98AccordEx

While the redesigned RAV 4 was meant to address the shortcomings of the old model in comparison the the CRV, Toyota shot the moon and might have killed 3 birds with one stone:
the 4cyl Rav4 vs the CRV
the V6 RAV4 vs RDX
and the Highlander now seems old and redundant

• Available 269-hp V6
• 0-60 in 7.1 seconds
• 60-0 in 120 feet
• 25 more cubic feet than before
• Available third-row seat

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...leId=108153#20

AcuraFan

I'm currious to see what the mpg will be on a 270hp V6 like that.

Otherwise, I'm kinda liking the new Rav4. It lost most of the cutsy look I hate.

marakbai

really loving it

tktommy

I'm driving an 03 Murano right now, but I'm chomping at the bit for the RDX. Acura better nail this one with a good power train or I'm seriously going to consider going to the RAV for my next SUV. I love Honda/Acura for the most part, when I was shopping in 2003 I was considering the MDX, but it was too big for my needs.

jaobrien6

MPG's already out. 24/29 for the 4cyl and 20/28 for the V6. I too am loving it so far. Can't wait to see it in person.

link

98AccordEx

Edmunds provides the details on the 4wd V6.

0.33 Cd
0-60 7.1sec
1/4mile 15.2 @ 91.2mph
60-0 120feet

City mpg 20
Hwy mpg 27

They state the 2wd gets 1 better city & hwy.

4cyl 4wd Rav4:
23 city
29 hwy

4cyl 2wd Rav4:
24 city
31 hwy

jaobrien6

You're right, I'm just reading the edmunds article now and realized the 20/28 must be for the 4x2.

98AccordEx

That's a really low Cd, it certainly seems to be helping the mpg of the RAV?

I think the Cd on my 98 Accord EX was .31 and the current Accord sedan is .30 Not sure about any of the HMC trucks.

ostrich

I am sorry but IMHO the new RAV 4 is rather unattractive, full of curves that don't complement one another all over the place. It is also very derivative. Toyota may build a reliable car, but they are very weak in their design/style department.

98AccordEx

I actually thought it looked like a small curvier Honda Pilot from certain angles. Thus I find it attractive but not stellar or groundbreaking. Plus the interior thus far looks rather cheap like a Saturn or Pontiac. I'm sure it isn't cheap and retains Toyota's usual excellent ergonomics and quality but maybe it's just meant to appeal to Gen Yers and includes a bit too much 'alumastic' (fake aluminum trim) and various shades of grey plastic for my taste.

Stevens24

The V6 numbers quoted are not for the 268hp V6 just the standard 190hp 3.0 v6

jaobrien6

there is no 3.0 option on the new Rav4. it's the 3.5 from the avalon or a 4cyl.

98AccordEx

What???
The 268hp V6 is the only V6 option. The other option is the 2.4L 4-cylinder.

Stevens24

My bad

32k for this is a little pricey when you can get a Pilot EX-l for a few Hundred more?

And I didn't notice a leather seat option??

jaobrien6

Well, it depends on what you're looking for. The main advantages to the pilot are more room inside and better towing (4500 vs. 3500 for boat trailers, pilot rated at 3500 lbs. also for all other trailers).

Whereas the rav4 will be lighter (~3600 lbs vs. ~4400 lbs), faster (7.1 vs. 8.6; both numbers come from Edmunds, so they hopefully are somewhat comparable in terms of testing procedures) & get noticeably better gas mileage, especially on the highway (20/27 vs. 17/22). I'm hoping the rav4 will be more nimble, also, although it grew in size a lot so we'll see. Edmunds seemed to think it still handled well.

Based on that, since I don't need the extra size of the pilot, I'd rather pay the same $32k for a loaded rav4 than a loaded pilot. Still waiting to see what $32k buys me in an RDX, though.

Actuary

I think 32k for compact SUV is pushing the limit. not sure if its midsize now but people think RAV4 = Compact

98AccordEx

It's definitely going to be considered a midsize now. The 5 passenger has almost the same space as the CRV which is also midsize and with the 3rd row option it's available passenger space would definitely make it a midsize.

ilitig8

It does have leather as an option (but not with the 3rd row option) the current Rav4 has had leather as an option for years.

98AccordEx

The 32K as tested price included the leather option and the rear DVD Entertainment on the Limited model, thus power everything.

A comparable Honda Pilot EX with DVD and leather has a MSRP of $34,645. With that extra $2000 the Pilot also offers a much more usable backseat, wider more comfortable seating on all 3 rows and maybe 15cu ft more max storage.

The RAV4 advantage over the Pilot is going to be more carlike handling and mpg advantage.

acuraj220

I Got my acura mag today, and it had all of the 'maybe' RDX info in it:

2.3L i-VTEC Turbo4 (A first for honda)
256@6400 (Give or take)
228@4600 (Give or take)
SH-AWD (for sure)
Honda's VCM
0-60= 6.6sec (give or take)
MPG in the TL range = 20/29

Acura says there is a possibility that it could be stretched and add a 3rd row to compete with Pacifica and other models in this category, then it would not compete with RAV4, everything that is an option on the RAV4 is standard on the RDX, like sunroof, leather, 18'' alloys, and optional navi. They say it will arrive at dealerships June 2-15 2006 as 2007 model. MSRP (fully loaded ex. navi)= $31,865

Any ? I have the mag, feel free to ask.

vicpai

.....is it the latest Acura Style??.....cause, I just got mine a couple days back and, except for the 2.3 engine and all, it does not give any specific specs such as mpg, hp,torque and zero to 60 etc. If you're referring to some other "insider mag" and 0-60 is, indeed, 6.6 secs, then that's pretty good for that turbo 4!....MSRP is also very much on the lower side (now it's all coming together as to why they resorted to that 4-banger!! PRICE PRICE and PRICE!! ). Mpg is nothing to "write home about" for a 4-banger, when the 269-horse 4WD V6 RAV gets 21city/28hwy.

