I think if a quiet SUV is your goal you'll probably end up in a Highlander anyway.
I bet the RAV4 V6 will be more sporty than quiet. But I still think all 3 wheel sizes are available with the V6. Car mags will naturally select the sportiest for fun. Doesn't mean you have to.
4Runner has a 3rd row option but the high floor means there isn't really a well to put your feet in. So you sit knees-in-the-chest position. That makes it OK for kids only.
Finally here's the Canadian price list as per a phone conversation with Toyota Canada yesterday: Base 4 cyl 28,700 CAD Ltd 4 cyl 32,595 CAD Base V6 31,200 CAD Sport V6 32,990 CAD Ltd V6 36,370 CAD B pkg V6 38,670 CAD
Edmunds just got 5.2 sec 0-60 for the GC SRT-8 @ 12/15 MPG..so how could the V6 RAV4 be within say 1.7 sec of the GC's 0-60 time, and still return 20/27 MPG..?
Yea, and the Edmudns.com Time is hella slow, compared to the times that others have clocked. C/D got 6.3 seconds using brake-torquing and not that much slower in the Street Start...but of course, they probably would clock the GC SRT-8 at like 4.7 seconds or so...
I've done some research and was wondering if the RAV4 has a computer readout that shows MPG etc. I am a little upset that it doesn't have a NAV option, but it may not be a deal breaker. Looking forward to a test drive of the V6. YUM!!!
Who cares? It's not like you're gonna stoplight race in a RAV4 (hopefully not in any car).
Point is it's plenty quick and still manages to be fuel-efficient. The trans is probably smart enough to shift early for efficiency, unless you floor it and then a different program comes in to play that keeps the V6 singing at high revs.
Another thing - the EPA tests don't use full throttle, plus the average speeds even on the highway test is something like 50mph.
A lead foot will probably get 16mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway at 80mph with all the wind resistance of the tall SUV shape. But the same driver would probably get 8/15 in the SRT-8.
Yes I agree....pretty amazing the performance you can get out of the new 06 RAV4 (V6) relative to it's MPG and cost. Not too mention, what should be another reliable product from Toyota.
Canadians pay CAD $3K or 4K more for Toyota Prius. I compared the Canadian prices with the American ones for Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy. Again, both are a few thousand dollars more expensive in Canada, in terms of MRSP. Real deal prices are, again, WAY more expensive in Canada.
So the price of the 2006 US model has decreased? I thought it had increased a little. Also, will the base models in either country have the same features? We have to make sure we compare apples to apples. If the compared models are identical, then agree the pricing is somewhat unfair.
Sorry I don't know the difference between LTD V6 and Pkg B V6. Even the pricing was apparently given to me by mistake since it was not supposed to be public information yet.
Pkg B most likely includes leather seat surfaces and a few other goodies (which the Limited doesn't include). Incidentally, I saw a beige, Limited last weekend parked in a driveway. Stopped to have a look. Nice clean lines. It actually looks smaller in person. The spare tire looks less prononced. Very spacious inside. The dash was impressive (wish I could have seen it lit up). Did not like the Limited seat material. Hopefully, the leather will be nicer. Would have liked for the owner/reviewer to notice me (had a few questions for him/her). Local dealer didn't believe there was one out there (they are not available for sale yet). Bottom line... looks pretty darn good.
FWIW, CarsonToyota in California has a 2WD V6 RAV4 with the following options: [C4] Carpeted floor mats set [EJ] JBL upgrade audio AM/FM/CD changer with 9 speakers [FE] 50-state emissions - no charge! [GY] Driver & Front Passenger Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags and Front-and Second-Row Roll-Sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) [HD] Seat Heaters, front driver/passenger seats [LA] Natural Leather seating [RL] Daytime running lights [SR] Power Sunroof (aka Moonroof) with sunshade
And the stated MSRP is $26,699. Since the price differential between the Limited AWD V6 and Limited 2WD V6 is $1400, one would expect that a Limited V6 AWD RAV4 with the above options (basically, fully loaded sans 3rd row and DVD), would be $28,099.
Canada will have only AWD, so I compared 2005 4x4 and 2006 AWD. Maybe Canadian base AWD has a little more options than US which will cost a couple of hundered dollars.
However it does not expalin why $3,000 USD goes into Toyota Canada's wallet. :confuse: Too much Rip-off.
I think the interior looks great, and their ergo carps were around the push button but rotary-looking climate controls and LCD displays that washed out in polarized sunglasses or direct sun. Big deal.
