There's
big news for the new RAV4, headed to dealerships soon:
V-6 power and third-row seats. V-6 power
in the RAV is a long time coming, but third row seats?
Really? That's
what we thought when we first heard the news. How could
they cram in that third row? But the RAV4 is a lot
bigger. While the proportions have stayed roughly the
same, truth is, the "little" RAV4 sport-utility is no
longer that compact. The upsizing of the RAV4 stretches
it by 14 inches overall and puts it at only about 3.5
inches shorter overall than the Highlander, with a
wheelbase about two inches shorter than the Highlander.
In terms of height and width, the differences are too
close to call; even curb weight is comparable. This
translates to an interior that's very roomy for four
adult occupants, with space for cargo, too. If you
opt for that two-position third row: beware, it's still
tiny. To me the arrangement seemed like a bunch of
pointless extra weight to carry around - as none of the
adults present at the RAV4 preview would have been able
to actually fit back there - but Toyota reps pointed out
that many shoppers would be interested in having a third
row for occasional, short use by parental carpools to
school or soccer practice. When they're not in use, the
third-row seats stow nicely in a recessed area of the
cargo floor, so when they're folded down they don't
actually take up a lot of space. With its
sleek, wedgy shape, the new RAV4 is considerably more
handsome than the vehicle it replaces, continuing the
classier feel that was started with the introduction of
the second generation for 2001. The bubble-like fenders,
patterned cloth, and stick shift of the first-generation
RAV were long ago abandoned for a more conventional
appearance (as was the stubby little two-door RAV). Much
of the cosmetics and switchgear in the new RAV are
borrowed from (or inspired by) the larger 4Runner and
Land Cruiser sport-utilities - such dial/button climate
controls, similar to what's used in the 4Runner, and the
gauge faces, which look like those used across the board
on Toyota's truck side. But let's
get back to the big news: the V-6 option. The RAV4 has
always had enough power with the standard four-cylinder
engine, but a portion of RAV4 shoppers - and of course
the motoring press - have always asked for more power.
It's finally here, and it's no puny V-6. The optional,
engine is straight from the Avalon, basically in the
same tune, and due to recalculation of SAE power figures
it's now rated at 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of
torque. The engine incorporates The
standard engine on all RAV4s is the latest version of
Toyota's ubiquitous 2.4-liter four-cylinder - available
in a similar state of tune on a vast array of vehicles
ranging from the Scion tC sport coupe to the
bread-and-butter Camry sedan to the Highlander crossover
ute. The
standard four is economical, reliable, and surprisingly
peppy throughout the rev range, thanks to the VVT-i
variable valve timing system. Torque is decent from a
standstill, provided you're not carrying a heavy load,
and most of the time passing power is adequate as long
as you really put the pedal to the metal. And most
buyers will be happy with it. That V-6
is a nice step up for hotfoots, or those who live in
hilly terrain and plan to haul a full load of people and
cargo on a regular basis. In truth though, it doesn't
feel as overwhelmingly powerful as it seems when
shopping power and torque figures. But with that much
power, it's definitely a point-and-shoot affair; the
RAV4 just isn't tuned for the twisties. It's not a
vehicle that you'd want to drive too enthusiastically.
