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2006 Toyota RAV4 Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota RAV4 Review:
2006 Toyota RAV4 Review
RAV4 is redesigned for 2006, getting new styling, the most powerful engine in its class, and 3rd-row seating for seven-passenger capacity. The '06 RAV4 is 6.7 inches longer in wheelbase, 14.5 inches longer overall, and 3.2 inches wider than the 2001-2005 version. Base, Sport, and Limited models are offered. Each is available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive that does not include low-range gearing but has a locking center differential. Two engines are offered: a 166-hp 4-cyl and 269-hp V6--RAV4's first V6. Both engines come only with automatic transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Front-drive RAV4s have a limited-slip differential. Hill ascent/descent control is standard on V6 models and on seven-seat 4-cyl models. Sport models have a sport suspension. RAV4s have a side-hinged cargo door. Optional are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover the first two seating rows and include rollover deployment. The 2nd-row seat is a folding split bench that moves fore and aft and has a reclining seatback. The optional 3rd-row seat folds into a floorwell. Sport and Limited are available with a sunroof. Options exclusive to Limited include leather upholstery, heated front seats, and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
No further news yet, but keep checking back with us.
2006 Toyota RAV4 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Rear-seat room |
| Maneuverability | |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Toyota RAV4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/02/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $20,300 | $18,778 | $605 |
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| 2WD Base V6 4-door wagon | $22,335 | $20,658 | $605 |
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| AWD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $21,700 | $19,747 | $605 |
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| AWD Base V6 4-door wagon | $23,735 | $21,597 | $605 |
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| 2WD Sport 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $21,875 | $20,232 | $605 |
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| 2WD Sport V6 4-door wagon | $23,790 | $22,003 | $605 |
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| AWD Sport 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $23,275 | $21,178 | $605 |
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| AWD Sport V6 4-door wagon | $25,190 | $22,920 | $605 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $22,555 | $20,862 | $605 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $24,470 | $22,633 | $605 |
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| AWD Limited 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $23,955 | $21,798 | $605 |
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| AWD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $25,870 | $23,540 | $605 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (4-cylinder), 3.5-liter V6 engine (V6), 4-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder), 5-speed automatic transmission (V6), limited-slip differential, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill ascent/descent control (V6), tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row adjustable split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Rear-mounted full-size spare tire, 215/70R16 tires (4-cylinder), 225/65R17 tires (V6), AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: limited-slip differential.
Sport adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 235/55R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: limited-slip differential.
Limited adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, cargo cover.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: sport suspension.
225/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential. Deletes: Limited-slip differential.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Tow Prep Pkg.
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V6
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$160
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$128
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Transmission-oil cooler, heavy-duty cooling system and alternator.
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Safety |
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
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Base, Limited, Sport
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$650
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$559
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Includes rollover deployment, front side airbags.
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Daytime running lights
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Base, Limited, Sport
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$40
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$32
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Sport, Limited
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$900
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$720
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Leather upholstery
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Limited
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$1,050
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$840
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Heated front seats
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Limited
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$440
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$352
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Requires leather upholstery.
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3rd-row stowable split folding seat
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Base 4-cylinder
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$950
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$760
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Base V6
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$840
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$672
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Limited 4-cylinder
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$810
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$648
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Limited V6
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$700
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$560
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4-cylinder includes hill ascent/descent control. Base 4-cylinder requires 225/65R17 tires or alloy wheels. NA w/leather upholstery, cargo cover.
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Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
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Limited V6
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$1,705
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$1,364
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Requires JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base, Sport
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$200
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$150
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JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Sport
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$590
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$443
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Limited
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$340
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$255
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Cargo cover
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Base, Sport
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$140
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$112
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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Base
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$220
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$176
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Special paint
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Base, Limited, Sport
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$220
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$176
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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225/65R17 tires
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Base
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$120
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$96
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Alloy wheels
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Base 4-cylinder
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$560
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$448
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Base V6
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$440
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$352
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Base 4-cylinder includes 225/65R17 tires.
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2006 Toyota RAV4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota RAV4 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 181.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3444 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 73.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.5 /213 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 166 @ 6000 | 269 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 165 @ 4000 | 246 @ 4700 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 23/28 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 21/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota RAV4 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Driver and Front Passenger Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags and Front-and Second-Row Roll- Sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA), Carped Floor Mats/Cargo Mat Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 22.3 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski The V6's hair-trigger throttle action is enough for me to avoid those particular RAV4s. The 4-cyl models are the way to go and should deliver at least as good, if not better, fuel economy than the V6. Those models may not be as quiet or refined, but they will be more than enough for most buyers. Kirk Bell RAV4's available V6 and seating for seven make it a must see in the compact SUV class. Prices can escalate with Limited models, so a smartly equipped Sport or base model are the way to go. I'd recommend this vehicle for a Recommended or Best Buy rating. Rick Cotta An AWD base V6 offers lots of power and features for a very reasonable price, though curtain airbags, optional at $650, should be standard. Some folks might miss a separate-opening hatch glass (I'm among them) and the heated front seats available only on Limited, but otherwise, this ranks among my favorite compact SUVs. |
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Also in the 2006 Toyota RAV4 Review:
1.
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