Entered CNET Catalog: 04/29/2006
SKU: 100673107
Manufacturer: Toyota
Product summary
The good: The 2006 RAV4 is a versatile crossover, combining the space of an SUV with the gas mileage of a full-size sedan. Its JBL multifunction stereo will appeal to the thirty-something adventurers that this car is aimed at.
The bad: Aside from the audio system, there is very little standard or optional cabin tech. An already tame performance is further hobbled in town by a four-speed gearbox.
The bottom line: The 2006 RAV4 Sport is a sassy, stylish midmarket SUV that is ideal for mall fill-ups or weekend camping trips. It doesn't pretend to offer outstanding luxury or performance, but some more gadgets would be nice.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 08/01/2006
For the 2006 model year, Toyota has increased the RAV4's interior space by more than 20 percent compared with the outgoing second-generation model's, which allows the option of a third row of (child) seating. Without the third row, there is plenty of room for five with luggage.
On the cabin-tech front, the RAV4 is equipped with good audio lineup: our car came with an optional 440-watt JBL stereo with a six-disc (MP3- and WMA-friendly) changer. The upgraded system comprises nine speakers, including a subwoofer in the rear cargo door, which together make for an immersive audio experience. ID3-tag information is displayed on the head unit, but due to limited letter fields, only the first 12 characters of a track, artist, or folder name can be displayed at any one time.
On the subject of MP3s, the RAV4 Sport also comes with an auxiliary input jack in the central storage console for hooking up iPods and other portable devices. We liked the slot directly in front of the storage area, which appeared to be tailor-made for our Creative Zen Micro Photo when we had it plugged in. On a negative note, however, we did notice considerable distortion when playing audio files via the aux-in jack, with the stereo speaker-output intermittently fading and returning.
Other than the stereo, there was little to play with in terms of onboard electronics; our Sport came with every available factory option, and there was no navigation system or hands-free calling interface in sight. Those wanting fancier in-car tech can splash out on the RAV4 Limited, which offers a rear-seat DVD entertainment system as an available add-on. Navigation is not offered on any 2006 RAV4 model. Riding a new platform for its 2006 model year, the new RAV4 looks sportier than its predecessors; its wider stance is noticeable both in the exterior styling and improved handling when thrown into corners. With the Sport package, the RAV4 comes with standard 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, tuned suspension, flared fenders, and that most indispensable of sports feature: color-keyed door handles.
Our RAV4 Sport tester came with the baseline 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing system. An upgraded 3.5-liter 269-horsepower V-6 is available for the Sport and is probably worth an additional couple of grand to those looking to match the Sport's performance to its exterior styling. The standard engine is not bad, however. Thanks to the RAV4's relatively lightweight unitized frame, the 166-horsepower plant still displays decent pickup and acceleration in the midrange, although throttle response from standing is a little sluggish. The standard automatic engine has only four gears, which further limits responsiveness around town, especially when a quick downshift is needed for passing or clearing an amber-lit intersection.
For a 4x4, the 2006 RAV4 Sport is admirably efficient--the EPA rates its miles per gallon at 23 city/ 28 highway, which is a lot better than that of many cars, let alone SUVs. Some of the credit for this impressive gas mileage must go to Toyota's VVT-i, which adapts valve timing to minimize emissions.
The 2006 RAV4 Sport deserves further engine-tech kudos for its on-demand four-wheel-drive system, featuring an electronically controlled coupling that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels. This enables the car to switch between two- and four-wheel drive according to road conditions, thereby increasing fuel efficiency. For those times when you take the RAV4 off-road, a dash-mounted Lock button will ensure that you stay in four-wheel-drive mode permanently.
While we didn't get to test the RAV4 Sport on a dirt trail, we did put it through its paces on a series of challenging mountain roads. We found that its relatively low center of gravity helped to give the handling a solid feel, although some under-steering dampened our enthusiasm for pushing it too hard into the bends on the way back down the cliff-top roads. Most of the standard safety features on the 2006 RAV4 Sport come as part of Toyota's Star safety system. They include traction control, variable stability control (VSC), ABS with brake-assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and a direct tire-pressure monitoring system.
The driver and front passenger get standard front airbags on the 2006 RAV4, although front passenger side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing curtain airbags, are available as a $650 option.
Also optioned up on our tester is was Toyota's Vehicle Intrusion Protection (VIP) RS3200 Plus security system, incorporating features such as remote door lock/relock, interior light activation, panic mode, and a glass-breakage sensor, which sounds the alarm at the first sign of forced entry.
The 2006 RAV4 Sport comes with Toyota's 36 months/36,000 basic warranty, which covers all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. A 60 month/60,000 miles powertrain warranty, which includes seatbelts and airbags, is also standard, as is 60 months/unlimited mile rust-through coverage.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4out of 4 user reviews
Excellent small SUV fun to drive.
Pros: Very powerfull engine with excellent acceleration. The ride is firm and steering
is responsive. Average 25 mpg on hwy.
Cons: Factory defect of passenger belt buckle (unable to latch), noisy steering
shaft which was replaced with airbag, could be expensive if out of warranty.
feature to have, I did not have any promblem getting out of the steep driveway
this past winter.
out of 4 user reviews
drivetrain handling make it tolerable
Pros: v6, handling for an small suv, cargo space, styling
Cons: ac fan, poor thigh support, a pillars=blindspots, headlights
out of 4 user reviews
Go for the V6 Sport
Pros: Stunning acceleration, great styling, lots of space
Cons: No satellite radio option
out of 4 user reviews
Replaces my Ford F-150
Pros: 3.5L V6 268 HP engine + 28 MPG
Cons: Wish it had as many high tech features as my Prius