"Low on the dash reside the three rings of the automatic climate control. They look busy and complicated at fast glance, but the button layout proves logical over time."
"Also, the monochrome liquid-crystal display above the controls somehow remained hard to read in direct sunlight and shadow. That’s a feat, though one also repeated by the vanishing radio display above."
Again, I'll reserve final judgement until when I see it in person... but a couple of nit-picks:
* the door handle blocks access to the window controls (same on the OB XT) * not sure I like the bi-level center console, perhaps its function will impress me more than its looks * exposed, uncarpeted area around 3rd row looks decidedly cheap
Mind you, nothing I'd complain about at a $25k price tag, but at $30k...
I've seen the interior of the Limited. I did not like the materials used (although the dash was OK). I know it's subjective, but a little more upscale look would have been more appropriate in a "Limited". The Highlander has nothing to worry about when it comes to interior ergonomics.
I saw one in West Covina today. Looks very interesting. Nice to see reclining rear seats in them. Fit and finish looked very good. The size is great too. Wish they would lower the spare tire carrier though.
Is the interior fabric used in the Limited the same as is used in the base? Any idea how the leather offered in the Limited will look? Any more info on exterior body colors to be offered? :P
To my knowledge the interior fabric is different from the base to the Limited. Heck, the fabric on the base may be nicer than on the Limited. I didn't like the look of the Limited fabric (almost like it was trying too hard to look expensive). I can only assume that the leather will look the best (for those that like it). I will say that the beige exterior looked rich. Not sure what other colors are available (probably black, silver, red, white, and blue - pardon the pun). These are just my opinions on 2 quick 5 minutes glances on a vehicle that was parked in a stranger's driveway.
American customers can get side and curtain airbags (as options) even for the base model. Canadians MUST buy the highest model (Limited 4WD V6) with B package to get those. The price difference between the Canadian base and bloated model is 10,000 CAD.
Moreover, the base model is around 3,000 CAD more expensive than the American one. Still, no side and curtain airbags for the bloated price? Come on.
I really can't understand what Toyota Canada is thinking. Why do they just offer those airbags as separate options for the base model?
Toyota Canada doesn't offer side and curtain airbags for Corolla, Matrix, and most Camry models (except for the highest Camry model). Their marketing strategy in terms of safety is just bizarre.
In contrast, Honda Canada offers as STANDARD side and curtain airbags for ALL Civic, Accord, and CR-V models. What a difference!
Though I don't drive either a Toyota or a Honda, I always recommend Honda when my friends have to decide between Toyota and Honda.
Like you said, theoretically you can get a Toyota base model with those safety features, but try going down to your local Toyota dealer and looking for one IN STOCK. Almost impossible.
I was just at the dealership today (San Jose, CA) and they claim they will start getting their RAVs next week and that they will be getting both I4s and V6s at the same time.
I told him that was different than everything I've read on the web and the sales guy claimed it is a very recent change. He did say that the limiteds would arrive later (late Jan)
I am interested in ordering a V6 Limited 2006 Rav4, but only if it has at least average looking and quality interior fabric on the seats and flooring. I inspected a 2005 Prius a few months ago, and the owner shared with me that he was so disappointed in the seat fabric. He said that even slight prespiration discolored or stained the fabric. He liked everyting else about the Prius, except that his mileage was about 5 mpg less than the published estimates. Sure hope that Toyota will upgrade the fabric for the V6 Limited- even if an upgrade of fabric quality :shades: (not leather)is only offered as an option. Here in South Carolina, I have often gone into my car (old Volvo) WITH A SWEATY BACK IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS. Come on, Toyota- you can do it!
Thanks for your info. At least Americans can get those safety features on the expensive models of Corolla and Matrix. But, no side and curtain airbags whatsoever for Corolla and Matrix in Canada. And I always recommend potential buyers of Camry and RAV4 to consider Accord and CR-V that offer those airbags as standard.
I actually hope they put the Prius material in the RAV. It is very resilient and they actually used to use it in the original Lexus IS. The tan shows dirt, but it can be easily cleaned with a wet towel. It is some type of Italian fabric that wears extremely well. My sister has her 04 Prius for two years with two kids and it looks great (gray color). I intend to get leather on my RAV. Looking forward to my test drive of the V6.
Toyota.com has an update on RAV4 Look like they will have packages Optional airbag only included on limited and if you want leather you need everything with it ~30K at least for V6 Looks like an Odyssey will be cheaper to buy
That info is still not right, as far as I know. The V6 will be out in January. My dealership has a Limited 4-cyl. incoming now, so it seems they are coming out now.
