2006 Toyota RAV4

biker4

Depending on how much weight the new RAV4 puts on due the growth in size it might approach the weight of the Avalon.

It seems to me that Toyota might have been forced into making the RAV bigger. Starting in 07 the new CAFE standards kick in for SUVs also. The milage standards are categorized by weight. So a sub 3000lb RAV (like in current form) would have had to meet almost the same milage requirements as a Corolla. Seems that you just can't get a RAV 4 to 28+MPG combined. So it grows in size/weight and Toyota gets more leeway in milage requirement.

bobob20032000

There will be 3 grades for the Rav4 (Base, Sport and Limited ), new grade is "Limited". Would it offer Lexus features like the Avalon and Sienna. There was one pic that showed it having SmartKey. I hope it wont be a disapointment. Looks great so far but i hope it gets ride of the spare tire on the rear door. It is just like the old one and the one on the Jeep Liberty, Honda CRV. They should just take it off, it would look much better. But i will still buy it.

ateixeira

Not really, I'd give that crown to the '03-05 Forester, non-turbos. They got 23/30 mpg, and that is *with* AWD.

The AWD Forester was more fuel efficient than the FWD RAV4!

-juice

alpha01

I think I may have been unclear. The 3.0L that is used in the Lexus GS300, producing 245 is the one that I am surprised will not be used in this new RAV4. This engine is a direct relative of the 268 horse powerplant that Toyota will be using in the RAV.

It is the 3.0L V6 that is in the Camry has been downrated under the new measurements, from 210 in '05 to 190, though obviously the car isnt going to accelerate any differently. In any case, this engine is being euthanized by March of 06 when the new Camry debuts.

~alpha

vcarreras

Don't know if you've seen these. Some I had seen but others I had not. Sure do hope Toyota gives us an option of NO REAR Spare!

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/photos.cfm/photoid/3050913.004/toyota/1.html

Also look at the new Avensis powered by the D4D diesel. This may the engine which powers the European RAV4. The Avensis also looks nice especially the wagon. I for one would like to see diesel power come here.

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/photos.cfm/photoid/3050510.001/toyota/1.html

A Toyota dealership here in Houston said that they expect to see the new RAV4 to arrive by mid or end of November.

jbollt

Just hope that the "no spare" model dosen't realy mean NO spare, as in "runflats" on the ground. Anyone been reading the issues the Sienna folks have with the runflats? BIG bucks ($250-350 a piece!) to replace and at 18,000-20,000 miles! YIKES!

giantkiller

What do you want cargo space or spare tire on the rear door?

giantkiller

I woulld prefer the spare tire behind the door so as to make room for under the floor space behind the third row seat.

vcarreras

I would think that with a totally new design that it would have been engineered not having the spare out back. This especially after the rear end accidents showing how expensive it was to fix. I know my 05 Ody (I know much larger then the RAV4) has the wheel stored to the side and still plenty of rear seat room. It just looks so much better without that rear spare. Also Toyota why a 4 speed automatic on the 4 cylinder? Everyone else is going to 5 speed automatic on their 4 cylinders. Aren't we all looking for better fuel economy! Maybe this will be FIXED before they come out next month.

ateixeira

The last generation did poorly in the bumper basher tests, some 5 mph dings exceeding $1500 worth of damage. I'd like to see a real bumper, too.

-juice

wwest

Is there a good description of the 2006 RAV4's new 4WD system somewhere that you can refer me to? Interested in the I4 w/stick for towing behind a MH, but not if it's the shabby non-functional AWD system of the HL and RX series.

tubaru

The drag coefficient is a not a function of the frontal area of a car. In other words if two cars have the same drag coefficient and different frontal areas, the car with the larger frontal will have a greater drag. An SUV (or crossover such as the Highlander) will probably have a greater frontal area than a sedan, and even if it achieves a low drag coefficient will probably have greater drag and lower fuel mileage. SUV's and crossovers tend to be a bit heavier as well, further lowering their fuel economy. The following article explains this much better than I can:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient

kdhspyder

With the RAV's new design being very Highlander-like and now offering a super powerful V6 where does the Highlander fit in? It was, with the RX300, the genesis of the crossover Utes but frankly it's old. I have one with the 3.3L and it rides wonderfully and has all the power needed as a people hauler.

The THH is a rocket with an equally smoooth ride.

Will the RAV replace the 4c Highlander starting @ $20-21K and move up to a V6 RAV where the new Highlander will take over @ $28-30K only as a V6 and the HSD option.

The Highlander 4c could never reach the low $20K price range and sales dried up as the design got older. A new fresh upscale design like the one intro'd in Detroit this past Jan with mega-gadgets like the Prius might justify pricing in the mid $30's.

Just some thoughts to consider.

kdhspyder

kdhspyder

After typing the foregoing it occurred to me:

Matrix = Corolla - in the $15-21K range
RAV = Camry - in the $20-29K range
Highlander = Avalon - in the $29-42K range

It would seem to make great sense from a manufacturing efficiency and cross-platforming strategy.

kdhspyder

jchan2

makes sense to me.

