New for ’06:  Fully redesigned; available V-6; bigger vehicle overall; available third row

When Toyota debuted the RAV4 in 1996, it ushered in the era of the car-based SUV. Competitors like Honda and Suzuki quickly followed suit with the CRV and the Grand Vitara, respectively, and the onslaught began. As the competition proliferated and improved upon Toyota’s model, the company tweaked and redesigned its innovative mini-SUV, giving it a makeover for the 2001 model year.

Now, the little SUV is all grown up, literally. For 2006, the RAV4’s wheelbase is up three inches, its width expands 3.2 inches and its overall length of 173 inches is 6.4 inches more than the previous generation. Appearance wise, the RAV4 has lost its baby fat, shedding its cute, bubbly exterior in favor of a sleeker, more chiseled look. Gone inside is the dreaded sea of hard plastic, replaced by softer materials and Lexus-inspired gauges that lend a premium feel to the cabin.

But the changes aren’t purely cosmetic. A 269-horsepower V-6 engine is optional on all three models (base, Sport and Limited, in either two- or four-wheel drive), as is a towing package that gives the RAV4 the capability to pull 3,500 pounds. Standard equipment is plentiful and includes all the expected power accessories, with an increased number of niceties and option packages as you go up in trim. Some of those include a third row of seats, leather seating and DVD rear-entertainment system (Limited only) and a moonroof (Sport and Limited), all available in option packages that cost anywhere from $1,130 to $3,580, depending on the model. The second row of seats splits, reclines, folds flat and even slides back and forth 6.5 inches to maximize either passenger or cargo capacity. Much to my delight, a rear-facing child safety seat fit snuggly into the second row and still left sufficient room for a front-seat passenger. The third seat, alas, is another story. Getting in and out with child seats installed in the second row is impossible, without them extremely challenging. Even then, this row is suitable only for the shortest of people — and not for long durations. Unless you’re a regular on the carpool circuit, don’t choose an option package solely for the third row.

Do choose one however, for the side airbags. While safety features like anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Control and traction control are standard, side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as roll-sensing side curtain airbags, are optional — and recommended. When equipped with the third row of seats or four-wheel drive, RAV4s feature Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the new RAV4 received the highest five-star rating in side impacts and in front impacts for the driver (four for front passengers). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RAV4 its best rating of Good.

Although it can be equipped with four-wheel drive, RAV4 is most at home on-road, where the standard 166-horsepower four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, provides adequate power around town. Upgrade to the V-6 with five-speed automatic, and you’ll leave much of the competition in the dust — along with quite a few sportier cars. And while its overall size has increased, the RAV4 still drives small and carlike, a quality that drew all the fanfare a decade ago.

With this latest iteration of the RAV4, Toyota really emphasized the “U” in SUV. Easy to operate, fold flat second and third rows make hauling cargo a snap, and passengers will appreciate the extra room. Toyota manages to keep it simple and utilitarian, but not boring. With the introduction of this new model, RAV4 has risen back to the top of the category it created, even having been named one of the Ten Hottest Cars in America by CNNMoney.com.

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