Warning: If you’re looking for 0-60 times and skidpad read outs, you’ve come to the wrong place, my friend. The 2006 Toyota RAV4 is about performance in the classic sense just as much as George Steinbrenner is about losing with class. What it is about, however, is that transparent kind of performance Performance that is powerful and smooth, the kind that makes you scarcely notice what you’re driving.

Sorry about that, Toyota engineers. But no one really hangs out in the garage and talks about their RAV4 with buddies over a beer. And while that seems a shame, it’s not, for the fact is that the RAV4’s kind of performance is harder to achieve than it seems. The auto market is chock-a-block with vehicles – especially SUVs – that lack power or feel of the road, so much so that a driver is likely to look down and curse, or wish that he had enough cash to buy the upgraded package. Accelerating from traffic lights, changing lanes, driving up hills, turning into parking spots, these are the tests a vehicle such as the RAV4 must pass, and it must do so in such a way as to provide an effortless experience. No one wants to own a car that makes you feel like you’re walking up a mountain, and if you step on the accelerator of your car and count to three before anything happens, well, welcome to the dirty struggle. On that score, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is champ. Period. With two powertrains remarkably well-mated to either a four- or five-speed automatic transmission, to the new size and weight of the vehicle, someone who purchases the new RAV4 will not go wishing for fishes.

As for the test: Standing on the RAV4’s accelerator elicts a hearty response, especially from the 269-horsepower V6 engine. Even the four-cylinder, though whiny, provides good power. But forget the four-cylinder. If you’re thinking of buying the new RAV4 version with the four-cylinder engine, but wonder whether it delivers enough power, go ahead and buy one now. It’s an adept engine that pulls the larger RAV4 without much trouble, even getting up to speed in a decent amount of time. As noted, however, expect a whiny note and a less-refined manner than the new V6. Even with a transmission that controls hunt up and down hills, you can feel the RAV4 four-banger shifting through the gears, and can catch it by surprise with a sudden tweak of the accelerator. That, of course is to be expected, and if you’re shopping for a four, you should already have accepted it.

Ah, but that V6 is a nice engine, perhaps the best thing about the RAV4. The 269-horsepower V6 engine is among the most responsive in its class. Under hard acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly, with little lurch or hesitation, launching the RAV4 smoothly up the powerband and delivering torque where it’s needed, from a standing start and at cruising speed. Handling, while suffering from the typical SUV boat blues, is capable enough to keep the RAV4 on the road and even though it’s much longer than before, the RAV4 hass a tight turning radius that will make a mockery of No U-Turn signs everywhere. The brakes are receptive and suffer little extra play, though the feeling is muted – as is the steering. With all the electro-gadgetry, the feel of driving has been compromised. True, the benefits of moving parts into the electric world are numerous and significant; but sadly, for enthusiasts, this technology consistently provides a numb, plastic driving experience.

Give me some good old hydraulics any day.
As for the in-cabin driving experience, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is sublime. Controls are placed nicely, gauges are clear and easy to read, and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel is especially nice, as it helps people of all statures find a more comfortable driving position. The cabin is quiet in most normal driving situations, such as smooth pavement, rough pavement and freeway tarmac, and climbing into the RAV4 is as easy as most SUV of its ilk, thanks to a 7.5 inch clearance.