All three start with front-wheel drive and the same 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. All three can be upgraded to the 3.5-liter, 269-horsepower V6 with a new five-speed automatic ($2,035 for the base; $1,915 for Sport and Limited). Full-time four-wheel drive is available across the line ($1,400).
Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with six speakers, the usual powered and keyless-remote features, manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel and auto-off headlamps. The four-cylinder RAV4 has P215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps, the V6 is upgraded with P225/65R17 tires on styled steel wheels.
Options include the third-row seat for seven-passenger seating ($950). Also available: an in-dash, six-disc CD changer ($200); a selection of 17-inch wheels, both styled steel ($120) and alloy ($560); cargo cover ($140); roof rack ($220); daytime running lights ($40); and a towing package for the V6 ($160) that includes a heavy-duty radiator and fan, transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator. (Option prices are for the four-cylinder base model and may be lower for V6 or higher trim levels; all are manufacturer's suggested retail prices, or MSRP.)
The Sport adds a roof rack with cross bars; rear privacy glass; fog lamps; sport-tuned suspension; P235/55R18 tires on alloy wheels; and combination hard/soft spare tire cover. Optional are two stereos, one the same upgrade as offered on the base, the other a JBL premium system with nine speakers, including a subwoofer ($590); power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($900); plus many of the options available for the base model. Befitting the model's designation, the third-row seat is not offered on the Sport.
The Limited model upgrades with dual-zone automatic climate control; an in-dash, six-disc CD changer; power-adjustable driver seat; heated outside mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; rear privacy glass; cargo cover; fog lamps; P225/65R17 tires on alloy wheels; and a full, hard-shell spare tire cover. Options include the third-row seat ($810) and a rear-seat entertainment system for the V6 ($1,075). Leather seats are optional ($1,050). Front seat heaters ($440), audio upgrades, and other features are available.
Safety features on all 2006 RAV4s include dual-stage frontal airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. However, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are optional on all three models ($650). We strongly recommend getting them. Curtain airbags are designed to provide head protection in a side impact or rollover, the leading cause of fatalities in those types of accidents, while side-impact airbags are designed to improve torso protection.
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