2006 Toyota RAV4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For the 10 years since the first Toyota RAV4 landed in North America, the compact SUV has emphasized “compact” instead of “SUV.” That changes for 2006, because the redesigned RAV4 sport utility vehicle is bigger inside and out, and it can deliver just as much “sport” as it does “utility.”

From an exterior styling perspective, you’ll see similarities between the old RAV4 and the new one. The lighting elements, grille, and bumpers display common themes. And, of course, they both have a spare tire hanging on the rear tailgate. Otherwise, these are completely different vehicles, the new 2006 RAV4 a larger and more substantial looking crossover SUV.

The same is true of the interior. Much larger than before and featuring a layered dashboard with bigger controls and a handy second storage area above the glovebox, the 2006 RAV4 is a more useful daily driver. But certain design themes transfer to the new model, like the steering wheel, the round outboard vents, the circular instrumentation, and a smattering of buttons.

If there is a misstep with the new RAV4’s interior, it has to do with the low-gloss coating on some of the plastic panels. It scratches easily, and it won’t be long before it adopts a permanently scuffed and smudged appearance.

Toyota sticks with a tried-and-true 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for the new 2006 RAV4, the power plant generating a little bit more energy now at power specs of 166 horsepower. In Canada, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system remains standard into 2006 despite front-wheel-drive (FWD) being offered for the US market. Some documentation refers to this drivetrain as four-wheel drive (4WD).

Chances are, you’re going to want the RAV4’s optional 3.5-litre V6 engine. It’s a sweetheart: smooth, refined, and cranking out a substantial 269 hp in exchange for about $3,000 extra depending on trim. It provides stunningly good performance for a compact crossover, and, thanks in part to a five-speed automatic transmission, it doesn’t consume much more fuel than the harder working four-cylinder does. Fuel economy rates at 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.7 on the highway with the four-cylinder engine, the four-speed automatic transmission, and the RAV’s standard four-wheel drive (4WD), while the V6 powertrain with the five-speed automatic increases those fuel efficiency numbers to 11.1 city/7.8 highway.

In Canada, that V6 comes standard in the RAV4 Sport, which has a sport-tuned suspension and steering combined with larger wheels and tires. You’ll have a terrific time driving this small SUV. Fast, nimble, roomy enough for a family and its gear, and as reliable as the rising sun, a RAV4 Sport V6 is what you buy when your spouse tells you it’s time to give up the sport compact or muscle car in favour of a practical kid hauler.

Of course, these glowing impressions do not extend to other versions of the RAV4, especially with the four-cylinder engine. Comparatively dull, they’re nevertheless refined, reliable, and easy to live with, if not engaging to drive.

Believe it or not, the new 2006 Toyota RAV4 offers enough interior room for an optional third-row seat, which comes with V6 models. It certainly isn’t for grown-ups, but it does offer greater passenger flexibility than any RAV4 that came before it.

Second-row seat room is much better than in the old RAV4. Headroom is sufficient, and the seat slides on tracks to help make room for third-row passengers or to maximize second-row legroom.

Up front, the seats are reasonably comfortable, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel is included with the Limited trim. Know, however, that the hard plastic on the upper door panels is very unfriendly to elbows, so if you tend to prop your arm there, it will get sore pretty fast.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power steering, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, heated power side mirrors, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and cruise control. The RAV4 sits on 17-inch steel wheels.

Sport trim swaps those steelies for a set of handsome 18-inch alloy wheels and adds both sport-tuned steering and suspension to lend credibility to the trim level’s name. This version comes with the delightful V6 engine as standard.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Limited for a well-equipped interior but not quite as exciting a driving character. It has dual-zone automatic climate control, dark tinted rear privacy glass, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a CD changer. This version has 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with a four-cylinder or a V6 engine.

The new RAV4 not only offers more passenger room, but it also comes with a bigger cargo area. Open the side-hinged rear tailgate and you’ll find a generous 1,017 litres of cargo space. Fold the rear seat down to maximize volume at 2,073 litres. That’s more room than some midsize SUVs provide.

In accordance with its status as a compact crossover SUV, the 2006 RAV4 doesn’t offer much in the way of technology. But what’s available is useful to the target audience.

Every RAV4 has a CD player with MP3 playback capability and an auxiliary audio input jack. A six-disc CD changer is included with Limited trim, which also offers a dual-zone automatic climate control system.

Equipped with standard antilock brakes and stability control, the 2006 RAV4 does its best to help you to avoid a collision. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for the front- and middle-row seats are available as an option.

Evaluated with its optional side airbags, the 2006 RAV4 performed well in crash tests administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and the side-impact test, it received the highest rating of "Good." Roof crush strength earned an "Acceptable" rating, but the seats and head restraints racked up a "Marginal" rating.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found the RAV4 to be quite crashworthy, giving the SUV five-star ratings in most assessments combined with four-star rollover resistance ratings. According to the NHTSA, there is no difference in side-impact protection with the optional side airbags.

Though it tends to cost a little more than some competitors, such as the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is the kind of vehicle you buy today and continue driving as a used car for 20 or more years. Practical, safe, accommodating, and reliable, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a Point-A-to-Point-B kind of vehicle that never causes any trouble.

And if you love to drive, well, Toyota has a solution for you in the RAV4 Sport V6.

Note: Images show a US model.