2006 Toyota RAV4 Review

Gas cost half what it does today, V8 engines were increasing in popularity, and Ford ruled the smoking-hot SUV segment with its popular Explorer when Toyota introduced the first RAV4 for the 1996 model year. Small, powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, and made for driving on the road rather than off of it, the RAV4 duked it out with the Subaru Outback for the honor of creating the “soft-roader” segment, though the term “cute ute” clearly referred to the original RAV4’s tidy, emasculating design and not the Outback’s butched-up station wagon getup. Fast-forward a decade, and the soft-roaders, the cute-utes, the sport wagons, the crossovers – whatever you call them – represent the fastest-growing market segment in America. Ford’s Explorer, still a fine SUV in its own right, is almost flat-lining, living on the life-support of big rebates and low-interest financing, while the RAV4 and the Outback have been joined by dozens of competitors from every corner of the globe. Yet, despite a surge in segment interest by consumers, the original crossover SUV, the Toyota RAV4, has been virtually invisible to every American short of sorority girls, single female professionals, and divorced moms. Thanks to its cheeky design, conservative horsepower rating, and small size, the Toyota RAV4 became the ultimate chick truck – despite the fact that it was fun to drive, a smart buy, and a terrific value. That explains why the redesigned 2006 Toyota RAV4 is bigger, more aggressive looking, and equipped with an optional V6 engine that makes almost as much horsepower as the V8 engine in a heavier Ford Explorer. Men are figuring out that a V8 and a low-range transfer case don’t actually make up for any perceived shortcomings, and do, in fact, create them in the form of a lighter wallet, a rougher ride, and a lower resale value. Know anybody shopping for a used Dodge Durango R/T in this day of three-buck unleaded? Neither do we. Toyota couldn’t have known what would happen to the price of oil when it embarked on the RAV4’s redesign several years ago, but its timing for this new sport-ute couldn’t be any better. Longer, wider, roomier, and available with an optional third-row seat good for seating pre-teen children, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 gets a styling upgrade designed to make it more appealing to men. Meaner looking up front, with flared fenders, a stylish greenhouse, and bigger wheels, the new RAV4 keeps its full-size spare tire hanging on the rear cargo door for added ruggedness. Inside, there’s a ton of storage space in various nooks, crannies, and bins, and if you skip the third-row seat there’s a storage well under the cargo floor that can swallow a medium-sized suitcase. Brushed silver trim and Optitron gauges are other key interior design elements. You can even get one with leather upholstery and a rear DVD entertainment system. Under the hood, a choice between a spunky four-cylinder or impressive V6 engine is available, either connected to a shift-logic automatic transmission – the manual gearbox dies with this redesign. The standard 2.4-liter inline four makes 166 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, driving power to the front or all four wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 24/30 with 2WD and 23/28 with 4WD, and we recommend that you try this RAV4 first, because once you’ve tapped the optional V6, there’s no going back. The stunningly strong 3.5-liter V6 makes 269 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. torque at 4,700 rpm. A five-speed automatic routes power to the front or all four corners, and can blaze from a standstill to 60 mph in under seven seconds, according to Toyota. Fuel economy with the V6 is rated 22/29 with 2WD or 21/28 with 4WD, but we managed just 18.5 mpg thanks to heavy right feet that simply could not resist the V6’s charms. Both engines receive ULEV2 emissions certification and run on regular unleaded fuel. Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with MacPherson struts up front and a trailing double wishbone design in back with diagonally-mounted shocks for a larger and lower cargo floor. To keep the RAV4 pointed in the right direction, Toyota’s Star Safety system comes standard, including stability control, traction control, and a four-wheel-disc antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Electronic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering guides standard 16-inch wheels and tires (17- and 18-inch wheel/tire combos are optional), and if you select a RAV4 with 4WD, you’ll get an on-demand system that automatically apportions power as conditions warrant. Sticky situations can be remedied by locking the power split at speeds under 25 mph, and many 4WD versions come with Toyota’s Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control to give the RAV4 a bit more off-roading capability than it has had in the past. Buyers can choose a 2006 Toyota RAV4 in Base, Sport, or Limited trim. Every RAV4 includes a driver’s seat height adjuster, a cell phone holder, ambient lighting for the front cupholders, and lots of interior storage spots. Other standard features include air conditioning, a stereo with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary jack, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, power side mirrors, 10 cupholders, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and cruise control with a brake deceleration feature. Select the Sport model for 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/55 tires, a sport-tuned suspension, color-keyed exterior trim, fender flares, fog lights, roof rails and crossbars, smoked headlight lenses, unique dark charcoal fabric, and a full hard spare tire cover. Limited models get 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated side mirrors, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and pollen control, an engine immobilizer, footwell lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an eight-way power driver’s seat, privacy glass, a cargo tonneau cover and utility net, and a chrome grille. Safety is a new Toyota priority, so all RAV4s come with three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests for every seating position, and occupant sensing and classifying advanced front airbags as standard equipment. Front side-impact airbags and two-row side curtain airbags cost extra. Other options on the base model include a six-disc CD changer, roof rails and cross bars, 17-inch wheels and tires, a third-row seat, a cargo cover with utility net, and a tow package that increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds on V6 models. Sport versions can be equipped with the cargo cover/utility net and the tow package plus a power sunroof, JBL premium audio with nine-speakers and a subwoofer, and steering wheel audio controls. Options for the Limited add leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear DVD entertainment system, and unique Blizzard White Pearl paint. The standard warranty is a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan enhanced by 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection and 5-year/unlimited mileage rust perforation coverage. We drove two different 2006 Toyota RAV4s nearly 1,000 miles collectively, both decked out in Sport 4WD trim. One was a four-cylinder model that saw mostly highway driving in the New England region, the other was a V6 that spent its week traveling a wide variety of roads in southern California. The 2006 Toyota RAV4 turns out to be imperfect but nevertheless one of the best vehicles in its class, and certainly worthy of consideration by a more diverse range of buyers than it has in the past. If small SUVs are on your consideration list, you owe yourself a test drive in the capable Toyota RAV4.

