With the sticks nixed, buying a RAV4 is now as simple as picking the 4 or V6 engine, 2WD or 4WD, and base / Sport / Limited trim line. Mix it up any way you want and choose your favorite among the 12 resulting combinations, ranging from a base 2WD 4-cylinder ($20,905) to a Limited 4WD V6 ($26,475).
4-wheel-drive always costs $1,400; the V6 adds $2,035 to any base model and $1,915 to any Sport/Limited. Starting from the base model, Sports cost $1,455-$1,575 extra for their sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, darkened headlights, fender flares, fog lights, body-colored door handles, heated power mirrors, and roof rack. From there, it's another $680 to the Limited to go back to the normal suspension and get 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille, hard shell spare tire cover, automatic climate controls, 6-disc CD changer, leather steering wheel and shift knob, 8-way driver's seat with lumbar support, cargo cover and net, and interior footwell lighting.
To name the important options, side body and head airbags can be bought on all ($650), the third-row seat is optional on base and Limited ($700-$950 depending on model), the moonroof and JBL stereo are options on the upper models ($900 and $340), a Tow Prep Package can be had on V6 models (upping capacity to 3,500 pounds; $160), and the Limited holds exclusive access to leather ($1,050), seat heaters ($440), and rear-seat DVD ($1,705).
Since Toyota almost held the line on stickers, the previously pricey RAV4 now seems like a done deal against its like-priced competition. It pretty much matches everyone for everything and beats some in the specifics: Mazda Tribute-beating quality, Mitsubishi Outlander-beating engine and transmission, an optional V6 no one can match, etc. 2007 will look markedly different from 2006, as the Tribute will be out and the all-new Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander in. If you need a compact SUV this very moment though, you'd be remiss to not put the RAV4 at or near the top of your list.
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