2006 Toyota RAV4

Welcome to the Driving Range with Dave Jordan - Your Auto Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia. All you need to know about Nova Scotia's South Shore Auto scene.

This week, Dave Jordan checks out the 2006 Toyota RAV4:

When the RAV4 came on the scene in 1996, it was really the first small car-based sport utility vehicle in North America (yes, the Suzuki Samurai was on the ground years before the RAV4 but was not based on a car chassis).The original RAV was somewhat diminutive and awkward looking, but did set the trend for this type of compact SUV. With road manners and fuel economy of a family car combined with SUV cargo room and ride height, this new Toyota product immediately set the trend for vehicles in this class. Competitors quickly took action producing their own products to take advantage of this new niche in the market.

Not resting on its "first to market" advantage, Toyota had the RAV4 updated in 2001 with more power and refinement, and again in 2004 with a completely new look along with further refinement and additional features. For 2006, Toyota once again leads the pack with the introduction of the first compact SUV sporting available third-row seating.

The smallness of the previous generations has expanded somewhat to the tune of an additional 405 mm (15.9 inches) in length and 400 lb. in heft over the '05 model. The benefit of the expanded dimensions is greater interior room and cargo capacity. Also new for '06 is the introduction of a powerful V6 to the available engine line up.

After a weekend of shunting around in this handsome and refined vehicle — thanks to O'Regan's Toyota — I can certainly vouch for the sporting intentions of "the performance SUV," as Toyota is aptly marketing it. Equipped with the optional 269-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, this unit can propel its not unsubstantial 1,668 kg (3,677 lb) weight to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds. That's fast for any vehicle, let alone an SUV. Quiet at idle and smooth running throughout its rev range, the V6 really transforms this utilitarian people mover into a fast, capable and, yes, car-like driving experience. Passing manoeuvres are a breeze with subtle but effective kick down from the creamy five-speed automatic. Normal acceleration is accomplished with little effort and, for those outdoor activity types, this high-torque (246 lb. ft.) engine can tow up to 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) so medium-sized boats, camping trailers and the like should follow easily behind this V6 RAV.

The RAV4's taut chassis and fully independent suspension provide well-controlled bump absorption, decent handling and all-around driving dynamics that would put some family sedans to shame. My RAV was the sport model that came with sharp-looking 18" wheels shod with 235/55/18 Yokohama rubber.

The standard four-wheel-drive system has a new feature known as "active torque control" that sends more torque to the rear wheels at start-up and initial acceleration. This drive mechanism also has a "lock mode" that allows a maximum torque split of 55/45 (front/rear) if desired. Under normal conditions, the system is still "active" in that it reacts when needed to distribute torque to each of the four wheels according to which ones(s) require traction the most, with normal distribution being 95 per cent to the front otherwise.

Safety features are abundant on all models with four-wheel discs, ABS, traction and stability control, airbags galore and other electronic nannies to make sure you are protected if any unfortunate incidents should transpire. Of note are the hill-start assist control (HAC), which minimizes rollback when stopped uphill, and downhill assist control (DAC) that helps you descend steep grades with minimal wheel spin (for loose gravel, sand, snow, etc.).

The rugged exterior styling is somewhat reminiscent of a mini Sequoia but with a more racked back and sleeker appearance. Nicely proportioned with nary a sharp edge anywhere, the RAV4's look strikes a nice balance between handsome Japanese design and modern automotive architecture. Panel fit is excellent with close tolerances and even gaps all around. Ten colours are available in all with my sport-trimmed RAV covered in Flint Mica (dark grey metallic).

In typical Toyota fashion, the interior of this latest SUV is adorned with high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and colour combinations that portray an aura of quality and subdued luxury. Storage is abundant with no less than 10 cupholders and two glove/dash compartments. The dash in this SUV was a cool-looking two-tier unit housing a sporty-looking gauge set, logical controls and a decent sounding six-speaker audio system.

The back seats fold flat to expand an already generously sized cargo area (approximately 36 cu. ft. to over 73 cu. ft.) that touts an in-floor storage compartment. Third row seating seriously reduces the cargo area but, for those who need it, offers that extra people-carrying ability. Head, leg and shoulder room is generous for front and second-row passengers and, although my tester didn't have the third row, I suspect the room back there would be somewhat compromised and suitable for small children or perhaps teenagers.

The new RAV4 comes in three trim levels: base, sport and limited, available with either the V6 or four-cylinder engine and various features and options depending on which model you choose. For $28,700 you can purchase the base four-cylinder RAV4 fairly well equipped with A/C, a power group, keyless entry, oodles of safety features and standard four-wheel drive. My sport V6 comes in at $32,990 and the top-end limited V6 starts at $36,370. Talk with the knowledgeable folks at O'Regan's for special Toyota incentives available right now.

So it looks like Toyota has done it again with something different enough to set another trend and of high enough quality to ensure the competition keeps on its toes. If you want the versatility and safety of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car, this latest Recreational Active Vehicle might be just the ticket.

Dave's Auto Archive — In 1938 Toyota's first auto manufacturing plant under its name – the Koromo plant - started production of the "GB" truck. From 1935 until this point, previous models were adorned with the "Toyoda" moniker.