Driving Impressions

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.

Comfort

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Comfort: Something about driving the 2006 Toyota RAV4 makes me feel small. It must be the bounty of front head room, nearly equaled by the generous amounts of foot and leg room. The driver gets a tilt and telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a good range of adjustment, but the column is set at too steep an angle with the result being a wheel that never gets as vertical as I’d like. Radio controls mounted on the left spoke are a welcome touch, as is the cruise control stalk on the lower right side of the column. Durable cloth upholstery covers the seats and coordinates with the fabric used on the door inserts. However, if you’re looking for a soft place to rest your arm or elbow, that’d have to be the center armrest because the door sills are hard plastic and the door armrests are stiff. The front bucket seats are ample in size, feature moderate bolsters, and are firm but comfortable for long drives. Rear seat passengers are treated similarly to those up front, with a fairly flat yet supportive sliding and reclining bench, hard door armrests and sills, and a padded fold-down center armrest. To its discredit, that center armrest is a pain to lower, requiring one hand to pull a tight strap and another to pull the armrest down. Plus, it extends past 90 degrees and doesn’t lay flat. A better setup is employed to lower the split rear bench – quick-release handles are just inside the tailgate and drop the seatbacks with a simple pull. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Comfort: The cloth seats in our 2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport were supportive and comfortable. Adjustments are performed manually, and while I thought the range of possibilities was minimal, I found a combination that worked for me. There’s lots of headroom and the seating positions weren’t awkwardly high. A padded center console and lightly padded cloth inserts in the door panels aided comfort for weary arms, while a large dead pedal makes for a great resting place for a left foot. Stepping into the back seat also reveals easy-in and -out access with lots of interior space. There’s plenty of knee, foot, and head room in the back seat, and the RAV4 is equipped with assist handles at every door that help with entering and exiting. I found the rear seat to be too flat and hard for comfort on a long trip, but at least there’s room to move around and shift seating positions if you get weary. The rear seats are on tracks that allow you to slide them fore and aft for more comfort, and there is a small fold-down console with cupholders just large enough for a can of soda and not much more. Water bottles can be stored in convenient door panel recesses. The poor chap stuck seated in the center of the rear bench seat is certainly going to find himself uncomfortable. Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Comfort: For me, comfort was the main problem with the 2006 Toyota RAV4. During my New England road trip, I was always fidgeting in the small driver’s seat, which sat too low and offered little thigh support. Also, there’s not enough seat track travel, and I had lots of difficulty managing the recline lever while sitting in the seat. As a result, I was splayed behind the wheel, uncomfortable almost all of the time, making my 600-mile driving stint a chore rather than a pleasure. Adding to my discomfort was the hard plastic lining the upper door panel – ugh. And the steering wheel is so small that you cannot reasonably rest your arms on the center and door panel armrests and still reach the rim. At least the steering wheel is nice to hold, with thumb cutouts just above the spokes. Personally, I’d rather let someone else drive and ride in the back seat, which, if you’re familiar with the two previous-generation RAV4s, sounds like torture. Now though, with 14 extra inches of length and additional width, the rear seat is actually hospitable for adults. Still, the RAV4 lacks perfection – thigh support is inadequate for the longer limbed, and the center fold-down armrest is a wasted effort. At least Toyota makes it easy to get into and out of the redesigned RAV4, and with an ultra-low rear liftover height, loading cargo is a snap as long as you’re not parallel parked. The main glitch here is the side-swinging tailgate design, which arcs curbside and makes life in the city, where parallel parking is the norm, more difficult and dangerous than it needs to be. Who wants to unload groceries from the left side and risk getting mowed down by a cab because Toyota can’t make the gate swing from right to left? Not me.

Quality

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Quality: Recent reports indicate that Toyota’s reputation for quality is taking some hits, primarily associated with the Avalon sedan. The complaints are well below the magnitude of widespread buy-backs and weekly recalls, but the numbers have been sufficient enough to draw some negative press for the automotive golden child. Like the Avalon, and the Camry recently under our care, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport we tested had a few quality glitches. Over the course of a long-distance drive, a niggling little rattle emanated from the glove box area, not enough to be worrisome but plenty to be annoying. Also noted were plastic rocker panel covers that stood ready and willing to pop off with the slightest provocation, low-grade and flimsy plastic covering the lower seat frames, and hard plastic plastered throughout the cabin. Even a little padding on the door sills and dash cap would be an improvement over what’s provided. Exterior build quality appeared to be much better, accented by tight, uniform gaps. One exception was the wide space around the tailgate, expansive enough to fit a plump fingertip into. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Quality: It’s a Toyota, so little else needs to be said. Body panel gaps on our test sample were tight, but I did find a slightly larger gap on one side of the hood than the other. A loose part of cladding on the rear passenger’s side was the only other thing I found that would need attention down the road. Inside, I didn’t see any issues with our RAV4. The plastics were of good quality and the faux-brushed aluminum trim worked well as an interior accent. All of the interior pieces were tightly fastened and the doors even had a solid sound to them when slammed shut. Toyota builds cars that are known for their reliability and quality, and that is one big reason they are so popular with car buyers. Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Quality: Given the $28,000 price tag of our 2006 Toyota RAV4 V6 Sport 4WD, I expected better interior materials. Unlike Perry, I thought the brushed silver plastic trim looked like a grade-school art project. Everything is covered by hard plastic panels, and the gloss levels don’t match up to the inoffensive matte finish of the dashboard. I also thought the headliner looked fuzzy and felt cheap. The cloth on the seats looked and felt good, but appeared to fray easily, so if you’re the proud owner of a pooch, keep those nails trimmed. The good news is that the RAV4’s controls, buttons, stalks, and switches all have Lexus-grade quality of operation and damping, and both the interior and exterior are assembled with care. However, with the redesign, the overall cabin ambience is more like a Ford or GM product that a traditional Toyota.

