Toyota Announces Prices for All-New Third-Generation RAV4

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2005 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new third-generation RAV4 sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The arrival of the new RAV4, nearly 10 years after pioneering the compact SUV segment, receives an extreme makeover for 2006. Completely re-styled, the new RAV4 is larger and more powerful to provide the necessary utility and performance for active singles and the comfort, versatility and convenience to meet the demands of young couples, with and without children.

The 2006 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades in two- and four-wheel-drive. They include the standard grade, a new performance-driven Sport grade, and the top-of-the-line Limited.

All grades will offer an all-new class-leading 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) the new V6 will generate a best-in-class 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, and 246 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM.

The V6-equipped RAV4 can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in under seven seconds while achieving an impressive estimated preliminary EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 20 city/28 highway for 4x2 models and 20 city/ 27 highway for 4x4 grades.

The standard powertrain will be an upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i equipped with a gated-shift four-speed automatic. The engine will deliver 166 horsepower (an increase of five hp) with 165 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM, making it one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in the small SUV segment and close in horsepower to some competitor V6's. The additional horsepower is matched with improved fuel efficiency with EPA preliminary mpg estimates of 24 city/29 highway on 4x2 configurations and 23 city/27 highway on 4x4 models.

In addition to improvements in power and fuel efficiency, both the V6 and four-cylinder engines are expected to be EPA certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV2).

Like all SUVs in the Toyota lineup, RAV4 comes standard with the Star Safety System. The standard system includes vehicle stability control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The new RAV4 adds to the Star Safety System with the addition of all-new enhancements to VSC. This new system goes beyond conventional traction and stability controls that simply react to challenging conditions.

With an increased length of more than 14-inches over the previous generation, a new seating design features second row seating for three and optional third row seating, a first in the small SUV segment. The larger dimensions create a larger cabin, increasing shoulder room for all passengers, and additional head clearance and legroom for second row passengers, allowing for overall greater passenger comfort.

Form, fun and functionality is in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades that includes CFC free manual air-conditioning, AM/FM CD with six speakers with a mini-plug jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, remote keyless entry, ten front and rear bottle/cup holders, power windows and door locks, larger foldable power mirrors, privacy glass, three 12-volt auxiliary power outlets, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. RAV4 also features the first in-use application of lever-operated brake deceleration cruise control as standard equipment.

The vast improvements in the all-new RAV4 will be matched with pricing that is very competitive within the compact segment, making the RAV4 an excellent all-around value. The 2006 RAV4 Base grade with a four-cylinder engine will carry a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,300 for the 4x2 model, an increase of $200, or 1.0 percent. The Base grade 4x4 with a four-cylinder engine will carry a base MSRP of $21,700, an increase of $200 or 0.9 percent. Prices for the Base grade with the all-new V6 will be $22,335 for the 4x2 and $23,735 for the 4x4.

The base MSRP for the all-new Sport grade will range from $21,875 for the 4x2 with a four-cylinder engine to $25,190 for the V6 4x4.

The MSRP for the top-of-the-line RAV4 Limited with a four-cylinder engine will be $22,555 for the 4x2, and $23,955 for the Limited 4x4. The MSRP for the Limited grade V6 will be $24,470 for the 4x2 and $25,870 for the 4x4.

RAV4 four-cylinder models will go on sale in late December with V6 models reaching Toyota dealers in late January.

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com/