Toyota RAV4 Review

See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Toyota RAV4.

High Points

 * First compact SUV to offer third-row seating
 * New 269hp V6 engine offers power RAV4 previously lacked
 * Improved aerodynamics and cabin noise reduction
 * Improved interior space

Low Points

 * Small gas tank
 * Low base price, but price increases significantly with options
 * Rear trunk door blocks path to curb when open
 * Third row seating rests on vehicle floor and is uncomfortable for adults

Performance and Handling
Autos.com ranked the 2006 Toyota RAV4 number one out of the top 26 compact SUVs on the market today.

Gas Mileage
The 2006 Toyota RAV4 came in third place in fuel economy amongst the top compact SUVs on the market on Autos.com.

The 4-Cylinder Toyota RAV4 gets the following MPG: The V6 Toyota RAV4 gets the following MPG:
 * 2WD: 24/30
 * 4WD: 23/28
 * 2WD: 22/29
 * 4WD: 21/28

Safety
The 2006 tied for first place on Autos.com's compact SUVs Safety Ratings.

The Toyota RAV4 comes with the following safety features STANDARD:
 * Vehicle Stabillity Control with Traction Control
 * Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution
 * Roll Sensing Side Curtain Airbags and Driver/Front Passenger/ Front Seat-Mounted side Airbags - optional on all trims
 * 3-Point Seatbelts in ALL Locations
 * 2nd Row CRS Lower and Top Tether Anchors
 * Rear Door Child Safety Locks
 * Engine Immobilizer and Prewire
 * Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Reliability and Maintenance
Although the 2006 RAV4 is all new and reliability data on the new platform is yet unavailable, Consumer Reports predicted that the new RAV4's reliability would be "very good."

As recorded by Automotive Information Systems, previous generations of the RAV4 have done extremely well in reliability. The 2003 model received green "minimal problems" ratings across the board.

Toyota has a great reputation in this department, so in all likelihood, the new RAV4 should prove no less roadworthy than its predecessors.

Interior and Comforts

 * Dual Zone A/C with Clean Air Filtration & Micro Dust/Pollen Removal/Info Display
 * AM/FM In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer with 6 Speakers
 * Auxilirary Audio Jack available
 * Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
 * Manual Tilting/Telescopic Adjusting Steering Wheel
 * Fabric-trimmed Interior with power-adustable driver's seat and manually-adjustable passenger's seat
 * Fabric-trimmed multi-adustable front seats with driver's height adjustment
 * Center console with 2 illuminated cupholders, cell phone storage, upper storage tray, and lower console box
 * 2nd Row 60/40 split, recline, fold flat with slide forward capability with center armrest and 2 cupholders
 * Dual glove box
 * Digital clock
 * Cruise control
 * Power windows and locks
 * Remote keyless entry
 * Optitron IP Gauges/ Gated Shifter
 * 2 Front/1 Cargo area auxiliary 12V power outlets
 * Cargo area second row seat with one touch fold-flat lever
 * Rear Cargo storage with under floor storage space

Exterior

 * UV Reduction Glass Windshield; Rear Privacy Glass
 * Black Grille
 * Black Door Handles
 * Black Roofrack
 * Color-keyed Bumpers, Rear Spoiler, Spare Tire Cover, Door Handles, Mirrors, Fender Flares available
 * Chrome Grille available
 * Power outside mirrors
 * Power heated outside mirrors
 * Multi-reflector Halogen Auto-Off Headlamps
 * Front Variable and Rear Intermittent Wipers
 * Fender-mounted Mast Antenna
 * Fog Lamps
 * LED Tail and Stop Lamps
 * Daytime Running Lights
 * Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof with Sunshades

Styles and Options
The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is available in the following 3 trims: Base, Sport, and Limited.

Base
Options available on the RAV4 Base are:
 * 17-inch 5-spoke styled steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires and full-size spare tire on 17-in. steel wheel
 * 17-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires and full-size spare tire on 17-in. steel wheel
 * Tonneau cover with multi-purpose cargo net with support poles
 * AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers
 * Black roof rails and cross bars
 * Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags(RSCA)
 * Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
 * Fabric-trimmed 50/50 Split & Stow 3rd RowTM seats with fold-flat-into-floor capability and height-adjustable headrests
 * Tow Prep Package (V6 models only) with 3500-lb. towing capacity – includes upgraded radiator, fan coupling and alternator

Sport
Options available on the RAV4 Sport are: AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers
 * Tonneau cover with multi-purpose cargo net with support poles
 * JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and nine speakers (includes subwoofer and steering wheel audio controls)
 * Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA)
 * Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
 * Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
 * Tow Prep Package (V6 models only) with 3500-lb. towing capacity – includes upgraded radiator, fan coupling, and alternator

Limited
Options available on the RAV4 Limited are:
 * JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and nine speakers (includes subwoofer)
 * Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with rear-seat audio and two wireless headphones (includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks)
 * Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA)
 * Driver and front passenger heated seats
 * Leather-trimmed seats
 * Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
 * Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
 * Fabric-trimmed 50/50 Split & Stow 3rd RowTM seats with fold-flat-into-floor capability and height-adjustable headrests
 * Tow Prep Package (V6 models only) with 3500-lb. towing capacity – includes upgraded radiator, fan coupling, and alternator

Main Competitors

 * Ford Escape
 * Honda CR-V
 * Mazda Tribute
 * Nissan Xterra
 * Saturn VUE