PROS
Ample passenger and cargo space, Powerful and smooth engine, car-like road manners
CONS Mediocre interior fittings, Goofy side-opening hatch
Redefining the Compact Sport-Utility Vehicle
RAV4 was one of the original compact SUVs when it was introduced in 1996, and throughout the years it stayed true to the traditional formula--front-or all-wheel drive, five passenger, four-cylinder engine. In an effort to keep up with the competition, Toyota redesigned its compact sport-utility vehicle for 2006 making it larger and giving it an optional V6 engine and third-row seat.
Like most Toyota vehicles, RAV4 comes in base, Sport, and Limited trim levels. Each is available with one of two engines. Carrying over from the previous generation is a 166-horsepower four-cylinder. New for 2006 is a 269-horsepower V6 engine. Toyota claims this is the most powerful engine in the compact SUV segment. The four-cylinder mates to a four-speed automatic while the V6 gets a five-speed automatic. When properly equipped, V6 models can tow up to 3500 pounds.
All trim levels are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-drive models come with traction control and a limited-slip front differential. All-wheel-drive models delete the limited-slip differential but add a locking center differential. The system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road usage. An electronic hill-descent control system is standard on V6 models and optional on RAV4s.
Vehicle Tested |
2007 Toyota RAV4 Sport AWD Base Price: $25,740 As-Tested Price: $27,784 Built in Japan. OptionsCargo area cover Daytime running lights Power sunroof Towing prep package Floor mats
Engine: DOHC 3.5-liter V6 Transmission: 5-speed automatic Drive Wheels: all-wheel drive |
Standard safety equipment on all models includes antilock brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags, which protect only the first- and second-row passengers. Daytime running lights are a stand-alone option. Parking sensors and a backup camera are not available.Base standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, front bucket seats with center console, second-row split-folding seats, power mirrors, windows, and locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, and rear privacy glass. Sport adds to base, heated mirrors, roof rack, fog lights, sport suspension, and alloy wheels.
Limited deletes the sport suspension and adds dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, power driver-seat, CD changer, cargo cover. Key options include sunroof, leather upholstery, folding third-row seat, and DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system.
Prices start at $20,950 for a four-cylinder front-drive base model and climb to $26,520 for a V6 all-wheel-drive Limited. All models have a destination charge of $645.
Get up and Go
Toyota isn't kidding when they claim the V6 in the RAV4 is the most powerful among compact sport-utility vehicles. The engine helps the RAV4 jump off the line and has impressive passing reserves. Toyota doesn't quote a 0-60 mph time, but RAV4 easily accelerates to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, perhaps as low as 6.5.
Wheel spin on slippery pavement on front-drive models isn't a problem thanks to standard traction control and limited-slip front differential. The all-wheel-drive system does an excellent job to distributing the engine's power to each wheel to limit spin as well. The all-wheel-drive system is not intended for rock crawling and doesn't have a low range. However, with the locking center differential and hill-descent control the RAV4 is more off-road capable than most compact sport-utility vehicles.The five-speed automatic transmission that's standard with the V6 is extremely smooth shifting. Passengers hardly feel anything as the transmission upshifts through the gears and driver-demanded downshifts are prompt. In all, the RAV4's V6 powertrain lives up to its billing as the most powerful in the class and just might be the smoothest as well.
The EPA rates the V6-powered RAV4 with all-wheel drive at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Those numbers are comparable to other V6-engined compact SUVs. In real-world situations expect to average about 22 mpg, perhaps as high as 25 mpg if a lot of highway driving is included. Those looking for better fuel economy might want to consider the four-cylinder model. The front-drive model is EPA rated at 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Toyota says that both the four-cylinder and V6 engine will run fine on regular-grade fuel.
On the Road
RAV4 rides as smoothly as any midsize car. Even with the slightly stiffer suspension on Sport models, RAV4 is quite comfortable. Large bumps are nicely quelled and small road imperfections and scalloped pavement are effectively muted.
From the driver's perspective, RAV4 has almost car-like road manners. There is some body lean in quick turns and a fair amount of nose dive in hard stops. Otherwise the RAV4 feels secure and nimble. The steering is quick and nicely weighted and the brake pedal is easy to modulate. Stopping power is adequate.At highway speeds, wind and road noise are kept in check, making RAV4 one of the quietest compact sport-utility vehicles. The V6 engine is silent at idle and in around-town cruising. Though noise grows intrusive in passing situations, the engine is smooth and refined sounding.
Behind the Wheel Inside, the RAV4 matches most competitors with sturdy, but hard plastics. The interior is not the most elegant or refined in the class, but it is functional. Gauges are large and lit day or night. Radio and climate controls are clearly marked and placed within easy reach of both the driver and passenger. About the only design foibles are a power mirror switch that's hidden below the center console lid and window switches that aren't illuminated at night.
Front bucket seats are typical compact sport-utility-vehicle fare. They are long on comfort, but short on lateral and back support. Both head and leg room are adequate, and no more, as taller drivers will want more leg and head room. Tilt-telescope steering wheel makes it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Outward visibility is blocked to the rear by thick roof pillars, smallish rear window, and outside mounted spare tire.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results2007 Toyota RAV4 AWD |
Front Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
Front Impact, Passenger | 4 stars |
Side Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars |
Rollover Resistance | 4 stars |
Second-row seats are adult comfortable. Head room is good and leg room more than adequate as long as the front seats aren't all the way back. The second-row seats slide fore and aft about six inches to increase either leg room or cargo space. Third-row seats are for kids only and are difficult to access.
Cargo space is adequate on seven-passenger models and ample on vehicles without the third-row seats. The cargo hold features a couple of covered bins below the floor for out-of-sight storage and the rear seats fold easily to increase cargo room. Interior storage is good with lots of cup holders, a large center bin, and two glove boxes. Sadly, the side-hinged tailgate opens to the right and complicates curb-side loading. Since RAV4 sells so well in the U.S., Toyota should really design a left-opening door for this market. Better yet, get the spare tire underneath the vehicle and add a conventional tailgate.
Bottom Line Take a look down any residential street and you'll find a dozen or more compact sport-utility vehicles. With its multi-functional cargo hold and available all-wheel-drive system, the compact SUV is more versatile that a midsize car and doesn't gulp gas like a midsize SUV.
With the 2006 redesign, RAV4 is perhaps the most car-like of any compact SUV. It drives like a car, has room for four adults and a week's worth of stuff, and is easy on gas. Add to that one of the smoothest powertrains in the class and reasonable prices and it is easy to see why the new RAV4 is so popular.
Specifications, 2007 Toytoa RAV4 Sport AWD |
Dimensions | 4-door wagon | Engine | DOHC V6 |
Wheelbase, in. | 104.7 | Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 / 213 |
Length, in. | 181.1 | Horsepower @ rpm | 269 @ 6200 |
Width, in. | 71.5 | Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm | 246 @ 4700 |
Height, in. | 69.1 | Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
Weight, lbs. | 3677 | EPA Estimates, mpg | 21 city / 28 highway |
Cargo Capacity, cu. ft. | 73.0 | |
Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | Manufacturer's Warranty |
Seating Capacity | 5 | Bumper-to-Bumper | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | Corrosion | 5 years / unlimited miles |
Second-Row Head Room, in. | 39.7 | Free Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Second-Row Leg Room, in. | 38.3 | Free Scheduled Maintenance | None |