But would that mean the Lexus RX would grow in price again? (next generation)

kdhspyder

Not necessarily I think. The RX330/400H now ranges from ~ $38K to $55K vs the current V6 Highlander which ranges from $28K to $41K. I think that Toyota will abandon the 4c Highlander and concentrate on the V6's and Hybrids like Lexus does... possibly by adding more gadgets as the price goes up.

kdhspyder

greglbs

Does anyone know if the 06 RAV4 is going to have NAV? I've seen it discussed on the board but I haven't seen a picture that would support it.

ateixeira

I'd say that's pretty likely. It would be a big miss if they don't offer it. Even the new Civic offers NAV (Mazda3 also).

I think the next Highlander will get bigger, plus I agree they'll likely drop the 4 cylinder option.

-juice

nippononly

correctly, that there will be no manual shift for the '06? Bummer.

Wonder if the next HL will use two V-6s (one standard, one optional) like the new GS sedan does. Or will just have one engine, no choices. I am sure there won't be a 4-cyl any more.

jchan2

has a V6 and a V8. The GS430 model uses the V8.

alpha01

Available with the 4 cylinder. Auto only with the V6, IIRC.

~alpha

nippononly

I meant the IS. And as for the manual, Toyota lists a "standard automatic" on the blurb they have put on the website for the new RAV, IIRC. I will check again. I hope a manual continues to be available.

edit...here is the actual quote from the press release: "The all-new RAV4 will be offered in three distinct grades; Base, Sport, and Limited. Each grade will be available in two- and four-wheel-drive (4WD) with a four-speed automatic transmission on four-cylinder models and a five-speed automatic transmission with V6-equipped models."

Not a word there about a manual shift. Sounds like the automatic is standard, and it is typically cheap of them to stick a 4-speed auto with the 4-cyl, even though they use a 5-speed auto in the Camry with the same engine.

alpha01

that no 5M is going to be offered. Maybe that was simply an omission in the original press release. Toyota made two awful decision on this vehicle, and really, theres no excuse for the company to be this cheap. The 4 speed auto on the 4 cylinder is horrid, and the lack of standard side curtain airbags is inexcusable in 2006. Shame on this cheapass manufacturer!

~alpha

kdhspyder

I'd bet that it'll be one V6 with the HSD option. However which V6 and how powerful will the next gen HSD be remains to be seen.

kdhspyder

moggie

The blurb on the Toyota website says:

"Performance was key in redesigning the 2006 RAV4. Its optional , class-leading 3.5-liter VVT-i V6 engine has an astounding 268 horsepower, which is more than some larger SUVs with V8s. The standard powertrain has also been improved, boasting a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i and 166 horsepower, making it a leader in power in the small SUV segment. Add improved fuel economy to the mix, and you've got one compact SUV to be reckoned with."

Anybody know what they mean by "improved fuel economy"? Improved over the '05 RAV?? The automatic FWD '05 RAV gets 24/29 mpg and the AWD gets 22/27 -- are they saying the redesigned '06 is going to get even better mileage than that? How can that be if they're increasing the length and width?

I was just about to buy a leftover '05 Highlander at a dirt-cheap price (with a great trade-in allowance for my ugly old Sienna minivan), but the HL FWD only gets 19/25. This new '06 RAV looks like the Lexus RX330 that I'd really like to buy (if I had the money) : If this new RAV4 really gets great gas mileage, that's one more reason for me to wait for it to come out (even if I lose my great deal and end up paying a premium for it).

Anybody know anything about the mileage numbers?

gracejoan

Anyone know the prices of the 2006 RAV 4???

jchan2

should be higher. Not sure yet though. Toyota may not release prices until they're shipped out to dealerships across the U.S.

gracejoan

I received an e-mail yesterday from Toyota that was about the new RAV 4 and also the Yaris, that will make US entry in 2007. They said the RAV 4 will be available in December!! I have had 3 of them. I will be getting something new in the summer....will see, probably the new RAV 4.

kdhspyder

Depending on the equipment you want... I think the prices will ( like the Camry ) range from $20K ish Basic to $29K ish in the Limited. I believe it will parallel the Standard Camry vs the V6 XLE loaded. Navi??? dont know yet.

kdhspyder

kdhspyder

Depending on your needs for carrying cargo and or people the new RAV should be slightly smaller than the HL. If your deal on an 05 HL is on a V6 in the $25K range its a good one but as a HL owner you wll get abt 22 mpg on average. The RAV 4c with 166 HP as noted will probably be tweaked up from its present 24/29 to ( 25/30?). The new V6 which is derived from the new 3.5L in the Avalon is very efficient but on a boxier vehicle than the Avalon I'd guess the ratings for the RAV V6 will be more like 21/26 which is about the same as the current HL.

OTOH your price for a NEW V6 RAV will likely be higher than the great deal youve gotten on a leftover V6 HL. That being said the new 4c RAV will have all the power and need one might want unless you carry 5 adults all the time with cargo..