If you try to, VSC stability control is standard, and it
might help keep you on the road. Though we should add,
there is a new Sport Grade model, offering firmer
suspension settings and 18-inch wheels, which we didn't
get a chance to sample. As
before, the RAV4 will be available in both front- and
four-wheel-drive versions, though a part-time on-demand
4WD system replaces the former full-time viscous-clutch
all-wheel-drive system. 4WD versions now have a
system that reverts to front-wheel-drive when there are
no outstanding traction demands, for the most economical
operation, though the system uses an
electronic-controlled viscous coupling that sends torque
(up to 45 percent) to the back wheels as needed. There's
also a 4WD Lock setting that allows a set amount of
torque (55/45 front/back) to be sent to all four wheels,
up to 25 mph, where the Auto setting overrides it. The
RAV4 has never been a serious off-roader, and the
4WD will still offer off-road performance good
enough to get owners to most remote campsites and
trailheads. Front-wheel-drive models come with a
limited-slip differential to help aid grip in
limited-traction situations. Another
electronic aid, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC),
helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward when facing
uphill, holding the vehicle for two to three seconds
after the driver engages it with the brake pedal.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is controlled by an
in-dash switch and helps moderate speed on steep
descents. Though HAC and DAC are mainly designed for
off-road situations, they're standard on all V-6 models,
and, oddly, on four-cylinder models with third-row
seating. The
four-cylinder will still be the most popular engine
choice, though; But now
that the RAV4 has sized up so much, there's a pretty big
jump from There are
three trim levels available: Base, Sport, and Limited,
with each available with the I-4 or V-6 and FWD or AWD.
Even base models get a generous level of standard
equipment, like an MP3-compatible CD player and a
miniplug input jack for iPods or other personal audio.
The
four-cylinder model will go on sale this month, while
V-6 RAV4s will reach dealerships by late January. For
the first two model years, RAV4s will be sourced from
Late next
year, the RAV4's "bigger" sibling, the Highlander, will
be replaced by a larger, sleeker model. But in the
meantime, unless you're considering the Highlander
Hybrid model, the almost-as-big RAV4 may represent
a better value to many shoppers. To sum it
up, the RAV4 just feels a lot more grown-up and is set
up to be less of a quirky little ute and more the Camry
of crossovers. The ride is settled; it's quieter and
more comfortable inside; it's easier to get in and out;
it's still economical; it's more carlike behind the
wheel. What this means to shoppers is that the RAV4 will
likely fit families that once considered it too small,
and that it's a better deal than ever…with a third-row
seat. Soccer moms, are you listening? 2006 Toyota RAV4
;)
;)
While the RAV4 takes many of its
styling cues from the larger, truck-based ;)
All U.S.-bound RAV4 models have
an automatic transmission, with no manual option, but
they're very frugal. The front-wheel-drive 2.4-liter
returns EPA fuel economy figures of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg
highway, which is the highest in its class, not counting
hybrids. And with a highway rating of 28 mpg, the V-6
RAV4 ties with the V-6 Saturn VUE for the best fuel
economy among V-6 utes. Both engines will be certified
for ;)
The RAV4 takes VSC a step
further by interfacing the system with the Electronic
Power Steering system, allowing the system to provide
more or less assist as needed for a particular
situation. The interface goes the other way as well,
with data from the steering system aiding VSC's ability
to anticipate a lack of vehicle control. In addition to
VSC, anti-lock brakes are standard, along
with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution. ;)
Visibility isn't as good as the
previous RAV4, due to a thick rear pillar and a
perceived higher beltline overall. We're also curious
why, considering all the standard electronic safety
aids, side airbags remain an option on the RAV4, while
for many of the competitors they're standard.
Base price:
$20,300-$25,870
Engine: 2.4-liter in-line
four, 166 hp/165 lb-ft; 3.5-liter V-6, 269 hp/246
lb-ft
Drivetrain: Four- or five-speed
automatic transmission, front- or all-wheel
drive
Length x width x height: 181.1 x 73.0 x
66.5 in
Wheelbase: 104.7 in
Curb
weight: 3300-3677 lb
Fuel economy (EPA
city/hwy): 20/27-24/29 mpg
Safety
equipment: Dual front airbags, Vehicle Stability
Control, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution and Brake Assist, direct tire-pressure
monitor; optional driver and front passenger
seat-mounted side airbags, optional first and second row
side curtain airbags
Major standard equipment:
Air conditioning, limited-slip differential or all-wheel
drive, keyless entry, power windows/locks,
tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control,
sunroof, illuminated cupholders, dual glovebox,
AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with miniplug
input
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles