First Glance at the 2006 Toyota RAV4
The completely re-designed 2006 RAV4 will be recognizable to enthusiasts both as a Toyota and as a RAV4. But they may be a bit puzzled when they first see it. The '06 is bigger – a lot bigger – than the '05 and, comparably equipped, a lot more expensive. I guess that’s the way the car game has always been played, though. Bigger and more powerful is what sells new cars.The main thing is the new RAV4 has shed all traces of residual cuteness, which, according to anecdotal report emanating from Toyota, tended to be off-putting for guys. Women, apparently, will buy macho; but guys won’t touch cute. As for guys who aren’t put off by cute…well, that’s altogether a different market.
The RAV4 now has the size and shoulders of Honda’s successful (mid-size) Pilot SUV. Head on, it takes a keen eye, frankly, to tell them apart. Toyota’s taken a big bite of Honda’s lunch here.
It’s easier to tell the two apart from the rear, however. While the RAV4 rear fascia has been completely re-worked to make more extensive use of plastic molding, it retains its signature continental tire kit. The Pilot, of course, keeps its spare tire under the floor where your reviewer and many others strongly believe it belongs.