As for the side airbags, Toyota offers them on all models. It is up to the regional offices to decide what is normally brought into their area. In our area, we will be getting over 60% of base models with side airbags.
A $22,000 RAV4 six cylinder that is faster than the Infiniti FX, BMW X5, Mercedes350, and Porsche Cayenne and gets 29 MPG. Wow! Let me say that again, Wow!
It's 20/27 for the AWD model (20/28 for FWD), so we should quote those figures since the competitors you list have AWD. Combined mileage should be low 20s if you're light on the accelerator pedal.
C&D actually got 17mpg IIRC. So don't expect 0-60 in the 6 second range plus 29 mpg. Pick one or the other, maybe.
Probably a mix... C/D actually got 16 MPG only, but confessed to foot to the floor driving.... in the mountains... In their comparison test of the Avalon, they managed much higher MPG with the same engine and similar weight, same transmission... but obviously not the AWD system. Its a very efficient powertrain, generally speaking.
I called 4 dealers in SE Pennsylvania asking when they expect to receive an '06. One dealer said late spring, one said today, and the other two were attending some sort of intoduction training Wednesday.
I am curious to see the actual sticker prices. It is hard to believe that this car will compete with the CRV in pricing. Toyotas are always more expensive by at least $1500 and have less features.
I can buy an '06 CRV-EX w/sunroof for $20,500 (invoice). The comparable RAV-4 will probably be around $26-27k.
I just saw the new RAV on a Toyota Truck heading to a Bay Area dealership. It was in color white. The changes to the vehicles dimensions are noticeable, especially when compared to the previous model. In fact, when I first saw it, I thought it was a Highlander.
According to the mini Brochure I got at the autoshow, the V-6s are not coming until February. This is one from Toyota. So who knows. Sometimes, these dealers don't really know that much!
I just took a walk around it - it is in at my local dealer. The one they have is a white Limited 4x2 4-cylinder. Sticker is $25,3xx, which includes the 17" rims and 440 watt stereo including subwoofer (yum!). The options were the side airbags and curtains and moonroof.
It is parked right next to a Highlander, and I can say with some certainty that it is identical in size, except for being a little narrower. It is just as high, just as long, and the rear seat leg room is just as much. And that spare tire carrier truly does sit up high on that back door - visibility to the rear from the driver's seat might be even more compromised than it was in the last model.
The seat material looks virtually identical to the seat material of the last car too, and that was in a Limited! I actually like that material, but I could see that some of the posters here did not. Posted fuel economy was 24/30 - I thought that was good since the same engine in the Highlander posts something like 22/27, doesn't it?
Overall, it might be the perfect size for me (uh oh - is there another trade for me a year or two out? I swore I would keep my latest truck ten years!). The looks are very good - evocative of the cutesy previous model, but more grown up somehow. Those 17" rims look great, the tires are 225/65s (Geolandars on the one I was looking at). The climate control panel is steeply angled up, almost horizontal, so even though it sits down low and uses silly-looking button controls (similar to those in the current 4Runner in how you use them, if not as thick and chunky as those), it would be easy to see and operate I think.
Next thing for me is to go in and sit in it, if they don't sell it the first day. I want to see if the notably hard dash and window-sill plastics of the last car have been replaced with something a little easier on the fingers and elbows. First impressions are very positive though.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I put a (refundable) deposit down with my dealer for a Limited 4-cyl 4WD with moonroof, leather, JBL, and airbags, which he said has an MSRP of around $27,900 and will be priced ('no haggle') at around $26,600.
It seems that they offer much better deals on the '05 RAV4's (obviously), but I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten any indication of what real asking prices will be like.
FYI, a Toyota dealer told me last week that all the Boston-area dealers would be getting one or two cars today - Tuesday. But my wife called another dealer today and was told there had been a delay in shipping them. What a pain!
I just came back from the Toyota dealership and they had ONE available. Found this site useful so I thought I would pass this info on to you. The MSRP for the Limited 4 cylinder with everything on it except: tow package, leather, heated seats, third row seats, and rear dvd system was $26,589.
I was pleasantly surprised at how roomy the cabin is: I'm 6'1 and found that the front seats were spacious and supportive. If you're a little taller I think it would be a difficult to adjust the tilt/telescopic wheel to see the instrument panel properly. But even with the front seats all the way back, there was still plenty of legroom without my legs hitting the back of the front seats.