Design

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Design: When based solely on appearance, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is a winner. The swept back headlights and raised hood give the truck senses of power and sportiness, while the tapered rear quarters impart a neat precision. Gently flared wheel wells and attractive 17-inch alloys add to the look, and a subtle rear spoiler serves as a nice extension to the sloping roofline. The interior is stylish and user-friendly, with gray accents, large clear gauges, common controls within easy reach, and 10 cupholders scattered throughout the cabin – two of which are reserved for third-row passengers. Our truck lacked that last row, but by the looks of how much space is available, I would surely pass up on sitting back there at every opportunity. Plus, I’d prefer the generous cargo hold made available when that folding rear bench is left at the factory. Like that miniscule bench seat, there are a few other questionable points regarding the updated RAV4: Power mirror controls are located in the center console rather than on the door panels or left side of the dash; a dedicated outlet can be found in the cargo area, but the nearest light source is the center dome; and the rear bumper pad, excellent for preventing scratches and gouges to this body-color panel, only covers a fraction of the bumper. Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Design: The 2006 Toyota RAV4’s exterior design leaves me non-plussed, looking similar to other vehicles in this class. The hard spare tire cover mounted on the back door looks silly and out of place on a modern car. The side-swing rear door is also a bad design for America. It works well for drivers in right-hand drive countries, but here it leaves you trying to navigate around it with full arms to get out of traffic and safely to the curb. I’m also displeased with the Sport model’s plastic cladding, which isn’t timely design and will quickly date the RAV4. Inside, the front area is well thought out, from the dual glove boxes to the big knobs for the climate controls. Step into the back seat and things start to go wrong. The rear headrests must be raised before settling in to get comfortable as they hit you squarely on the shoulder blades in the down position. It is likely back seat passengers won’t remember to lower the headrests after each ride so be ready for them to block visibility in the rearview mirror. The cupholders in the fold-down center console are just big enough for a can of soda but won’t hold a big Slurpee like most kids enjoy, and lowering that console is difficult since it requires two hands. The cargo floor isn’t completely flat with the seats folded down, but lowering the seats is a simple one-handed operation. Overall, I was surprised to find so many poorly executed designs on a Toyota. Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s Design: Inside and out, the 2006 Toyota RAV4’s design will have you applauding details like the huge glovebox and handy covered slot in the dashboard and then ripping your hair out over things like the tailgate design and the coin tray. I’ll start with the exterior, which I think is quite good looking until you see the spare tire hanging off the rear end. Although it ruins the RAV’s lines, this is an extremely useful location for the full-size spare. First, it allows Toyota to offer your choice of a third-row seat or a storage well under the cargo floor, and second, if you must change the tire, like we did during an off-roading jaunt, this location makes the spare easy to access. Locating the spare on the rear door precludes a traditional liftgate. Instead, the RAV4 gets a swinging tailgate. That’s not so bad, except that it swings from left to right, and if you live where parallel parking is a reality, this makes loading and unloading both difficult and dangerous. Difficult because the open tailgate blocks access to the curb, and dangerous because it puts you on the edge of traffic as you try to put items in or take items out. This design is a real shame, because the RAV4’s ultra-low load floor makes it perfect for swallowing heavier items, pets, athletic equipment – you name it. Here’s another downside to locating the spare tire where it is: during my trip to Maine, my bicycle was left behind and the kids’ bikes went inside because my universal bike carrier, which has been used on a wide variety of SUVs, minivans, sedans, and hatchbacks over the past decade, could not be used on the RAV4 due to the spare tire and the spoiler affixed to the upper portion of the gate. Inside, stylists tried way too hard to be trendy, and the result comes off looking like something that will not age well. For instance, the silver plastic has a brushed appearance – I don’t know if it’s supposed to emulate brushed aluminum, but it looks and feels like a school project during which your kid painted the trim with a horse-hair brush. Additional complaints include a steering wheel that is too small, cupholders that can’t keep a can of Red Bull or a 1.5-liter bottle of Poland Spring water secured, and a coin tray on the left side of the dash that is shaped so that it’s hard to get coins out. The new RAV4’s exterior design isn’t as clean as the previous model, what with all the new swells and bulges, but it less cutesy. Losing the spare tire from the back would be a huge improvement. Still, the RAV4 isn’t the manliest ride on the planet, though I love the new wheel design.

