The third-generation 2006 Toyota RAV4 will grow significantly in all dimensions compared to its predecessors, with 14 additional inches of length and a larger interior with available third-row seating. Starting to finally look like an SUV, the RAV4 will feature a wider track, the choice of either two- or four-wheel drive, a revised cabin with all-new gauges, and most importantly, a vastly improved powertrain in the form of a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V6. The vehicle will also come equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Optional safety features will include driver- and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, as well as front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags.
2006 Toyota RAV4: Can an SUV Be OVER-"Improved"???
Rating
Written By mrkstvns
Date Written Mar 10 2006
Summary
Cars are like people, they all have their individual quirks and personalities, and sometimes you get along with them, and sometimes you just don't see eye to eye. This past week, I've been driving a 2006 Toyota RAV4, and it's one of those cars that...
Strength
Back seat is almost usable now, well-configured cargo space
Weakness
TOO big, TOO refined, TOO equipped, TOO pricey
Bottom Line
I'm not crazy about the RAV4. It just strikes me as a vehicle that's refined out the impurities that made it worth knowing...another bland, mediocre SUV.
This review has been a long time coming. Up until last week, I was driving a very basic 1997 Toyota Corolla. That car served me very well for almost eight years and 120,000 miles, but it was beginning to look like an eyesore. It was time to trade up...
Strength
Reliable car with lots of thoughtful touches.
Weakness
Back seat doesn't really seat three people. Back door opens from side instead of top.
Bottom Line
I'm glad to be revving up my new Toyota RAV4, but if you have a big family, you might want to keep looking.
In the past, Toyota has made product decisions that almost make it seem like it doesn't want to do too well. The first Sienna minivan was a half-size smaller than the leaders. The styling of the Highlander and Camry could not be more boring. The Tundra...
Strength
V6 and third-row available; roomy; fun to drive with the V6
Weakness
Thoroughly typical of the class in four-cylinder, five-passenger form
Bottom Line
A thoroughly competent and pleasant compact SUV, without the V6 and third row too little distinguishes it aside from the Toyota name.
Introduction: We have now owned and driven our 2006 Toyota Rav4 Limited for about one month. The odometer reads 1300 miles. We two retirees live in the Northwest and were looking for a multi-purpose vehicle that could function in a variety of weather...
Strength
Power (V6), Handling, Comfort, Safety (with optional side airbags), Mileage
Purchased vehicle: 2006 RAV4, Base model, 4WD, V6. Color: silver with ash interior. Options: side/curtain airbags, alloy wheels, roof rails and cross bars, tonneau cover with cargo net, floor/cargo mats. It seemed this was the only option...
Strength
A perfect family car: comfortable ride, lots of room, latest safety features, very versatile.
Weakness
V6 is hard to get (as of March 06); no rebates or incentives.
I have the V6 4WD base model with the 3rd row seat and the towing prep package. This package does not contain a towing hitch even though the Toyota web site says it does, just pre-wiring and some enhanced transmission fluid system. I have 670 miles...
Strength
Interior, Safety, Performance, Turning radius, Overall size, Audio system
Our family bought a RAV4 2005 model last September and we bought a 2006 model this August. Because we now have 2 RAVs I am compelled to review the 2006 model as it compares to the 2005. Engine: Our 2005 is a 4 cyl and is quite peppy but when I was...
Strength
6 cyl engine, gas mileage, storage capacity
Weakness
Audio, road noise, cabin refinements
Bottom Line
Toyota reliabilty made me go for this one. It does have flaws however.
BACKGROUND I traded in a 2003 Saturn Vue V6 AWD for the 2006 Rav4 2.4L - My experience with the RAV is limited to my wife's 2004 4wd base model. There are a few things I liked about both vehicles that I miss/dislike in the 2006 model. My 2006 is a...
Strength
Longer Body/width, More horsepower, Good Gas mileage.
Weakness
a few cosmetic quirks, Gated shifter, miss the 'OD' button.
Bottom Line
Definitely worth looking into and at least test driving.
Price Paid: $23,355
First I'd like to say I second just about all the comments "friendly_jacek" has mentioned about the RAV4. I too find it hard to believe there are so few reviews on this vehicle. Especially since it is so much different than the previous RAV4 design. I...
Strength
V6 power-perfect size for us-good fuel mileage- Sharp looks-Fun to drive
Weakness
None I can think of...
Bottom Line
Very well designed little vehicle. It's probably not the perfect car for everyone but it was as close to perfect as we could find.
Do you want to grin and own something as reliable as a Toyota?
Rating
Written By sgail457
Date Written Mar 20 2006
Summary
Yea this isn't as cute as the prior years...I don't want cute. I wanted to go back to a Toyota PU with a club cab, but this is better if you don't need an open bed. I drove the 4 cyl in January and found it very nice. Then I drove the 6 cyl last...
Strength
Good fuel economy for an suv. Easy to drive. Great standard features, size, comfort
Weakness
A little pricey. Hard to find 6 cyl with the option package you might want.
Bottom Line
Great SUV for someone who wants Toyota reliability, economy and style.
