Acceleration

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
4	7	7	4.5

With 4-cyl, RAV4 sluggish from stop, just adequate around town, taxed in hilly terrain. With V6, impressively strong in any situation. Test AWD Limited V6 did 6.7 sec 0-60 mph. One test V6 RAV4 suffered touchy throttle action, jerky low-speed shifts.

Fuel Economy

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
6	6	5	4.9

No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl engine. Test 2WD Limited averaged 25.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test AWD V6s averaged 20.8-22.8 mpg overall. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

Good for a compact SUV, thanks in part to one of the longest wheelbases in this class. Test models with 17-inch tires showed little impact harshness on sharp bumps, ridges, only mild jitter on washboard surfaces. No opportunity to test Sport model or version with 16-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
5	5	6	4.7

Responsive steering, fine straight-line stability. Some noseplow, body lean in fast, sharp turns, but enough grip to maintain composure. Good stopping power, reassuring brake pedal feel.

Quietness

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
4	5	5	4.1

Wind, road noise nicely muted. Some test RAV4s suffered wind rush from base of windshield. Both engines smooth, but 4-cyl noticeably louder than V6 in rapid acceleration, even highway-speed cruising.

Controls

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Gauges have large, legible markings. Controls easy to locate, simple to use. Cabin materials generally solid, attractive, but some testers contend decor let down by a too-flimsy glovebox lid and too-ordinary headliner material.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5.8

Ample head room. Long-legged drivers may want more reward seat travel. Some testers laud seat comfort, others want more cushion length, less lumbar bolstering. Tilt/telescope steering column, height-adjustable driver seat standard on all models, but some testers say wheel still mounted too low and close for best positioning. Outward visibility compromised by wide rear roof pillars. Easy entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
4	4	4	4.6

Plenty of head room for 2nd-row occupants, but taller passengers will want more toe and leg room. Difficult entry/exit to 3rd row: Requires high step-in, and only passenger-side 2nd-row seat folds forward to provide access. Third-row a convenience in a pinch, but best left to small children.

Cargo Room

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
7	7	7	7.3

Impressive cargo room in five-seat versions, which have convenient rear floorwell for added utility. Lightweight split 2nd-row-seat sections easy to fold. Seven-seaters have better than expected storage space behind 3rd row, which folds fully to create flat load floor. Cargo door hinged on passenger side; convenient for driver, but annoying in curbside loading. Impressive cabin storage includes bi-level glovebox.

Value within Class

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Available with the most powerful engine in the compact-SUV class, seating for seven, and impressive cargo room, refinement, and road manners, the redesigned 2006 RAV4 is a standout. Toyota's reputation for reliability and resale value are other assets. Base prices are reasonable, but stickers skyrocket with options; our test AWD Limited V6 listed for over $31,000. Shop around, but don't leave the RAV4 off your list.

Total Score

2WD Limited 4-cyl w/17-in. whls.	2WD Limited V6	AWD Limited V6	Class Average
53	57	57	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62