2006 Toyota Review

Specifications

The New RAV4 has Grown Up in Size and Sophistication

Toyotas RAV4 was an innovator when it came on the scene in 1995 as a 1996 model. It was small, perky and, while appearing Jeep-like, was more conducive to inner-city commuting than scaling rocky goat trails. Young urban women loved it, and so did older folks looking for an alternative to the venerable economy car. The second-generation RAV was a little more sophisticated, and due to its bolder styling was more appealing to guys. It was efficient too; among Canadas most fuel friendly SUVs.

The past behind us, not all that much has changed with the 2006 RAV4. Its target customer has aged a little, now has a family and tends to carry around more stuff than ever before, but what theyre looking for in a vehicle is much the same… only larger. So, that in mind, when youre looking into your rearview mirror as an all-new RAV pulls up behind you, and it wont take very long for it to do so, you could be forgiven for not immediately noticing that its new at all. When redesigning it, Toyota realized that its customers liked the old RAV4, one of the most attractive in its segment, so why mess with success? The SUV keeps a similar grille to the outgoing model, what always looked to me like a really close cousin to the grille on the old Lexus IS 300, and its vertically stacked headlamp clusters arent that different from the 2005 RAV at first glance. Even the lower front fascia looks more or less the same.

Again, when pulling up behind one, the 2006 model features the same basic layout as the outgoing RAV4. The door handle on the left, hinges on the right, blacked out rear glass partially covered by an outboard full-size spare tire, and under the door handle, even the Toyota logo, “RAV4″ insignia, and license plate cutout are more or less identically placed. Only the rear door handle has been changed from a flush-mounted pull-up handle to a more conventional oval grip thats easier to grasp, but only owners of the old model or particularly detail oriented journalists will notice it, so to most everyone else, the overall design looks the same.

But when pulling up beside one to pass, or more likely being passed by one on the highway, its an altogether different animal. Gone are the European-inspired lines that paid homage to BMWs X5 in scaled down form, replaced by an all-new, quite original shape. And as its going by, youll probably notice how much longer it is than the old one. You might even catch sight of two rows of kids waving at you as they pass by, although the windows are rather deeply tinted and the RAV will probably be going at such a speedy clip that youll be lucky to make out its exterior color, let alone anything going on inside.

That RAV4 passing you, of course, probably wouldnt be a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder model. Sure it offers more power than the previous RAV, but at 166-horsepower compared to 161, not that much, and given that the new model weighs significantly more, by about 550 pounds in base trim, and features the same 165 lb-ft of torque as the old RAV, plus is no longer available with a five-speed manual transmission, it doesnt break out into a gallop with quite the same enthusiasm. Rather it has been designated the fuel friendly family hauler, where its V6 sibling is an out and out hotrod.

Thats no joke. Equipped with the most powerful engine in the “compact” SUV class, the RAV4 V6 sprints to 60 mph in about seven seconds. The engine, which is basically a retuned version of the 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the Avalon, also found in the upcoming 2007 Camry featuring 268-horsepower and the all-new 2006 Lexus IS 350 boasting a class-leading 306-horsepower, makes a significant 269 in the RAV. Torque is top-of-segment too, at 245 lb-ft, easily enough to launch it from standstill with a surprising jolt.

During the launch, held in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, on and around the grounds of a new assembly plant that will soon be pumping these SUVs out by the thousands, the RAV4 was an impressive hauler; and Im not just talking about its zero to 60 sprint time. Theres so much room in this ute, which to be clear is more of a crossover or CUV than an SUV, that most wont see the need to move up to a full-size model unless towing more than the V6 models 3,500 lbs or carrying greater than its 1,155 lb maximum payload. Headroom is more than ample, even for the taller journalists present at the launch, while shoulder and hip room appeared to be sufficient too. Legroom is only compromised if riding in the very back, which, while much roomier than I expected, is better suited to children.

And why feature seven-occupant capability in a compact CUV? I, for one, wouldnt even consider buying a primary vehicle without that revered third row, and like most family guys, dont judge it on how well it fits adults. The kids love it back there, just like I did while parked in the reverse-facing third row of my parents Olds Vista Cruiser wagon; or even better, crammed into the cargo hold under the rear window of my Dads 66 VW Beetle. And now being a parent, as much as I love having the kids along for the ride, I also appreciate a reasonably sized buffer between their shrill voices and my overworked, occasionally throbbing head.

Like usual in Toyotas, I found the driver and front passenger seats to be well designed. Theyre supportive in all the right places, at least for my five-foot-eight frame, and ideally suited to the RAVs tallish ride height. Second-row seats are also comfortable, with an identical 38.3 inches of legroom whether in a five- or seven-occupant vehicle. That third row, by the way, metes out 30.0 inches of legroom, which again is pretty good for this class.

For smaller families who opt for the five-occupant RAV4, which will also save them a few dollars as only the Limited V6 offers the extra rear row, the rear cargo area is voluminous compared to the outgoing model, upping behind second row stowage from a meager 23.9 cu-ft behind the rear seats to an impressive 35.9 cu-ft. Drop the rear row and Home Depot runs become all the more efficient, with a total of 73.2 cu-ft of cargo space compared to 67.4 cu-ft in the old RAV. Oh, you want a 7-passenger RAV, do you? Well, in that case theres only 11.9 cu-ft available behind the third row, a number that grows to 36.7 cu-ft when that rearmost row is folded flat. Folding both rear rows flat results in the same cargo volume as with the 5-seat RAV.

Looking around the cabin and its easy to see that Toyotas not trying to lure in Lexus buyers, even in the RAV4s leather-clad Limited iteration. But within the entry-level compact to midsize CUV class, it measures up well. The surface plastics are better in quality than many rivals, the fit and finish of switchgear, bins, compartments and anything else that moves is first-rate, and the general layout of the dash and centre console are ergonomically friendly, not to mention attractive. I especially like Toyotas unorthodox approach to climate control. The interface looks every bit like a conventional three-dial setup at first glance, until, that is, you notice that its a series of buttons clustered three separate circular formations. Each button is large enough to actuate while wearing mittens let alone glove, and all click with a nicely weighted, precise feel. Even the base HVAC system is nicely laid out, again in a three pod configuration, and while not as slick as the auto climate control system, still easy to use.

The top-line JBL audio system head unit is much the same; not in layout but in quality. From a design perspective its fairly traditional, sitting high on the dash, easily reachable without having to lean forward from the seatback. It offers more radio presets than average, with not only a half-dozen in the AM and FM bands, but FM is split between FM1 and FM2, doubling up the potential stations that can be locked in. Its a six-disc unit, loaded up right into the slot on the dash, so in effect it beats out BMWs X3 for CD player convenience. If it didnt include a port for an external audio device I might be complaining right about now, but theres one for an iPod or the like, while the stereo accepts WMA or mp3 files. Thats true for the base stereo too, iPod connectivity included.

Audio and climate control aside, I think my favorite RAV4 interface is its sporty three-spoke steering wheel, especially the leather-clad version. Yes, it comes with audio buttons, but that isnt what I like best about it. No, its the way it feels in the hands. Its as if Momo, the great Italian aftermarket performance parts supplier, designed it; ideal for sport driving.

But sport driving an SUV? Cmon! OK, fair enough, this isnt a Scion tC or anything, but among crossovers it feels pretty agile. The circuit Toyota took us on offered a few moments to test its handling mettle, and it proved to be a worthy accomplice - i.e. it was easy to take most corners at a much higher clip than the posted speed. Its transitional response was slightly better than most tall vehicles, swaying a bit as a quickly moved from lane to lane, but once again, it felt stable at all times, important for accident avoidance.

Toyota also provided a rather adventurous (for a RAV4) off-road trek up and over the property that would soon be a manufacturing plant, so that we could see how it handled the rough stuff. I chuckled, thinking back to when the Japanese brand introduced the second-generation RAV. I was there, 4×4ing it through a pretty messed up logging road just outside of Whistler, BC, trying to crisscross through drainage ditches that kept hanging up its pretty little front and rear fascias. The sound of a plastic rubbing, and then its metal undercarriage scraping on rocks, is not that appealing to this auto writer, so I wrote the old RAV off as a city slicker that had better just keep to groomed roads.

The new one, however, ups ground clearance slightly, and, thanks to a few trick electronic driver aids, holds its own during light off-roading. I made a point of stopping halfway up an extremely steep grade of slippery sandy dirt, and then, with my right foot extended to about fifty percent throttle, and thanks to standard Advanced Traction Control System (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and of course its Active Torque Control 4WD system, it crawled up and over the top; some wheels finding traction while others went limp until something of substance could be found underneath. While Im guessing most RAV owners wont be getting quite so frisky with their vehicles, the exercise showed me that the little ute is up to most jobs it will encounter on paved or gravel roads.

