2006 RAV4 Review

[garylspolar]

I've promised someone here that I would report on my new purchase, a 2006 Toyota RAV4.

I'll note some things here, and check back now and then to answer any questions you have. I'll keep this first post short:

1. It's bigger. Bigger than any "car" I've driven, and bigger than the previous RAV4, from what I hear. This should provide enough room for me, momma, our child to be, and our two pugs with much room to spare.

2. Gas mileage is fantastic, at nearly 30mpg highway. I have the four cylinder model, with a four speed automatic transmission. OK power, but not if you're going to tow anything that weighs much. The six cylinder model offers more power, and a better five speed transmission. You will get nearly the same gas mileage... I'm a bit disappointed with my tranny, and wish it was a five speed, or even six, like my 2005 1/2 Jetta. Smooth, but could use another gear.

3. Price was about $23,000 for the base model (options like larger wheels and quite a few others are included whether you want them or not), which was loaded. The steel wheels look good, I don't need a sunroof or dual climate control... Read the reviews to get the specifics, but the base model was all I wanted, and not because I could not afford the model with more toys.

4. No special lease deals on this new model, but they still have a high residual value like most Toyotas, and we got a good deal on a lease.


Much to get done around here, gotta go... let me know if you have any questions.

[garylspolar]

WC:

Volkswagen's handle better, and have better fit and finish. The Rav is an efficient way to move more people/stuff, but the V-dub's have much more style and a bit more comfort. If you don't need the space, get the VW Jetta TDI (Diesel) for even better mpg. These cars are not even comparable, just so very different. You'll enjoy the VW much more if you don't need the extra room.

[wncbmw]

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I know they are completely different but I have my reasons for asking.

Where we live, we need at least one 4wd. Currently, it is my 10-year old Subaru. If we get something like the 4wd RAV4 for Mama, then I would eventually replace the Subaru with something cheap but not 4wd like a Civic.

On the other hand, if we get the Jetta for Mama, I keep the Subaru and replace it later with another 4WD.

Does that make sense? Anyway, thanks again for the review.

[gelbe Kulter]

I just found your review, Gary. Thanks.

Last week I put down a deposit and ordered a V-6 Sport 4x2 with the towing package. It seemed to be the great compromise vehicle. It should get decent fuel mileage, tow my bike and gear (and those of a friend) to the race track and it is small enough for easy parking around town. In short, it should allow me to have one vehicle in my driveway instead of two.

When the Rav4 gets here (4-6 weeks) I'll share my observations. A track day excursion will be in it's immediate future (towing to the track, that is). Maybe this fall I can take it to Barber and get a good mountain towing test done.

After 20 years of driving pickup trucks, I'll finally be able to carry passengers. I'm not sure that's a good thing.

[gelbe Kulter]

My new Pacific Blue Rav4 V6 Sport with the towing package arrived yesterday. I have put almost 300 miles on it. I like it very much, so far. Feels small, steers quickly, accelerates briskly and has a nice ride. It made short work of passing cars on a two-lane road.

My wife thinks it's cute.

I still have to get the hitch installed. Will be taking it for a trackday hauling test next month.

[Shaman]

What made you choose it over some of its competitors:

Forester
Element
CR-V
etc.

[gelbe Kulter]

I liked the new Rav4 because it had the combination of nearly 30 mpg highway and 3500 lbs. towing capacity. The only other vehicle with these attributes was the Saturn Vue V6, and after a test drive I liked the Toyota better.

My second choice might have been a Subaru Legacy wagon.

[garylspolar]

5 speed auto tranny and six cylinders... I am jealous.

[LonestaRR]

But these are fun, roomy, functional, and did I mention fun?. I love my Element and would consider getting another when I wear this one out (unless I get the Porsche).
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/mod ... me=Element

[MikeCam]

You surf?

[LonestaRR]

Doesn't everybody? This IS the internet. How else would I find the link to the Honda page and the picture?

[MattPie]

Where we live, we need at least one 4wd. Currently, it is my 10-year old Subaru.

Seriously? I didn't think they got enough snow south of WV that would require AWD. Do you live up a hill or something?

Living in Southern MD and Philly, I just kinda laugh at the 4WD crowd who buy SUVs 'for the snow'. I never had a 4WD in Buffalo, I drove a Dodgey Neon and other FWD cars there. We'd get enough snow every night (up to 12" is common) that would shut down SoMD...