I was set on purchasing a Honda Pilot (I know the RAV4 is suppose to compete with CRV, Escape) but I'm glad I waited a few weeks to check this car out. Better mileage, more power, and cheaper price, I can't wait until the v6 comes out. Only thing i can't figure out is, why don't they have navigation as an option?
Comments
I bet the RAV4 V6 will be more sporty than quiet. But I still think all 3 wheel sizes are available with the V6. Car mags will naturally select the sportiest for fun. Doesn't mean you have to.
4Runner has a 3rd row option but the high floor means there isn't really a well to put your feet in. So you sit knees-in-the-chest position. That makes it OK for kids only.
-juice
Base 4 cyl 28,700 CAD
Ltd 4 cyl 32,595 CAD
Base V6 31,200 CAD
Sport V6 32,990 CAD
Ltd V6 36,370 CAD
B pkg V6 38,670 CAD
Very interesting..
~alpha
Point is it's plenty quick and still manages to be fuel-efficient. The trans is probably smart enough to shift early for efficiency, unless you floor it and then a different program comes in to play that keeps the V6 singing at high revs.
Another thing - the EPA tests don't use full throttle, plus the average speeds even on the highway test is something like 50mph.
A lead foot will probably get 16mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway at 80mph with all the wind resistance of the tall SUV shape. But the same driver would probably get 8/15 in the SRT-8.
-juice
Thanks
2005 RAV4 4x4 4 cyl Auto :mad:
US Toyota.com $22,065 USD
Canada Toyota.ca $25,935 CAD = $22,304 USD @86 cents
2006 RAV4 AWD 4 cyl Auto
US $21,700 USD
Canada $28,700 CAD = $24,682 USD @86 cents
WTH makes the huge different $3,000 USD for 2006 RAV4? :mad: :confuse:
a 2WD V6 RAV4 with the following options:
[C4] Carpeted floor mats set
[EJ] JBL upgrade audio AM/FM/CD changer with 9 speakers
[FE] 50-state emissions - no charge!
[GY] Driver & Front Passenger Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags and Front-and Second-Row Roll-Sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA)
[HD] Seat Heaters, front driver/passenger seats
[LA] Natural Leather seating
[RL] Daytime running lights
[SR] Power Sunroof (aka Moonroof) with sunshade
And the stated MSRP is $26,699. Since the price differential between the Limited AWD V6 and Limited 2WD V6 is $1400, one would expect that a Limited V6 AWD RAV4 with the above options (basically, fully loaded sans 3rd row and DVD), would be $28,099.
That seems very competitive.
~alpha
-juice
That $26,699 is for the loaded 2WD FOUR CYLINDER LIMITED with those options.
If my new calculations are correct, figure on $1440 for the V6 PLUS $1400 for AWD, bringing the actual total to $29,539.
Still, thats less than a similar Subaru OBXT w/5A....
~alpha
Canada will have only AWD, so I compared 2005 4x4 and 2006 AWD.
Maybe Canadian base AWD has a little more options than US which will cost a couple of hundered dollars.
However it does not expalin why $3,000 USD goes into Toyota Canada's wallet. :confuse: Too much Rip-off.
I really want to see the interior in person, C&D said some ergonomics were off (they used humurous language but I don't recall the exact words).
Pics look OK for a low $20s SUV, but at $30k or above I want a nicer interior than that.
-juice
"Low on the dash reside the three rings of the automatic climate control. They look busy and complicated at fast glance, but the button layout proves logical over time."
"Also, the monochrome liquid-crystal display above the controls somehow remained hard to read in direct sunlight and shadow. That’s a feat, though one also repeated by the vanishing radio display above."
RAV4 V6 Limited AWD C/D Road Test
Materials quality looks strong as does the instrumentation (backlit/Optitron/electroluminescent, whatever youd like to call it).
~alpha
* the door handle blocks access to the window controls (same on the OB XT)
* not sure I like the bi-level center console, perhaps its function will impress me more than its looks
* exposed, uncarpeted area around 3rd row looks decidedly cheap
Mind you, nothing I'd complain about at a $25k price tag, but at $30k...
-juice
"our four-cylinder trilled in and out of overdrive so fast that we reported it to Toyota as a likely software glitch"
What the heck is wrong with this Tranny software issue with Toyota?
Looks very interesting. Nice to see reclining rear seats in them. Fit and finish looked very good. The size is great too.
Wish they would lower the spare tire carrier though.
Joe
-juice
Moreover, the base model is around 3,000 CAD more expensive than the American one. Still, no side and curtain airbags for the bloated price? Come on.
