Thom Blackett’s Driving Impressions of the 2006 Toyota RAV4:
Frankly, I’m surprised. The previous RAV4 was a fine ride in its own right but not one characterized by impressive acceleration, and though I haven’t driven it yet, I expect that a 2006 model equipped with a four-cylinder behaves much the same. Drop a 269-horsepower V6 into Toyota’s smallest SUV, however, and prepare to think of small ‘utes a little differently. Our 2006 RAV4 Sport model was downright quick, with a progressive throttle and an eagerness to pull hard up to redline with negligible torque-steer. Power was always at the ready, making for effortless highway passes at any speed and a smooth ride around town. The five-speed automatic, standard with the 3.5-liter V6, provided clean, seamless shifts, though our Sport V6 model lacked a manually-interactive feature or a sport mode like that found on the new Mazda CX-7.

Speaking of the Mazda, I had the chance to drive it just days before hopping into the RAV4, providing a chance to draw some comparisons. The Mazda is a turbocharged, 244-horsepower SUV with that brand’s performance-tuned underpinnings, but its engine lacks the punch of the RAV4’s V6. Indeed, the best-case scenario would be blending Toyota’s V6 with Mazda’s chassis and steering setup. When quickly traveling over twisty back roads, the RAV proved to be a little softer in corners than expected with a good helping of roll and tires that folded under moderate pressure – rubber with stiffer side walls would help approach the CX-7’s handling talent. The RAV’s responsive steering adds heft and feel at higher speeds, while more assist at slower speeds makes for easy maneuverability in tight spots.

In off-road conditions, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 performs admirably, at least in the light-duty stuff. Over the course of several miles of bumpy, washed-out, rock-strewn terrain, this truck took it all absent any complaints, and the Hill Descent Control system performed as designed – going downhill slowly and in a controlled fashion. The only problem arose when I placed the front tire against an especially sharp rock. Thankfully, the spare mounted on the tailgate is easy to access and a new full-sized Yokohama Geolander was soon hitting the trails.

Ron Perry’s Driving Impressions of the 2006 Toyota RAV4:
Well, the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s power won’t knock your socks off but the additional 100 horsepower is a welcome addition this year. The RAV4 gets right up and moves out when asked, allowing the driver to blend with traffic without worry or frustration. The transmission shifts are smooth and gearing is great for stop-and-go traffic. Initially, I felt the steering was a little light but after spending more time driving the RAV4 I decided it was just right. The brakes are more than capable and do a good job transmitting brake feel to the driver through the pedal. The RAV4 isn’t a car I would buy to flog through corners but its capabilities are adequate for navigating freeway ramps. Designers have done a good job making the gauges easy to see and use, which is important in heavy traffic. I also found the seats to be supportive and the driving position to be just right for me. The outward view is good, as is the view through the side and rearview mirrors – no blind spots here. Overall, I found the 2006 Toyota RAV4 to be a competent vehicle for everyday transportation, and being a Toyota it’s likely to prove reliable, it just didn’t have any attributes that made driving it exciting.

Christian Wardlaw’s Driving Impressions of the 2006 Toyota RAV4:
Try the 2006 Toyota RAV4 with a four-cylinder engine first, and buy it if you like it well enough. Because once you get a taste of the V6 version’s 100 extra ponies, you’ll be hooked like a heroin junkie. I spent several days driving a four-cylinder model between Cape Cod and the southern Maine coast before sampling the V6, and came away from the experience satisfied. The four-banger is spunky in town and allows 80+-mph cruising on the highway, but lacks verve for passing and hill climbs. Every stab of the accelerator is accompanied by Toyota’s traditionally resonant exhaust note, and the four-speed automatic transmission shifts well, quick to kick down to help maximize power. With two kids, bikes, and three suitcases on board, I averaged 24.9 mpg during a trip of mostly highway miles.

Upon returning to California, I immediately got into a V6 model. Wow, this is some engine. With this baby tucked under the hood, the RAV4 is like a rocket, and fuel economy isn’t bad – our 18.5 mpg figure is for driving that included heavy feet and a couple of hours of four-wheeling. The only trouble spots with the V6 were a bit of torque steer and a transmission that was rather confused about when to downshift. Often, I found myself depressing the accelerator for added power only to catch the transmission taking a nap. Then, just as I released the accelerator, or depressed it harder, the tranny would downshift and give me a much bigger burst of power than I wanted. This made for some frustration and less-than-smooth driving.

Despite its electric power assist, the RAV4’s steering offered excellent on-center heft; and speedy replies to commands. The brake pedal was firm and responsive with a perfect range of travel that made the system easy to modulate, bringing the SUV to smooth stops at all times. With the sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels, the RAV4 drives like a car, not a truck, delivering a firm, controlled, sporty ride while soaking up road zits without much fanfare. The Sport model also offers good grip in turns, and while body roll is evident it’s nicely managed, resulting is stable, confidence-inspiring handling.

With 4WD Lock and Downhill Assist Control, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is a far more capable machine off-road than you might expect. Wheel articulation and ground clearance aren’t great, so stick to fire roads and well-traveled trails. However, if you come upon a hill, a dip, or a rut from rainwater erosion, the RAV4 is likely to get you through just fine. We plowed into mud puddles, took steep hills, and crossed ruts and berms that a car never could, and on the better maintained stretches of dirt road the RAV4 drove like a little rally car. It’s lots of fun, but the enthusiast in me laments the loss of the manual gearbox.