2006 Toyota RAV4

wijhwk

am looking at the highlander specs for legroom, seem like the new rav4 has more legroom than the highlander, is this correct?

jimd4

Well I was not keen on the RAV4 part of the head hitting the wheel and the roof.

jimd4

Here is link to Federal crash tests:

http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3813.html

tinatina

Prash1, you may want to check out Royal Ford's article from the Boston Globe. It was syndicated in yesterday's SF Chronicle. He reviewed the Rav-4 and he noted tht the 4 speed auto tranny was "twitcy." He also said with 4 people aboard, a bit of engine whine was present. There were also other negative and positive comments from the article.

stever

Here's a link:

To boost sales, the RAV4 bulks up

Steve, Host

tinatina

Thanks for the assist, Steve. That was really fast.

klunkman

Can anyone verify if Toyota's adding a Bluetooth option to the 2007 RAV4?

defrance

Happens to me going from reverse to 1st. I don't have the time to take it in yet, but it really sounds and feels like a bad thing. It may be the cause of the crud I found on the trans fluid dipstick. Anyone else?

defrance

Has anyone checked (or heard) what the 0-60 mph figures are for the 4x4 4 cyl. I was wondering how much slower in acceleration it really is compared to the v6.

jimd4

Well the 2007 Camry with the JBL stero says "bluetooth" so maybe there is hope. And the 6 speed auto would be nice to have in the RAV4

nycjeff

i got a quote for the same spec'd vehicle, w/ bose audio, for 26k in brooklyn, nyc. wasn't the right color for me, and they've already sold it...

musik900

I'm interested in this model. Can any one please tell me what gas mileage you're getting. City, Hiway, overall, and style of driving (lead foot or conservative). Most posts refer to the AWD or V6. But what about 2x4 4 Cylinder model? Consumer reports has nothing on it yet for mpg.
Thanks

absolutboy20

I just turned in my rental Rav4 at the local Toyota dealership from a weekend of skiing. The sportute did well in the snow and never got stuck or slipped. I do have to mention that when I was pulling out of my garage, the shift from park to reverse was quite harsh. I repeated the process and had the same result. I think someone mentioned that it happens to them when it's cold outside, but was only about 49 degrees at that time. BTW, the car had around 1,700 miles on it when I checked it out.

andrelaplume

I am not going to wait forever....are they out there or not!

typesix

You will almost never see a report from Consumer Reports on 2WD RAV4 since they will only test the popular version(better selling) of a model and that means mostly AWD. That usually applies to other magazines also, although a recent Pop Mech compared 2WD versions of Highlander and Lexus hybrids.

jimd4

Why don't you go to some local dealers and find out. It depends on where you are. Your dealer can pull up a list of all cars available or on the way and see if there are any base RAV4s with 3rd. Everything I have read says the 3rd row is close to useless by the way.

sayers1

Test drove a 4 cyl w/ 3rd seat at KentBrown Toyota, Big Flats, NY. Personally looking for v6 LTD w/ 3rd row. We tested out the third seat for space, and if you dont plan to use for the 12 hour cross country trek to Wally World, the 3rd row seems fine. I'm 5'11 and had enough room, but anything more than an hour or two probably would get rough. But having the option for 2 more seats across town to soccer is what we need it for, then they stow down when you don't need them.

njawdriver

If you "build" the RAV4 at MSN Auto --> http://autos.msn.com/research/autopricer/tool.aspx?ModelID=11995&Model=RAV4&Trim- ID=102420&Trim=Sport%20V6%204X4&Make=Toyota&Cat=Utes&Year=2006&UTN=0

As part of the JBL upgrade, they list "Bluetooth(R) Capability Is Unavailable Until 8/06". My assumption is that this is the '07 RAV4 (and a MUST HAVE feature for me...hope I can wait that long!)

jimd4

So what exactly does bluetooth do for me?

hit_the_road

You can usually figure an extra few mpg for the 2WD
version. The sticker as well as real world driving will
probably reflect this. It's pretty much the same for any
SUV that offers 2WD and 4WD models.
---------------------------

spektre

I'm thinking the clunk is something to do with Toyota's auto transmissions. I've owned a Highlander 2WD and a 4Runner 4WD in the last 4 years, and they both had similar clunks when going into reverse.

martin16

The wife and I had to take separate vehicles today so I graciously let her take the RAV due to the overnight snowfall and very slippery conditions. I drove the (gas-guzzling) Silverado (sadly, only 2wd).

I sent her a "check-up" e-mail to see if see made the trip OK and she replied that she got freaked out by the ABS/VSC taking control at a slippery corner. She didn't know what was going on so she went straight to the dealer where the service guys patiently explained the workings of ABS. I got the impression that they'd had a couple of similar incidents this morning.

Anyway, I'm glad she didn't end up in the ditch like one car I saw or in an accident like the one where a young woman missed a corner an ran into a dump truck.

I'm now pretty convinced that ABS and VSC are probably a "good thing". I wasn't so sure about VSC before today but I'll bet it saved my wife from an fender-bender.

- Martin

stever

"From an automotive perspective, Bluetooth offers the ability to utilize your personal cell phone through an in-car system"

What the Heck Is Bluetooth and Why Should I Care?

Steve, Host

klunkman

The car automatically links with your cell phone wirelessly when you get in the car, allowing you to answer your phone via steering wheel-mounted buttons. It also allows you to dial outgoing calls via voice recognition, you never have to take your eyes off the road. If you're listening to the stereo, the system pauses and mutes the music and tells you you have an incoming call. When you hang up, the sound system resumes playing. Most Bluetooth systems also display the incoming caller id on a multi-info display somewhere on the dash, so you can even screen your calls.

Some claim that using a cell phone in a moving car in any way, handheld or wireless Bluetooth, is unsafe. However, my experience ('04 Acura TL) is that using Bluetooth is no less safe than having a conversation with a passenger.

jimd4

Ok thanks to all for the bluetooth info.

jta

8/06 is when they start building the 2007's for delivery in Oct '07.

I'm waiting to order mine till they start on the 2007's. If I order now, I won't get it till August, and (2) months later I can have an '07. :P

jamesb4

I have the 2006 Toyota Rav 4 Sport and when I start my truck up first thing in the morning and after work after it has been sitting for awhile when I put into drive it drops into gear so hard. It makes a loud thump. After it is warmed up it does not do it. I took it to the dealer where I bought it and they checked it out and said they saw nothing wrong with it. They said since the car is still so new they have not had any problems with them yet. I don't like when it does that. This is my first Toyota and I do not know what to expect.

ateixeira

I don't think there will be a significant difference. The AWD model is a tad heavier, but it also might get a little traction assist at the launch. Remember, power split is 100/0 by default. The FWD may be two tenths quicker to 60, but few will notice a difference.

-juice

nomoretaurus

2006 Base 4 cyl 2WD.
1700 miles
1rst tank all city: 23.9 mpg
Last tank 80% hwy with a 25 mph tail wind: 25.1 mpg

Good news? Every tank has been at least 23.4 mpg.
Bad news? No tank has beat 25.1 mpg.

I guess I was naive to think that the RAV would have some miracle advantage when the same engine in the Highlander with just 200 lbs extra curb weight is rated at 22/27.

jta

Per one of my previous posts, I need to order my new Rav4, which my dealer claims will take 3-4 months to get. So, if I wait a few more months, I will get a 2007 model.

So my qeustion is, other than the Bluetooth capability, are there any other changes/improvements anyone has heard about for the 2007 model year. :confuse:

ctbeth

I live in CT and I was told that I could not get the Sport with side airbags. Although it is an option it is not one that Toyota actually does in the Northeast. So I was told. So I ended up in the Limited. Hope you have better luck.

2sachse

I've seen several V6 w/ tow here in Dallas. What I can't find is a V6 w/ tow and third row seat.

jimd4

That is same as NY in Northeast Region. If you go to Toyota web and do a build and price for your Zip code, you will see side bags are not listed in the packages for Sport in that region.

I have been trying to get one also. But you can get them at www.Fitzmall.com as that is a different region. I may do that if they are never offered in NY.

jimd4

It is the 4 speed or 5 speed?

prash1

4 cyl comes with 4 speed.

beth10

In the Midwest region, the V6 limited w/ the 3rd row seat comes w/ the tow package, moonroof, and side air bags. They're tough to find, but it might be worth the drive north; there weren't any at the dealerships, so they found one in transit for me.

fistandbone

In Massachusetts, the Sport model does come with the side airbags. So that's another option for you.

flyingn

wow we get 30 mpg on the highway with our 4wd Rav

mike1111

Yeah i have two small kids and was looking at the RAV4 V6 and the Hyundia Azra which would be the better family choice i like the RAV cause of the higher seating but am torn between the two.

jimd4

Just think about the Azra resale unless you intend to keep it for along time. My neighbor's experience with Hyundia resale was very bad after 3 yrs.

stever

The True Cost to Own tool is a good way to estimate the resale value of your new ride over the next five years.

It's a bit scary seeing what it costs to drive to the grocery store these days though. :shades:

Steve, Host

Karen_S

A large local newspaper is looking to interview consumers who purchased a Lexus, Toyota or Scion vehicle and what led you to purchase that vehicle. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, April 5, 2006 containing your daytime contact information, along with the make and model your vehicle.

Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

typesix

Need all highway mileage to get best mpg plus you didn't specify speed. My 2004 2wd 4cyl Highlander gets the EPA mileage with AC on at 65-70 mph. EPA highway is run at max of 60 mph with 48 mph average.

ateixeira

I vote RAV4. The wagon shape is 10x more practical than any sedan.

Sedans are nearly useless, you put one big stroller in the trunk and it's full. The way we pack for the kids (read: heavy), wagon is the only way to go.

-juice

nomoretaurus

I only hope I can get there too. You're a big defender of the I4 and I agree, performance is great considering the size of the vehicle and the engine. Now to squeak out those last 5 miles per gallon...

mike1111

Yeah i'm leaning toward the RAV4 for that reason there just over priced right now i think.I wonder if i offer 8,000 down they would deal more?I'm wanting to get the Blizzard Pearl 4X4 V6 with option B for about 27,000 with tax and title included

nomoretaurus

Cruise set at just under 75. Kansas driving.
Glad to hear your's performs as advertised.
Sure my last tank wasn't 100% highway, but I was hoping for better than a 1 mpg increase with 240 out of 300 miles on the open plains.

kdhspyder

The Prius and the hybrids in general have made the whole issue of fuel economy much more understandable to the public I think.

Highway isn't just highway anymore.

Consider these other factors and see if any impinge on your personal FE.

Short trips KILL fuel economy for every vehicle on the road.
Winter driving will reduce your FE by 10-20%;
Winter gas will burn about 3-5% less efficiently;
Wind ( on the plains ) will eat up about 10% of your FE; ( think riding a bike into the wind ); the reverse is true going with it of course.
The 'sweetspot' for all vehicles on the highway is about 55 mph. Do 75 mph and your FE will suffer by about 20-30%.
Low tire pressure creates resistance when driving; like throwing out an anchor.

Now combine all or some of these.

The EPA Hwy test is done at an average speed of 48 mph in San Diego-like conditions after the engine has been fully warmed up in a closed building with no wind. Perfect, perfect, perfect. That's hard to replicate.

jimd4

At the risk of getting beat to an online pulp here, I would just like to mention that if you drive 15,000 a year and reg. gas is $2.65 a gallon (NY) then the yearly cost saving for one year getting 30 mpg (20% better) than 25 Mpg is about $6.00 a week. While this is not a trivial amount, it is important to put in perspective what you have to go through in terms of careful driving etc. to save it. And there is little chance that you will always be at highway speed under ideal conditions etc. Part of life should be enjoying your new RAV4 and not always focusing on MPG etc.
Just a thought

homesbyjason

I purchased a 2006 Toyota Rav-4 Limited in Nautical Blue on Monday night.
I had the following options added: Side and passenger curtain airbags, carpet floor mats and daytime running lights.
I paid $22,600. That was without taxes tag and title, etc...
However, I will warn those in my area. I had to special order it, and somehow I managed to have it in 12 days.
Not sure about the prices in PA, so unsure of different prices.
By the way, I LOVE IT!!!!