Today I went to the Officaial Launch Event for the completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Rav4.
They have not come out yet, but are expected to hit showrooms just before Christmas.
In case you were wondering how I got to see it, I sell Toyotas in Ann Arbor, MI.
They had 3 models on display, and we could do everything but drive them (they were inside a confrence room):
-Rav4
-Rav4 Sport
-Rav4 Limited
Rav4
I was very impressed, it is much bigger (in every dimension) The exterior styling is very classy, with a sporty/rugged edge. Interior is MUCH more refined than the current model. Although overall, I think that they could have tried to make it look a little LESS like the Subaru B9 Tribeca...
The #1 goal in redesigning the SUV was to make it competitive again, in the small SUV market. (Mainly against the Honda C-RV, but also the Escape and ION in terms of power, and the Liberty in terms of ruggedness) IMHO they've achieved competitiveness and then some. Honda will need to do much more than minor improvements to remain competitve, despite the fact that right now they dominate Toyota in this particular area...
Some Highlights:
--Available 3rd Row seat!!!
they diddn't have one to show us, but trust me, with a fold flat (ala Sienna) 50/50 split 3rd row, the Rav4 appeals to about 90% more people, not to mention a 60/40 split/fold flat 2nd row (more on this below).
--V6 POWER (and HOW!)
not only are they making a V6 available (for the first time in the RAV) It's just the biggest V6 in the toyota line! Thats right, the 3.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i 269bHP 241 lb-ft bad boy that currently makes the Avalon it's home is coming to the '06 RAV4! I'm very excited to get a chance to drive one. The 3 they had on display were all 4cyl (2.4L 166hp) the V6 won't be available for a few more months
--Electronic Power Steering
very cool, first used on the Highlander Hybrid, is now a second-gen system, in that it intigrates with the STAR safety system. Namely, it will communicate with the Vehicle Stability Controll sensors, and in a skid, power steering will only be available in the direction that you should be turning the wheel (i.e. in an understeer situation, it will be harder to turn the wheel into the spin, and you will have increased power assist turning out of the spin) I'ts a smart system for sure, I can't wait to take it to our Snowy back lot and give it a try
--Available Dual-Zone Climate controll (standard in limited)
--18" Wheels and Smoked Headlamps on the Sport
--Leather finnally avialable on the Limited
--Mp3/Wma playback standard
--Side/Side Curtain Airbags available
--Electronic Locking rear diff (4x4)
--Electronic Limited Slip Diff (4x2)
--Available Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment System
The biggest improvements in my mind have been the versatility, It has gone from 4 possible configurations to 12!
The seating is another huge deal... I'm 6'2" and I have hardly any leg room in the current RAV's second row, plus it only seats 4! Even with the front seats all the way back I still am comfortable (The second row slides back and fourth.) I diddn't get a chance to see the third row, but from the looks, there should be plenty of room. This thing is over 14" longer than the '05, and they added space in all the right places!
It's not quite as big as the Highlander, but it is definitly MUCH bigger than the current model
Overall, just on a looks/features/sitting in it review, I'd give it:
7.8/10
the 05 I'd probably give a 4.5 (judged on same qualities, not value, fuel economy, or reliability)
You should all come and see me in a few weeks, and take one for a spin!!!
They have not come out yet, but are expected to hit showrooms just before Christmas.
In case you were wondering how I got to see it, I sell Toyotas in Ann Arbor, MI.
They had 3 models on display, and we could do everything but drive them (they were inside a confrence room):
-Rav4
-Rav4 Sport
-Rav4 Limited
Rav4
I was very impressed, it is much bigger (in every dimension) The exterior styling is very classy, with a sporty/rugged edge. Interior is MUCH more refined than the current model. Although overall, I think that they could have tried to make it look a little LESS like the Subaru B9 Tribeca...
The #1 goal in redesigning the SUV was to make it competitive again, in the small SUV market. (Mainly against the Honda C-RV, but also the Escape and ION in terms of power, and the Liberty in terms of ruggedness) IMHO they've achieved competitiveness and then some. Honda will need to do much more than minor improvements to remain competitve, despite the fact that right now they dominate Toyota in this particular area...
Some Highlights:
--Available 3rd Row seat!!!
they diddn't have one to show us, but trust me, with a fold flat (ala Sienna) 50/50 split 3rd row, the Rav4 appeals to about 90% more people, not to mention a 60/40 split/fold flat 2nd row (more on this below).
--V6 POWER (and HOW!)
not only are they making a V6 available (for the first time in the RAV) It's just the biggest V6 in the toyota line! Thats right, the 3.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i 269bHP 241 lb-ft bad boy that currently makes the Avalon it's home is coming to the '06 RAV4! I'm very excited to get a chance to drive one. The 3 they had on display were all 4cyl (2.4L 166hp) the V6 won't be available for a few more months
--Electronic Power Steering
very cool, first used on the Highlander Hybrid, is now a second-gen system, in that it intigrates with the STAR safety system. Namely, it will communicate with the Vehicle Stability Controll sensors, and in a skid, power steering will only be available in the direction that you should be turning the wheel (i.e. in an understeer situation, it will be harder to turn the wheel into the spin, and you will have increased power assist turning out of the spin) I'ts a smart system for sure, I can't wait to take it to our Snowy back lot and give it a try
--Available Dual-Zone Climate controll (standard in limited)
--18" Wheels and Smoked Headlamps on the Sport
--Leather finnally avialable on the Limited
--Mp3/Wma playback standard
--Side/Side Curtain Airbags available
--Electronic Locking rear diff (4x4)
--Electronic Limited Slip Diff (4x2)
--Available Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment System
The biggest improvements in my mind have been the versatility, It has gone from 4 possible configurations to 12!
The seating is another huge deal... I'm 6'2" and I have hardly any leg room in the current RAV's second row, plus it only seats 4! Even with the front seats all the way back I still am comfortable (The second row slides back and fourth.) I diddn't get a chance to see the third row, but from the looks, there should be plenty of room. This thing is over 14" longer than the '05, and they added space in all the right places!
It's not quite as big as the Highlander, but it is definitly MUCH bigger than the current model
Overall, just on a looks/features/sitting in it review, I'd give it:
7.8/10
the 05 I'd probably give a 4.5 (judged on same qualities, not value, fuel economy, or reliability)
You should all come and see me in a few weeks, and take one for a spin!!!