Another new long-termer just arrived -- our 2006 Toyota RAV4. We got the two-wheel drive, V6 version in Limited trim with the third-row seat. It's by no means perfect, as the thrid row is pretty much toddler only, and the second row seats could provide better leg support (higher seating would fix this). However, that 3.5-liter V6 is just an epiphany in terms of torque and refinement, and the handling/ride quality are superb...
Interior materials and ergonomics also border on perfection. I also like the looks much more than the overly "cute" previuos version. We paid about $27,000, but you can get a four-cylinder Sport version that still has plenty of power for around $21,000. I drive this car and I literally feel bad for the other guys. Toyota really has its groove on these days...
By rsholland
on June 21, 2006
12:37 PM
I like the V6 model a lot too Karl—mainly because of the better towing capability. The V6 is rated to tow 3500, whereas the 4-cylinder is only rated to tow 1500 pounds. Those figures are assuming you have a trailer with brakes, otherwise Toyota states 1000 pounds max towing. Since I have a utility trailer with a 3K GVW, this is important to me.
One other thing, the new RAV4, if you get the AWD, is now an on-demand unit, not the full-time unit that they use to offer. Being a multi-Subie owner, that I don't care for, even if the gas mileage is marginally better than with a full-time unit.
As to the 3rd-row rear seat, I think I'd pass, as the under the floor rear storage (without the seat) is HUGE!
By rsholland
on June 21, 2006
12:39 PM
One more thing...
Until the Highlander gets redesigned next year, I bet a lot of people will cross-shop those two.
By editor_karl
on June 21, 2006
12:57 PM
Yeah, like the Cayman/911 thing, this vehicle has to be cannibalizing sales from a theoretically more "upscale" model with the company's own line-up. And, as with the Cayman, I think it should!
By smokeyphantom
on June 21, 2006
01:16 PM
I remember my reaction when this car first came out, "Wow! that's huge!". It seems quite large to be a compact suv. No doubt toyota made the right move-this thing is gonna sell like crazy, but still, it's really big, and I'm wondering about people that want a smaller suv. But I guess they can just buy a Wrangler, or a small car.
By rsholland
on June 21, 2006
01:28 PM
Smokey, the funny thing is in Europe they sell a shorter version.
This image is from Toyota's Irish site. If you look carefully you will see that this versions is shorter than what they sell here. Look at the rear quarter window, as it is smaller than the US-spec model.
http://www.toyota.ie/main/models/gallery/?spath=/main/models/model/RAV4/images/gallery/large-colour-1.jpg
By editor_karl
on June 21, 2006
01:49 PM
It's true. I didn't get a chance to snap a photo of our long-term car, but this vehicle looks just like it in terms of color and wheels. I guess it is a bit smaller. Good eye RS!
By tirthankar_b
on June 21, 2006
02:08 PM
The Grand Vitara gives a good fight for value and would be the pick of someone who goes off-road once in a while.. If only Suzuki would work on its image.
By rsholland
on June 21, 2006
04:26 PM
Because the Euro-RAV4 is shorter, they don't offer a 3-row seating version.
Here's a PDF link for the specs of the UK version. The measurements are in both inches and metric. The wheelbase is 100.86" and the length is 173.16" which is several inches less than the US-spec model.
http://www.toyota.co.uk/vs2/pdf/RV4_93_spec.pdf
By kdhspyder
on June 21, 2006
09:22 PM
The cannabilizing is intentional IMO as this Gen Highlander passes on. The Gen2 Highlander will be the Avalon to the RAV's Camry with the same 3.5L but significantly nicer ( nearly Lexus ) features.
This Gen3 RAV essentially replaces the 4c Highlander.
Might the next base model Highlander be the 2.4L Hybrid? Interesting.
By smokeyphantom
on June 22, 2006
01:43 AM
Thanks rs, it def. makes since to make a larger version for the U.S.
By rsholland
on June 22, 2006
06:15 AM
You'll also notice the Europeans get different engines, and the 3.5 V6 is MIA.
By badgerfan
on June 22, 2006
06:36 AM
What's the point? Why not just call it the "New Totally Redesigned Highlander" and be done with it? Now Toyota has just overlapped with Highlander and abandoned the small end ute.
Also what is with Toyota abandoning body side moldings on virtually every vehicle? Did they secretly buy Dent Doctor and are hoping to increase Dent Doctor's business?
By rsholland
on June 22, 2006
07:20 AM
My understanding is the next Highlander will be a bit larger. It should debut next year. So for this year there will be some overlapping.
By colin6969
on June 22, 2006
08:02 AM
I'm gonna have to test drive one of these.
I think the size looks alright....anyway, isn't it now the exact same length as the Honda CRV?...which is really the only competitor IMHO.
By badgerfan
on June 22, 2006
10:55 AM
HIghlander is only 3.5" longer than new Rav-4. Now is Toyota going to have to introduce a smaller Crossover to replace Rav-4? and stretch Highlander? But don't get too small or you will encroach on Matrix! What do we need, a different crossover/suv in 3 inch lengths of increment and 100 lbs of weight?
Pretty soon Toyota will have as many models on the market as GM. In fact with their recent quality snafu's I think they are looking more and more like GM all the time.
By billt9
on June 23, 2006
05:42 PM
Why would you want a smaller SUV than a Rav4, when the new Rav4 has the highest mpg rating of all SUV's, and is priced at $20k?
If you want a smaller car, you probably don't have a need for utility. You buy the car for purely looks.
By jimdrew
on June 23, 2006
09:30 PM
King Toyota of Pompano, Fla reminded me of the perverbial "used car" sales tactics. But the V6 RAV 4 is a fine piece of work. I look forward to driving it. I also like the fit and finish. I just waxed the vehicle and the vehicle lines are art work themselves. (Yeah, I know it's new but I can't help it) The V6 will outperform some vehicles billed as performance vehicles. All in all there is nothing out there to compare to the RAV 4 V6.
By 1487
on June 28, 2006
02:41 PM
The engine and performance are fine, but the interior is not much to get excited over. I mean that in terms of design and materials. I will say it's not worse than the CX-7 which I found to be quite cheap. Naturally every review I have seen of the CX-7 has glossed over that fact.
By 6spdtl
on July 5, 2006
01:59 PM
The party will only last till the new CRV debuts. So party it up the party will not last long! Like the previous RAV4 and Sienna the Toyota party only lasts till the new honda comes to town :) The same goes for the camry and corolla, if you discount the hoard of cars toyota now sells to rental fleets its best seller status goes out completely!
By mikus
on July 14, 2006
11:19 PM
Current and previous CR-V models are/were extremely ugly.
By satchmo
on October 27, 2006
09:41 AM
Karl --I notice that you drove the 2WD version of the RAV4 6: did you experience a lot of torque steer? In particular, by comparison with the equivalent AWD model? I haven't driven the car myself, but some reviewers have mentioned this as an issue.
By the way, I think your blog is great.
Sorry about the late response.