2006 Toyota RAV4 First Drive

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TO THE POINT What’s New? The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is completely redesigned, and highlights include more room and power.
Selling Points: Improved style, more power, more room, interior layout and materials.
Deal Breakers: Still a bit bland, full-size spare on the back hurts design
Our Advice: Want a Highlander? Buy the 2006 Toyota RAV4 instead

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FAQs How does the 2006 Toyota RAV4 stack up power-wise? It’s among the most powerful offering in its class. The 269-horsepower V6 engine is class-leading, while the four-cylinder engine competes well with competitors such as the Honda CR-V.

What kind of “real” fuel economy does the 2006 Toyota RAV4 get, and is it competitive with other small SUVs? You’re likely to get around 18-20 miles per gallon from the RAV4, depending on the engine you choose, how you drive and whether or not you keep your vehicle maintained. We’ll report on actual fuel economy once we thoroughly test this vehicle. According to preliminary EPA estimates, however, the RAV4 looks to be competitive with most SUVs of its ilk.

How does the 2006 Toyota RAV4 stack up power-wise? It’s among the most powerful offering in its class. The 269-horsepower V6 engine is class-leading, while the four-cylinder engine competes well with competitors such as the Honda CR-V.

How much more expensive is the 2006 Toyota RAV4 compared to the 2005 model? Toyota claims to have bumped up the prices around 1 or 2 percent, keeping the RAV4 competitive based on price, trim and features. There are less expensive SUVs, but you’d be hard pressed to find one that offers a lower price and as many features.

Photos courtesy of Toyota

About Brian Chee
Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.