
N/A
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited ($22,455)
Standard equipment:
dual-zone automatic climate control; cruise control; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; power windows, outside heated mirrors and keyless central locking; AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with 6-disc, in-dash changer and six speakers; 8-way, power-adjustable driver seat and 4-way manually adjustable front passenger seat; leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel with redundant audio controls; hard-sheet, spare tire cover; fog lamps
Options as tested (MSRP):
V6 engine ($1915); 4-wheel drive ($1400); side-impact and -curtain airbags ($650); premium JBL stereo ($340); rear seat entertainment ($1705); third row seat ($700); moonroof ($900)
Destination charge:
($605)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$30,670
Layout:
four-wheel drive
Engine:
3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
269 @ 6200
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
246 @ 4700
Transmission:
5-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
20/27 mpg
Wheelbase:
104.7 in.
Length/width/height:
181.1/73.0/66.5 in.
Track, f/r:
61.4/61.4 in.
Turning circle:
34.8 ft.
Seating capacity:
7
Head/hip/leg room, f:
39.5/53.8/41.6 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.2/43.3/30.0 in.
Cargo volume:
73.0 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
2000 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent MacPherson strut, coil spring, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, double wishbone, coil spring, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
7.5 in.
Curb weight:
3675 lbs.
Tires:
P225/65R17
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
15.9 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of November 21, 2005.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-468-6968 -
www.toyota.com