Advice

Thom Blackett’s Advice about the 2006 Toyota RAV4: Although the 2006 RAV4 bears the Toyota name, there are a few quality blemishes on its otherwise shiny chrome badges. The loose panels and unusual tailgate gaps may have been issues unique to our test car, or proof of what some suggest is a company that is growing at the cost of benchmarked quality. We’re still talking better than most, just not necessarily miles ahead of the competition. Even with that being the case, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 is a terrific utility vehicle that can carry four or five adults in comfort, offers an attractive design, and is available with a snortin’ V6 that’s ready to rip the competition a new one. Ron Perry’s Advice about the 2006 Toyota RAV4: If you drive a car to get from point A to point B and want the convenience of SUV space combined with the ride and comfort of a car, then you should consider the 2006 Toyota RAV4. If you seek excitement from the car you drive, you would be best to keep shopping. I’m sure the Toyota RAV4 does most things well but it lacks excitement, from the exterior design to its performance capabilities. Christian Wardlaw’s Advice about the 2006 Toyota RAV4: My main problem with the 2006 Toyota RAV4 was comfort. If you’re a larger person, I highly recommend spending some quality seat time in this Toyota before signing on the dotted line. I hated driving it after just an hour or two, which is a real shame. With better thigh support, the ability to raise the seat higher and move it farther back, a larger steering wheel to hold, and proper places to rest my arms, this would be one comfy, fun, and sensible SUV. My secondary problem with the RAV4 was the rear cargo door. It swings the wrong way – and this is only bothersome when parallel parked. Forget my issue with the spare tire – if you bought this and toted bikes around, a roof rack would work fine. Otherwise, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 plain makes sense.

Specifications

Test Vehicles: 2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD; one with 4-cyl. engine and one with V6 engine Prices of Test Vehicles: $26,319 (4-cyl. including $605 destination fee); $28,094 (V6 including $605 destination fee) Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing; 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing Engine Horsepower: 166 at 6,000 rpm (2.4L); 269 at 6,200 rpm (3.5L) Engine Torque: 165 lb.-ft at 4,000 rpm (2.4L); 246 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm (3.5L) Transmission: Four-speed automatic (2.4L); Five-speed automatic (3.5L) Curb weight, lbs.: 3,514 (2.4L Sport 4WD); 3,677 (3.5L Sport 4WD) EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 23/28 mpg (2.4L 4WD); 21/28 (3.5L 4WD) Observed Fuel Economy: 24.9 mpg (2.4L 4WD); 18.5 mpg (3.5L 4WD) Length: 181.1 inches Width: 73 inches (Sport model with fender flares) Wheelbase: 104.7 inches Height: 66.3 inches (two-row model with roof rails and cross bars) Leg room (front/rear): 41.8/38.3 inches Head room (front/rear): 39.5/39.7 inches (with power sunroof) Max. Seating Capacity: Five (Sport – seven can ride in Base or Limited with optional third-row seat) Max. Cargo Volume: 73 cubic feet Max. Payload: 1,021 lbs. (2.4L Sport 4WD); 1,043 lbs. (3.5L Sport 4WD) Max. Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs. (2.4L); 3,500 lbs. (3.5L with tow package) Min. Ground Clearance: 7.5 inches Competitors: Acura RDX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-7, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Suzuki XL-7

Photos by Ron Perry, Thom Blackett, Christian Wardlaw