[wncbmw]

Mattpie - We don't get Buffalo type snows but neither do we have Buffalo type snow removal equipment!

I have to turn right and go up a hill out of my driveway. And I hate being stuck at the house and pride myself on getting to work. Although I did miss work the day we got 18"!

NCDOT usually plows our road within 3 days of a snow.

I lived in Montana for two years with a 2wd Toyota Corolla and had no problems. But then, they also know how to clear roads!

[gelbe Kulter]

I went to Putnam Park for a track day last weekend. The Rav4 towed a borrowed 6’ x 10’ enclosed trailer containing my Hawk GT track bike, two tool boxes, canopy, carpet, front and rear stands, cooler, rain tires and wheels, riding gear, etc…

I was very pleased with the job the Rav4 did. The V6 puts out a claimed 269 horsepower, which was plenty for cruising 75 mph on the interstate. Merging, passing, getting out of the way of semi trucks at ramps, etc… were no problem. The gentle rolling hills of central Indiana are not the Appalachian Mountains, however, and the real test will come a month from now when I head for Barber.

The Rav4 also has powerful brakes and stopping was never an issue, even at one really quick yellow light.

The Rav4 has a very short wheelbase when compared to pickup trucks or vans. This makes it very nimble in parking lots, even with the trailer attached. The short wheelbase makes the ride a little bumpier, perhaps, and there were a couple of miles of I-70 east of Indianapolis that rolled like waves on the water. I almost got seasick. The fact that it came immediately after dinner did not help. I was glad that the pavement smoothed out after just a couple of minutes. Otherwise, the handling was good.

Over the course of the 471 mile round trip the Rav4 averaged 12 miles per gallon – it has been averaging 26 mpg in mixed city and highway driving without the trailer.

[sjbmw]

But these are fun, roomy, functional, and did I mention fun?. I love my Element and would consider getting another when I wear this one out (unless I get the Porsche).
http://automobiles.honda.com/models/mod ... me=Element

Hey Kristi! That's MY car!

I got a 2004 element as a leftover (cheap!) and the Honda XR100 dirt bike DOES FIT in it when you put the back seats up.

Addabike still for sale.

[DJ Downunder]

Check out the RAV4 car ad.... ... http://exodus.interoutemediaservices.co ... ery=stream

DJ

[wncbmw]

Maybe that's Gary and his wife!

[Shaman]

Wife (4'10") and I went test fitting the weekend before last.

Rav4: Fit awesome
Element: Rear seats too high
CR-V: Rear Seats too high
Tuscon and Santa Fe: Fit ok
Legacy Outback: Fit ok, not much more passenger room over Impreza.

Rav4 came out tops in look and feel.

I am thinking the V6 is not a necessity
Wish I had $450/mo. to spend on the 4cyl. AWD Sport Model with Moonroof.

What happened to the Price is Right new car buyer cost that I remember from the 80s.

[rdsmith3]

I have been driving a RAV4 for a few months now. It is the four cylinder Limited version.

It is good all-around vehicle. It handles reasonably well. There is enough head room for me. It holds a lot of stuff in the back.

It is a little buzzy, and the rear door is not the best design, but it has a lot of plusses. However, the gas mileage has been awful. Over more than 3,000 miles, I have averaged about 24 mpg. That is terrible for a 4 cylinder. I do a lot of highway driving (at a wee bit more than the speed limit) and then I am stuck in traffic a lot, too. I am hoping the gas mileage will improve. This is a 4 WD vehicle, not an all time all-wheel drive, so I do not understand the poor gas mileage. Fortunately, it takes regular.

I work for a leading rental car company, and they are letting me drive this car for a while, so I certainly cannot complain. I am undecided if I would buy this car if it were my own money. If I could afford it, I would definitely get the 6 cylinder with the 5 speed.

[jb44]

My 2007 V6 Limited:

The V6 is very fast (that's what sold me), and on the road it gets 25mpg, if I'm not hot-roddin'; about 21-22 around town. Pulling an open trailer the mileage drops to about 16-17 mpg.

Not everyone likes the funky rear door. The ride is a bit choppy on the interstate due to the short wheelbase. My wife's Highlander rides smoother, but the Highlander's 3.3 V6 engine is not as quick, or as powerful as the 3.5 one in the Rav4 (same engine as in the new Avalon).

Overall, a big improvement over the previous Rav4... not so much a "girl's car" anymore.

DJ, can't you find the ad of the Rav4 going down the stairs at night with the motorcycle?

jb