2006 Toyota RAV4
I can't say much about this car because the embargo is Noevember 28. But I drove it home and back last night, and we'll have a full test up on November 28.
I'll limit my comments to three letters: WOW!
I can also say why I didn't like the previous RAV4 -- it was too small to be a very useful "utility" vehicle, and it felt sort of tinny. But I did like how nimble the previous version was in terms of driving dynamics...
Let's just say the new car still has what I liked before, while fixing what I didn't. Nice work Toyota.
And yet another rough day at the office. Driving new vehicles and getting paid. Very jealous.
So, how does it compare to the Torrent you drove and seemed to like?
Well, I didn't want to go there right off the bat. But as happens too often, when you drive the GM entry in a vacuum it seems fine, or even very good. But then you drive the competition in close proximity to driving the GM entry and...well...
That does not surprise me.
The Torrent is just another lame re-badge GM vehicle. I understand it from a "capture sales now " aspect, but in the long run it is vehicles like this that undermine GM's long-term viability.
Pontiac needs a SUV or crossover with the emphasis on "sporty". The Torrent just does not fit that bill.
Are you testing a V6 model? The HP they make from that size engine is remarkable.
Meanwhile GM uses an ancient pushrod 3.4l made in China.
Does your test vehicle have the 3rd row?
i second the "WOW!" comment. I loved it.
Our test model did not have the third-row seat, but it did have the V6. Yes, horsepower and acceleration was downright spooky (in a good way).
Karl, do you see the new V6 RAV4, with 3-row seating, stepping on the Highlander's toes? At least until the all-new '07 Highlander debuts?
My gut feeling is that they will be cross-shopped, at least much more so than in the past.
My theory is that Toyota knew the RAV4 was too small and upsized it to match the CR-V size. I'm guessing we'll see the '07 Highlander grow to a size similar to the MDX/Pilot.