I really can't understand what Toyota Canada is thinking. Why do they just offer those airbags as separate options for the base model?
Toyota Canada doesn't offer side and curtain airbags for Corolla, Matrix, and most Camry models (except for the highest Camry model). Their marketing strategy in terms of safety is just bizarre.
In contrast, Honda Canada offers as STANDARD side and curtain airbags for ALL Civic, Accord, and CR-V models. What a difference!
Though I don't drive either a Toyota or a Honda, I always recommend Honda when my friends have to decide between Toyota and Honda.
I told him that was different than everything I've read on the web and the sales guy claimed it is a very recent change. He did say that the limiteds would arrive later (late Jan)
Sure hope that Toyota will upgrade the fabric for the V6 Limited- even if an upgrade of fabric quality :shades: (not leather)is only offered as an option. Here in South Carolina, I have often gone into my car (old Volvo) WITH A SWEATY BACK IN THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS.
Come on, Toyota- you can do it!
Look like they will have packages
Optional airbag only included on limited and
if you want leather you need everything with it ~30K at least
for V6
Looks like an Odyssey will be cheaper to buy
-juice
As for the side airbags, Toyota offers them on all models. It is up to the regional offices to decide what is normally brought into their area. In our area, we will be getting over 60% of base models with side airbags.
And has Toyota reliability.
C&D actually got 17mpg IIRC. So don't expect 0-60 in the 6 second range plus 29 mpg. Pick one or the other, maybe.
-juice
~alpha
I am curious to see the actual sticker prices. It is hard to believe that this car will compete with the CRV in pricing. Toyotas are always more expensive by at least $1500 and have less features.
I can buy an '06 CRV-EX w/sunroof for $20,500 (invoice). The comparable RAV-4 will probably be around $26-27k.
According to the mini Brochure I got at the autoshow, the V-6s are not coming until February. This is one from Toyota. So who knows. Sometimes, these dealers don't really know that much!
So is it possible that if we also have the RAV4 on cruise at 65 that it may achieve the stated 29 miles per gallon?
Happy Holidays everyone!
It is parked right next to a Highlander, and I can say with some certainty that it is identical in size, except for being a little narrower. It is just as high, just as long, and the rear seat leg room is just as much. And that spare tire carrier truly does sit up high on that back door - visibility to the rear from the driver's seat might be even more compromised than it was in the last model.
The seat material looks virtually identical to the seat material of the last car too, and that was in a Limited! I actually like that material, but I could see that some of the posters here did not. Posted fuel economy was 24/30 - I thought that was good since the same engine in the Highlander posts something like 22/27, doesn't it?
Overall, it might be the perfect size for me (uh oh - is there another trade for me a year or two out? I swore I would keep my latest truck ten years!). The looks are very good - evocative of the cutesy previous model, but more grown up somehow. Those 17" rims look great, the tires are 225/65s (Geolandars on the one I was looking at). The climate control panel is steeply angled up, almost horizontal, so even though it sits down low and uses silly-looking button controls (similar to those in the current 4Runner in how you use them, if not as thick and chunky as those), it would be easy to see and operate I think.
Next thing for me is to go in and sit in it, if they don't sell it the first day. I want to see if the notably hard dash and window-sill plastics of the last car have been replaced with something a little easier on the fingers and elbows. First impressions are very positive though.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
It seems that they offer much better deals on the '05 RAV4's (obviously), but I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten any indication of what real asking prices will be like.
Thanks in advance.
I'd guess you'll likely get about 2-3 fewer mpg on average with a V6 AWD RAV4. Probably lose 1-2 mpg with a FWD V6.
Good to hear you got under MSRP already.
-juice
I just came back from the Toyota dealership and they had ONE available. Found this site useful so I thought I would pass this info on to you. The MSRP for the Limited 4 cylinder with everything on it except: tow package, leather, heated seats, third row seats, and rear dvd system was $26,589.
I was pleasantly surprised at how roomy the cabin is: I'm 6'1 and found that the front seats were spacious and supportive. If you're a little taller I think it would be a difficult to adjust the tilt/telescopic wheel to see the instrument panel properly. But even with the front seats all the way back, there was still plenty of legroom without my legs hitting the back of the front seats.
I was set on purchasing a Honda Pilot (I know the RAV4 is suppose to compete with CRV, Escape) but I'm glad I waited a few weeks to check this car out. Better mileage, more power, and cheaper price, I can't wait until the v6 comes out. Only thing i can't figure out is, why don't they have navigation as an option?