I am looking at the 06 Rav4 and was troubled by the comments in the Motorweek review about a very un-car like ride. Can some of the owners on the forum expand on the ride quality and what you would compare it to. I am waiting to take a V6 for a test drive, so I have no idea about ride quality or handling.
Well I have driven one base and 2 Sports for test drives. All were I4 as there are no 6s around here yet (NY). One Sport drive was about 30 min with no salesment so I was able to get a good feel for handling. Sport handles very well, is tight with fairly quick steering. Very nimble. I was suprised for what I consider a "small truck". I drive an Audi A6 2.7T so I am use to a firm ride with good handling. Sport ride is a little rough on potholes and very rough pavement but very good for the most part. Quick lane changes at 70 were direct with no lean. I found the Sport handling and ride perfectly acceptable but some people may not be use to the firm ride. The I4 is noisy with hard accelerations but pretty quiet at cruise and normal accelerations.
The Base is a softer but still handled well with a little body lean under hard turns. Both vehicles are very nimble. The Honda Pilot drives like a truck compared to the RAV.
One RAV I drove had the Bridgestone Dueler tires and the other had the Yokohama G91a tires. Both seemed ok, but they are sort of a general purpose truck/SUV tire, not a performance tire like you might find on Audi or BMW.
So is the RAV ride "uncar like"? Yes when compared to most big soft passanger cars. Is it likeable as a nice handling vehicle? Very much so to me. Try it and let us know what you think. Would love to hear your opinion on V6 performance and noise.
Car and Driver described the ride as "Camry quiet" with the 6cyl. They describe the four as solid, smooth, and adequate, injecting just a faint buzz into the serene cabin. Overall C&D states that the RAV drives better than most Toyota cars. Take one out for a spin. One person's perception as quiet and smooth may not be the same as yours. Most reviews have been positive (very smooth, quiet and car-like). Incidentally, Motorweek just named the RAV the best small SUV.
Well if we ever get to drive a V6 Sport we will know for sure.
By the way, I have noticed that some RAVs at the dealer seem to have undercoating. And someone here mentioned a Toyoto package that adds sound deadening. On the SE reqion web site, many of the cars come with a $699 package of what I would call "profit making junk". Anyone know what is is up with that?
It's the 'regional' situation again. TMS is the national company. It sells the vehicles to each regional distributorship. Some of these are owned by Toyota, Boston, NY, CAT for example.
Back when Toyota was just starting here Jim Moran, just recently inducted into the Auto Hall of Fame, went to Toyota and essentially told them that he personally would put them all over the Southeast. In return he, not they, would be the distributor to the local stores. TMS sells 100% of the Toyota's in SET to the Jim Moran distributorship. After that he can do whatever he wants to the vehicles. He has his own accessories, protection packages ( Toyoguard ), paint schemes, financing unit ( in competition with TFS ) and basically runs it they way he wants with his own pricing. He has been phenomenally successful so Toyota leaves him alone. He did exactly what he said he would do.
Man, I guess I'm thick as a brick but I don't get it. If the AWD system will automatically send up to 45% (+/-) of the power to the rear wheels when it detects slipage and the 4WD lock creates the same distribution (only all the time) how can you get into a situation where the 4WD lock helps. Seems to me that if the front wheels are already loosing traction and 45% of the power has been diverted to the rear the 4WD lock adds nothing. What am I missing here?
Depending on your region and winter weather ( salt on the roads ) the main benefit of any undercoating package is for a little sound-deadening from road noise. All vehicles now are made with Galvanized steel or electro Galvanized steel which is nearly impervious to freshwater rust in normal conditions ( think guardrails ).
Some people demand undercoating, paint sealant and fabric protection on their vehicles. Some absolutely refuse it all. It's a very personal choice like color. I dont get involved in any way. The Blizzard Pearl White Avalon costs $220 more than everyother color Avalon. Buyers love it.
The lock is good only at low speeds, up to 25 mph, where it distributes the torque front and back so that the front is not 'over-torqued'. It is automatically 'unlocked' above 25 mph and it goes back to the default system.
You might be in a situation where youre not certain if you want all the torque in the front wheels. By dividing it at startup or at slow speeds you get two ways to win if you will.
"Anybody taken a 2006 rav4 off the highway -- like on a dirt/gravel road? "
Apparently Not. I've asked that same question as well- and gotten no real response. Most AWD crossovers are not off-road capable at all. They'll spin one or two wheels that get into a soft rut. The Rav4 system is supposed to be a bit better (I think)- but still haven't heard a real report.
We've got some snow reports now- but that's not useful for those of us who live in southern AZ. :shades:
Has anyone bought one yet? What kind of gas mileage are you really getting? Any pros/cons on base vs sport? What about the P215/70R16 vs P225/65R17 tire size selection?
I am currently looking to buy the base 4 with FWD but a little confused by the good/bad news hype.
I am currently looking to buy the base 4 with FWD but a little confused by the good/bad news hype.
Eh??
On balance there has been very very little 'bad' news at all. A few nits, preferences, etc. But those who have posted good detailed reviews of their initial drives and months of ownership have been universally positive.
hi all, just got back from a long weekend vacation in the Poconos with the Rav and it did fantastic in the 8" snow. The 4wd system is nothing short of amazing. Oh and we got exactly 30 mpg on all highway driving with the cruise set at the speed limits (55 and mostly 65 mph):):)
This truck never fails to amaze me. Oh and we have 1000 miles on it..
I am currently looking to buy the base 4 with FWD but a little confused by the good/bad news hype.
I have yet to see anything negative. My gripe is that it's almost dominantly positive. Biggest negative thing is that lack of available v6 for test drive.
In fact I have not heard any real bad factual news. Most grips are conjecture on delivery and price etc. Everyone who ownes one or has driven one seems pretty happy.
To all those with the older RAV4 who thought that the new electronic 4WD will not measure up. The recent strom in the Northeast prove them wrong. Toyota have done it again, well done Toyota.
Looking at RAV Limited - All good EXCEPT headrest which pushes my wife's head so far forward it's very uncomfortable. Have tried headrests from all other Toyota models and the only one that's comfortable is from a Scion but it only comes in black (don't want black interior). Comfort is a major concern. Anyone have a problem like this? smith22
Does anyone know about the factory installed Alarm and Remote Starter. I was told that they both work of the ignition key with built in fob. Can anyone confirm this.
I don't know what you are referring to as an iPod adapter, but my iPod plugs conveniently into the center console mp3 player mini-audio plug that is standard equipment in my USA-purchased Rav4 '06. The sound is great, and iPod is conveniently hidden away in the center console. no iTrip or cassette adapter required!
I have both the remote start and the OEM alarm. They both work off the key fob. Not too many choices if dont want to carry another fob and the bulky oem key. I think Viper makes a remote entry security system which untilize any oem key fob. It works by monitoring the interior lights, not the best system in the world in my opinion and it was about the same price as the VIP RS3200 plus, which is the Toyota security system. As far as I know, there is no remote start that can utilize the oem fob.
I drive my new Rav4 on dirt roads every single day. I can't get to my house or take my kids to school with out driving on dirt roads. The vehicle handles great. It can be a little rough when hitting sharp bumps or pot holes but that is the only time I feel like the suspension is on the "stiff" side (but nothing like my lifted wrangler, that can be out right bone jarring at times). I've slid it around plenty of turns and the 4WD kicks in no problem and I usually don't even notice it. I am very impressed with how fast it reacts. The slower you are going the easier it is to feel the rear wheels kick in. The stability system kicks in pretty quick also but if you recover the vehicle the instant it starts to slide it won't activate.
This is my first toyota and first electronic 4wd on demand vehicle. I am use to pulling a lever on the transfer case etc.... I was a little leary and since my wife is going to be driving it most of the time I really wanted to push the vehicle in the snow and on the dirt to see how it behaves. I have full confidence in the electronic on demand 4wd system.
My wife and I are debating whether the Base RAV4 V6 tires (P225/65/R17) would be better then the Sport RAV4 tires P235/55//r18) in icy/snowy conditions.
All the tire "experts" I talked to said that I would be crazy to drive with 18 inch tires due to the low profile and extra tire width.
The dealer here does not know what brand or quality of tire will come with these vehicles when they come.
Does anybody have any experience with lower profile tires on SUV's, how do they handle in the winter?
Isn't it amazing that most high performance cars have or offer bigger wheels with low profile tires as an option? Why would an 18 inch wheel with a low profile tire be good for a high performance Audi, BMW or Passat V6 at 3600-3800 lbs and no good for a 3600# RAV4. The only issue is what are the quality and type of tire your getting. Right now the RAVs seem to come with Yokohama G91A tires whether you get 17" or 18". Not much info available on these tires. But the width differnce between the 55 and 65 tire is small and the outside diameter is very similar between 17" and 18". You can look at tire info in these sizes at www.tirerack.com. Call them and see what they think. Unless I was hauling heaving loads, if I had a choice I would buy my RAV4 with very high performance all weather tires in the 55/18" size. But I am not an expert and so the choice is up to you.
I haven't driven the RAV4 with the 18" wheels, but my Limited's ride is plenty firm (although the body does lean more than I'd like), and I agree that, all things being equal, narrower tires (225) are better in the snow than wider ones (235). 17's are also easier to find and cheaper to replace. For the kind of vehicle it is, I think the 17's make the most sense.
This morning as the Sun was coming up; I got behind a brand new Silver Sport. As we came upon the stop sign and the brakes were applied, I was surprised to see the illumination of the LED taillights; they really stood out even with the Sun on the tailgate. It kind of reminded me of the G35’s taillights ..KooooooooooooooL!
Seeing more and more down here in Tucson, the Green is my favorite so far!
I think the reason people might buy the Sport is the slightly better handling due to the suspension changes. The bigger wheels are as much a style thing as they might be for performance. The interior "one color scheme" in darker gray is attractive.
The ride is a little firmer and rougher over pot holes and rough pavement and this is a trade that we have to live with for the slight improvement in handling.
Is the suspension different on the Sport vs the base version?
So in my case if I want a nice comfortable ride, without feeling all the potholes, I should go with the base or the limited version instead of the Sport?
That is one thing I hate is if the vehicle feels every little pot hole or railway track in the road.
Well Toyota provides no details but says Sport............."tuned springs and shocks...18" wheels".
Having driven Base and Sport, the Sport handles a little better, the Base ride is a little better ( softer). You should drive the Base at least before you buy and see if it it suits you. Also the Base has less equipment and options choices. If you want a sunroof for example you cannot get it on base. Sport has less color choices inside and out.
All other things being equal, 18" wheels will give a stiffer/sportier ride than 17" wheels. The tires are the same circumference on the outside, but the 17" ones have more rubber and less wheel.
Oddly enough- even tho' you get less rubber on 18" tires, they're more expensive. :confuse:
There are also more tire options for 17" wheels than there are for 18" and replacement will be a bit cheaper.
The reason I am asking about ride quality is that I drive a 2002 honda civic with terrible suspension or something that allows me to feel all the potholes and railway tracks. It's soooo bad, that I don't mind driving a Ford focus, because the suspension or shocks allow me to drive over the tracks without having to slow down to a crawl in order not to feel like the car is going to fall apart. So are the tires what make the ride more susceptible to a bad ride or is it the suspension and shocks?
"....used to pulling a lever on the transfer case etc...."
Boy, are you in for some BIG surprises!
There is a whole wide WORLD of differences between your new RAV4 and your previous RWD based 4WD (I don't know of ANY FWD/4WD with a "lever operated" transfer case).
Your new RAV4 is FWD first and foremost, even with the rear drive enabled it will still be predominantly FWD.
The handling dynamics of FWD vs RWD/4WD are so radically different I would never even drive the RAV4 as delivered in wintertime conditions myself, let alone trust my wife's life to it.
I currently own a 2001 AWD RX300...
I can assure you that my RX300 is always predominantly FWD, 95/5 F/R ratio natively and only up to 75/25 with an extended period of front wheelspin.
Since my RX300 came from the factory without the ability to use snow chains on the rear I added 1.5" wheel spacers all around so I could throw on rear chains first and then add front chains if necessary.
I run summer tires all year around for comfort and quiet but with snowchains ALWAYS on board during the winter months and I do not hesitate to install them immediately when/if the roads are slippery.
If we do any mountain pass traveling during the winter months (skiing, visit relatives on the dry side, etc.) my 1994 AWD Ford Aerostar fulfills that need.
I'm not by any means saying the AWD RAV4 isn't an excellent buy, I would own one myself for a MH TOAD if it still came with a manual transmission.
Just be sure you understand just what you're getting into before you try that RAV4 out on adverse roadbed conditions. And please, PLEASE, take my advice an don't let your wife out in it without a LOT of driving experience in a large snow/ice covered parking lot learning the charactoristics of FWD torque biasing vs RWD torque biasing.
I am awaiting delivery of my V6 AWD RAV4 Ltd. My wife and I currently have a Subaru Forester, and that handles great as a FWD/AWD system. That vehicle handles great in the snow, it is hard to believe that the RAV will take that much getting used to, I have never considered the need for chains. Then again I spent a lot of time sliding around vacant parking lots with both front and rear wheeled vehicles in my youth.
I kinda wanted to find out what my new RAV would do in the snow.....I just might be the only guy in the Northeast praying for another big (early March) snowstorm. I am taking it out the very first chance I get!
Whooh. I don't have any experience with the RX300 but I've been driving AWD Subaru's for almost 10 years. I've driven through snow over 12" deep and in mud up to the quarter panels. Never used chains and never got stuck. Unless you get high centered snow isn't a problem. Ground clearance is the only issue with these vehicles versus a truck. The RAV4's power distribution can be up to 55/45 as conditions require and with the "lock" engaged it is consistently 55/45 which should be more than adequate for some serious snow. Plus, the new RAV4 has standard Vehicle Stability Control to keep you pointed in the right direction. I hope you're not trying to suggest that a 12 year old Aerostar is a safer or more reliable vehicle in slippery conditions.
I think the new '07 Santa Fe has a lot more value than the RAV. Lots more features than the RAV at about the same price. Better built, better fit and finish. Hyundai quality is getting much better, according to the latest JD powers report. Any comments?
Thanks for the info on order dates tommyg12. I have seen postings on the forums where some people are going to a Toyota district site, or zone site and are able to see what is in the pipe line for dealers in their area. Is that something I could check out here in Western PA, or am I misunderstanding the posting?
Comments
I am looking at the 06 Rav4 and was troubled by the comments in the Motorweek review about a very un-car like ride. Can some of the owners on the forum expand on the ride quality and what you would compare it to. I am waiting to take a V6 for a test drive, so I have no idea about ride quality or handling.
Thanks for the help.
JDC
The Base is a softer but still handled well with a little body lean under hard turns. Both vehicles are very nimble. The Honda Pilot drives like a truck compared to the RAV.
One RAV I drove had the Bridgestone Dueler tires and the other had the Yokohama G91a tires. Both seemed ok, but they are sort of a general purpose truck/SUV tire, not a performance tire like you might find on Audi or BMW.
So is the RAV ride "uncar like"? Yes when compared to most big soft passanger cars. Is it likeable as a nice handling vehicle? Very much so to me. Try it and let us know what you think. Would love to hear your opinion on V6 performance and noise.
By the way, I have noticed that some RAVs at the dealer seem to have undercoating. And someone here mentioned a Toyoto package that adds sound deadening. On the SE reqion web site, many of the cars come with a $699 package of what I would call "profit making junk". Anyone know what is is up with that?
Back when Toyota was just starting here Jim Moran, just recently inducted into the Auto Hall of Fame, went to Toyota and essentially told them that he personally would put them all over the Southeast. In return he, not they, would be the distributor to the local stores. TMS sells 100% of the Toyota's in SET to the Jim Moran distributorship. After that he can do whatever he wants to the vehicles. He has his own accessories, protection packages ( Toyoguard ), paint schemes, financing unit ( in competition with TFS ) and basically runs it they way he wants with his own pricing. He has been phenomenally successful so Toyota leaves him alone. He did exactly what he said he would do.
Some people demand undercoating, paint sealant and fabric protection on their vehicles. Some absolutely refuse it all. It's a very personal choice like color. I dont get involved in any way. The Blizzard Pearl White Avalon costs $220 more than everyother color Avalon. Buyers love it.
You might be in a situation where youre not certain if you want all the torque in the front wheels. By dividing it at startup or at slow speeds you get two ways to win if you will.
Apparently Not.
I've asked that same question as well- and gotten no real response. Most AWD crossovers are not off-road capable at all. They'll spin one or two wheels that get into a soft rut. The Rav4 system is supposed to be a bit better (I think)- but still haven't heard a real report.
We've got some snow reports now- but that's not useful for those of us who live in southern AZ. :shades:
What kind of gas mileage are you really getting?
Any pros/cons on base vs sport?
What about the P215/70R16 vs P225/65R17 tire size selection?
I am currently looking to buy the base 4 with FWD but a little confused by the good/bad news hype.
JoeU
Eh??
On balance there has been very very little 'bad' news at all. A few nits, preferences, etc. But those who have posted good detailed reviews of their initial drives and months of ownership have been universally positive.
Has anyone hated their purchase?
This truck never fails to amaze me. Oh and we have 1000 miles on it..
I have yet to see anything negative. My gripe is that it's almost dominantly positive. Biggest negative thing is that lack of available v6 for test drive.
In fact I have not heard any real bad factual news. Most grips are conjecture on delivery and price etc. Everyone who ownes one or has driven one seems pretty happy.
smith22
Frank
Frank
I've slid it around plenty of turns and the 4WD kicks in no problem and I usually don't even notice it. I am very impressed with how fast it reacts. The slower you are going the easier it is to feel the rear wheels kick in.
The stability system kicks in pretty quick also but if you recover the vehicle the instant it starts to slide it won't activate.
This is my first toyota and first electronic 4wd on demand vehicle. I am use to pulling a lever on the transfer case etc.... I was a little leary and since my wife is going to be driving it most of the time I really wanted to push the vehicle in the snow and on the dirt to see how it behaves. I have full confidence in the electronic on demand 4wd system.
My wife and I are debating whether the Base RAV4 V6 tires (P225/65/R17) would be better then the Sport RAV4 tires P235/55//r18) in icy/snowy conditions.
All the tire "experts" I talked to said that I would be crazy to drive with 18 inch tires due to the low profile and extra tire width.
The dealer here does not know what brand or quality of tire will come with these vehicles when they come.
Does anybody have any experience with lower profile tires on SUV's, how do they handle in the winter?
Thanks
Seeing more and more down here in Tucson, the Green is my favorite so far!
The ride is a little firmer and rougher over pot holes and rough pavement and this is a trade that we have to live with for the slight improvement in handling.
Frank
So in my case if I want a nice comfortable ride, without feeling all the potholes, I should go with the base or the limited version instead of the Sport?
That is one thing I hate is if the vehicle feels every little pot hole or railway track in the road.
Having driven Base and Sport, the Sport handles a little better, the Base ride is a little better ( softer). You should drive the Base at least before you buy and see if it it suits you. Also the Base has less equipment and options choices. If you want a sunroof for example you cannot get it on base. Sport has less color choices inside and out.
Oddly enough- even tho' you get less rubber on 18" tires, they're more expensive. :confuse:
There are also more tire options for 17" wheels than there are for 18" and replacement will be a bit cheaper.
Boy, are you in for some BIG surprises!
There is a whole wide WORLD of differences between your new RAV4 and your previous RWD based 4WD (I don't know of ANY FWD/4WD with a "lever operated" transfer case).
Your new RAV4 is FWD first and foremost, even with the rear drive enabled it will still be predominantly FWD.
The handling dynamics of FWD vs RWD/4WD are so radically different I would never even drive the RAV4 as delivered in wintertime conditions myself, let alone trust my wife's life to it.
I currently own a 2001 AWD RX300...
I can assure you that my RX300 is always predominantly FWD, 95/5 F/R ratio natively and only up to 75/25 with an extended period of front wheelspin.
Since my RX300 came from the factory without the ability to use snow chains on the rear I added 1.5" wheel spacers all around so I could throw on rear chains first and then add front chains if necessary.
I run summer tires all year around for comfort and quiet but with snowchains ALWAYS on board during the winter months and I do not hesitate to install them immediately when/if the roads are slippery.
If we do any mountain pass traveling during the winter months (skiing, visit relatives on the dry side, etc.) my 1994 AWD Ford Aerostar fulfills that need.
I'm not by any means saying the AWD RAV4 isn't an excellent buy, I would own one myself for a MH TOAD if it still came with a manual transmission.
Just be sure you understand just what you're getting into before you try that RAV4 out on adverse roadbed conditions. And please, PLEASE, take my advice an don't let your wife out in it without a LOT of driving experience in a large snow/ice covered parking lot learning the charactoristics of FWD torque biasing vs RWD torque biasing.
I kinda wanted to find out what my new RAV would do in the snow.....I just might be the only guy in the Northeast praying for another big (early March) snowstorm. I am taking it out the very first chance I get!
Thanks for the info on order dates tommyg12. I have seen postings on the forums where some people are going to a Toyota district site, or zone site and are able to see what is in the pipe line for dealers in their area. Is that something I could check out here in Western PA, or am I misunderstanding the posting?
Thanks for the help.
So 06/12/06 means Dec 06, 2006.