Conclusion: If its just you in the vehicle most of the time go for the RAV 4c which NEW will be the same price or lower than a leftover '05 HL but with better fuel economy. The new RAV will look like a smaller version of the HL but with the spare on the back. If you carry a lot normally you cannot go wrong with the V6 HL at a discounted price, its a GREAT people mover.

kdhspyder

00 Camry CE ( 4th Gen )
03 MR2 Seq Shift
04 V6 Highlander 4WD

nippononly

that was an excellent and detailed break-down! :-)

I will be surprised if the fuel economy of the RAV 2WD goes up at all for the next-gen. Weight will increase substantially. Indeed, it will get slower, almost certainly, in the 4-cyl. Now as for the 4WD, I could see that increasing as they are going to an "on demand" system for '06, which runs the front wheels until it detects slippage, unlike the current system which runs all four wheels all the time and uses a center viscous coupling. That type of system generally saves gas. They are also going to electric power steering, from the hydraulic system they use now, which also saves gas.

jchan2

Is a Hybrid RAV4 a possibility?

kdhspyder

I seriously doubt it in the near future. My belief is that 'Yota wants to go one vehicle at a time. Prius, Highlander, Camry, ( Tundra and/or Sienna? ) , the world?? :shades:

kdhspyder

wwest

is that the Prius' hybrid synergy drive system would most likely "port" easily to the RAV4 (example: Ford Escape) whereas the "porting", upscaling, to the RXh and HH is proving to be of questionable value insofar as city fuel economy and emissions is concerned..

moggie

Wow, kdhspyder -- thank you for your comprehensive answer to my Highlander vs. '06 Rav4 dilemma. That's the analysis I was looking for but was unable to figure out on my own!

I'm leaning towards the Rav4 at the moment. I definitely don't like that goofy-looking wheel on the back but the gas mileage on the 4c version is very enticing. I'd only be driving the thing stuffed with teenagers and luggage about 10% of the time -- the rest of the time it's just me and one or two kids and/or groceries. I just want the third seat when I need to stuff some more kids into the car. (And forget off-road capability: "Off-road" to me means when I get off the main street onto the access road to Target.)

moggie

I wonder if they'll be selling the 4c version with the third seat -- or if I'll have to get a V6 to get it? (There goes my great mileage if I've got to get a V6).

jchan2

that tiny third row seat will be almost useless unless you have some eager 10 year olds willing to sit there.

kdhspyder

i concur..

kdhspyder

gracejoan

Thanks so much for all the great information!! I am on my 3rd RAV 4 now, so will probably go for the next one. I was not sure which one would/should be my choice. I think you have helped with that. I will be the only one in it 90% of the time. Also, it will be around town driving most of the time. My past ones have all been 4WD...probably not necessary for my driving!!

jchan2

Hence why Toyota wants to sell you a Sequoia!

lovewdw

I actually have seen a picture, but it's from a Chinese website. I translated it and here's the link: http://auto.sina.com.cn/photo/06toyotarav4pics/index.shtml
Hope it works. If not, copy and paste and that might do the job. I also noticed a picture of an Engine Start Stop and don't know what that's about. I guess we'll see.
Bernadette

moggie

I found some good pictures of the new RAV4 (head-on shot, interior cargo area shot, etc.) at: http://trucks.about.com/od/2006suvs/ss/2006_rav4.htm

According to the article, Toyota will introduce the RAV4 in the U.S. on November 2, 2005, at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

cards28

Does anyone have the price range for the 2006 RAV4?

moggie

Toyota has not yet announced prices (nor MPG or other important stuff....) Maybe they will do so when it's officially unveiled on Nov 2.

Back on page 17 of this thread, several people speculated as to price (see messages #319-322). At this point in time, it seems like all we can do is speculate...........

ateixeira

166 horsepower, making it a leader in power in the small SUV segment

Not really...Grand Vitara now has 185hp V6 standard, and the Forester's base 4 cylinder engine now makes 173hp. 166 is fine, though, just not class-leading.

electric power steering

I hope they tune it better than Saturn did with the Vue. It can have a very artificial feel to it.

MPG numbers seem promising. The Avalon's sure are.

-juice

alpha01

One caveat with that info, Juice.... The Forester's 173 horses are not SAE certified under the regs of Aug 2004. (The 168 horses of my 05 Legacy never really felt like that many, either). The RAV's are certified, however. Very true about the Grand Vitara, though.

~alpha

ateixeira

They mean "leader among compact 4 cylinder SUVs that have been SAE rated", but then you're only talking about a couple of vehicles (RAV4, CR-V, is that it?). That's not saying much.

-juice

petl

HP is nice, but what about torque. It always seems to get lost in the equation.

jimd4

I agree. The Highlander is nice but handles like a soft truck compared to the RAV4 Sport. The Highlander interior space in the rear is less useful due to the strut towers.

I am doubtful that you can get a loaded Highlander for the same as a loaded RAV.

Ok so some people look up to the Highlander and down at the RAV4. Let them buy Highlander.

wwest

of POWER is HP to weight ratio, and at higher speeds Cd starts coming into play.

Torque delivered to the roadbed is more a function of final drive ratios so engine torque alone is somewhat meaningless.