Toyota's little ute grows up; First drive: 2006 Toyota RAV4.(News)

Byline: MAC MORRISON Toyota's third-generation RAV4, on sale in late December, re-creates the model that helped launch the small, car-based sport/utility vehicle segment in 1996. It starts with size. RAV4's new chassis provides a 6.7-inch-longer wheelbase that equates to nearly six inches of additional second-row legroom.

Second-row passengers also benefit from 1.4 inches of extra headroom and 1.6 inches more shoulder room. The larger dimensions mean the RAV4 is equal in size to Honda's CR-V. The Toyota's lines combine sophistication with ute-ish ruggedness, while dropping ...

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