During the test day, I was able to get in and out of a half dozen different trim levels, or at least with differing features even some that were badged base models seemed unique, and can attest to Toyota offering something for just about everyone in the compact to midsize CUV market. There were four base models on hand, each that start at $20,300 by the way, and after freight comes to $20,880.

The base model includes some pretty impressive standard features, as it should for starting at more than $20K in a segment that sees some of its rivals start at under $16,000 with even more features. Some unseen items include the all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine I mentioned previously, which incidentally features Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence, a bunch of heavy duty peripherals hanging off of it (alternator, starter, battery and heater), through to a long-lasting stainless steel exhaust system. The base cars four-speed transmission is “Super Electronically Controlled” (will the next-generation gearbox be Super-Duper Electronically Controlled?), which basically translates into smooth, positive shifts and very little gear hunting. The base models power rack and pinion steering is electric, eliminating drag on the engine, connecting through to a steering wheel that not only tilts but is also telescopic for optimal driver comfort.

Im not going to go into every available standard feature and option during this review, you can go to www.toyota.ca for that kind of information, but I will highlight a few more safety features, which are critical to the RAV4s family-oriented market segment. Four-wheel disc brakes come standard with ABS, plus Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). But on the safety front I was a bit surprised that only front occupants are protected by airbags in standard trim, and then only be frontal bags. Amazingly, Toyota doesnt offer any side airbags unless you get their top-line RAV4 Limited, and then only if you opt for the V6 Limited B-Package which pumps the price up past the Limiteds $24,470 in front-wheel drive guise or $25,870 in 4WD, up to a fully-loaded total of $31,375. Then youll get front-side-mounted thorax bags plus side-curtain airbags for all three rows of outside passengers. I cant say Im a big fan of offering side airbags to slightly wealthier RAV4 buyers but none to those whod rather forego a little leather trim to protect their families. Why not offer a stand-alone airbag package, even for a couple of thousand dollars? If one of its Korean rivals hadnt been packing their compact CUV with six bags at a price that starts under $16K, I might not say anything, but there are many competitors in this class that offer a full assortment of airbags for much less.

Another complaint? Well, this one seems to be something that most buyers in the market segment dont care too much about or they wouldnt keep buying small Japanese SUVs with swinging rear doors. In order to carry that full-size spare the door has to swing, which isnt my beef. Rather, its the side that Toyota chooses to attach its hinges. When I brought this up to the product planners, stating that if youre parallel parked on a busy street and need to get something large and awkward out of the back, the only way to do it is to step out into the street before to pull the item out, and then close the door before carrying it behind the vehicle. This is also the case with Hondas CR-V and Suzukis Grand Vitara, both made in Japan, as well as Land Rovers Freelander, plus others. But its not the case with the Jeep Liberty, for example, which is the easiest to use on North American streets. When I spoke with Toyotas product planners about switching the door for North American consumption, they told me that it has been designed this way so that its easier to open by using your right hand. What a pile of manure. If they really believed that, why did they make the new FJ Cruiser with the rear door handle on the right side and hinges on the left? Kudos to those product planners, but the ones for the RAV4 dont get 100 percent of my vote. It all comes down to money, and their unwillingness to spend it on something that would make the vehicle more convenient and, in my opinion, safer.

But other than the rear door and airbag conundrums, I truly understand whats going on with the rest of this crossover. Its purposefully larger, which should make it more appealing to Toyotas core RAV4 buyer who, as mentioned earlier, has grown older, and with that age now may have children, or their children may now be larger. The added power will be popular among some, and to those who dont care, there that already efficient four-cylinder ready and waiting to scoot the kids off to gymnastics, soccer, dance classes or piano lessons. And itll do it all without breaking the bank when it comes time to fill up, no matter which engine you choose.

Of course, the four-cylinder is thriftier than the six, but not by as much as its 269-horsepower would initially let on. EPA ratings, which are hardly accurate when compared to a real-world experience, peg the four at 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which incidentally is better than the much lighter outgoing RAV4, which could only manage 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The V6 is the real surprise here though. Thanks in part to its five-speed automatic transmission, and the fact that it hardly breaks a sweat when the four would otherwise be working overtime, it gets a better highway rating than the old RAV4, at 36 mpg. Its city rating is pretty decent too, at 25 mpg, making the only hit on your wallet if planning to step up to one, the initial cost of purchase.

All in all, Toyotas new RAV4 is a superb crossover that should be popular in this ever growing market segment. It deserves a thorough going over if youre looking to buy a compact to midsize family hauler, with my guess being that youll come away impressed.