....this an ACURA folks!!.... they really should've offered, at least, THE OPTION of a higher priced V6 model, for those like me THAT ARE WILLING TO PONY UP THE DOUGH FOR IT!!!, just as in the RAV4 lineup!!

and you're kidding me on the VCM right?? a 4-banger VCM?? ......What is it going to run on 2 cylinders when deactivated??

and, BTW, Thanks for sharing the specs!!

vicpai

.....for the RAV4 V6 is 6.3 seconds... CAR AND DRIVER has tested it in their latest January '06 issue and this is an ACTUAL test result!!

the numbers being mentioned above are prior "estimated" figures!!

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=3

fast1

Figure price for the RDX will fall under the MDX so I' guessing mid to upper 30s; anything more than that and the two models will be too close to be differentiated- unless there are plans to up the MDX to the 50K range in its next update! Competing with the X3, mid to upper 30s provides a financial advantage to Acura over the BMW once you option them out.

Stevens24

Ther is no way a fully loaded RAV4 with the V6 is 28k Toyota is even stating 32-34k for the car.

acuraj220

Some of the info came from AcuraStyle, but most of my info i got straight from acura, i am a media and press reporter.

and yes it will run on two cyls, as the Civic Hybrid does.

But if i were any of you, i would stay away form toyotas and lexus considering they charge you for everything.

And about that 0-60 time for the rav4, that is with (1) 120 lb person, no navi, nor 3rd row, and premium gas, without premium gas, mpg drops 2-6 mpg, and 0-60 adds.6 secs to accel.


And that 31,865 is invoice, it should start at around $34,700

vicpai

....the CIVIC does not have VCM (where did you come up with that??)....and it does not run on 2 cylinders!!. The only Honda Hybrid equipped with VCM today is the Honda Accord Hybrid which deactivates 3 of it's cylinders!! I repeat, there is NO 4-CYLINDER VCM in production anywhere in the world today, and I don't really think it's possible either. That's why I was surprised when you made this claim!!

vicpai

....going back and forth about the V6 RAV4's price, I've priced it for you here:

RAV4 V6 4WD LIMITED: (with ALL AVAILABLE OPTIONS, except Rear seat entertainment system and 3rd row seats)

MSRP: $29,855 (including destination)
Invoice: $26,871 (including destination)

The following were the included options:
Leather interior
Moonroof
Side Curtain Airbags
Heated Seats
JBL Premium sound system

*The RAV4 does not offer a NAVI option, and if you want the Rear Entertainment System add about $1,700 to the MSRP

Here's the direct link to the pricing page:

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/toyo...mv.1.1.Toyota*

dipkat

I have test driven the new 06 RAV4 4-cyl and it drives pretty nice. (The 6-cyl is not available in the market as yet). The price of the 4-cyl loaded tops at $30000 approx and the 6-cyl tops at a whopping $35 K with the AWD. I found the interior of the RAV4 to be ugly with no character and/or styling. Compared to the RAV4 and based on the new pics of the RDX pre-production prototype, I can say the RDX is way much better styled both on the interior and exterior. Also RAV4 will not match the RDX in terms of its luxury offerings;

- Premium brand image + premium service (laoner verhicles, etc.)
- 5yr 60,000 mi basic warranty
- 7yr 70,000 mi extended powertrain warranty
- XM with traffic.
- Best in class Acura Navi with touch-screen (optional on all Acura's)
- Aux input in front dash (instead of center arm-rest of RAV4)
- MID - Multi information display (Standard on all Acura's)
- Rain-speed sensing wipers (Standard on all Acura's)
- DVD Audio + 5.1 Dolby & DTS audio + subwoofer
- LED taillights
- Bluetooth telematics (standard on all Acura's)
- Voice ID (standard on all Acura's)
- Intelligent Maintenance Minder system (standard on all Acura's)
- 19 inch wheels with Red colored calipers (17 inch wheels on the RAV-4 grand touring model)
- Memory seats/mirrors & Personalization (standard on all Acura's)
- Paddle Shifters
- Acura iLink interface for iPod (Optional on all Acura's)
- Dual exhaust outlets
- HID lamps

There's no way you can compare the RAV4 to the RDX . The RDX will have simply too much to offer compared to the RAV4

tmph

Acura is the LUXURY brand. There is no comparison on Rav4. A good way to compare a Rav4 is CR-V.

tmph

Acura is the LUXURY brand. There is no comparison on Rav4. A good way to compare a Rav4 is CR-V.

Stevens24

According to Toyoa.com a fully loaded 4cylinder Limited is 28k and they do't even give you the option to build a v6 yet. And the 4cylinder still has a 4speed AT I think Edmunds is a little off since every magazine that has tested the RAV has stated that 32-35k will be the price of a loaded V6.

acuraj220

I'm sorry my friend, but hondas vehicles with VCM are :

2006 Civic Hybrid
2005 Accord Hybrid
2006 Pilot 2WD

Colin

Don't forget EX and Touring Odysseys

acuraj220

News release from Acura:

RDX to have:
2.3L Intercooled Turbocharged Engine
240hp@6100
260tq@2700-5300

SHAWD
Paddle Shifters
and more

MSRP will be around 35,000

dipkat

Where did you get the RPM numbers from? Do you have the link to the source of your information ?

hondamore

I'm equally interested in the source of the MSRP number!!!

98AccordEx

Are these HP & torque with rpm figures posted somewhere? Most turbos produce flat torque lower inthe rpm range, don't they. This could effect around town performance negatively but also produce some wicked fast 0-60 times.

Infamous425

yeah that sucks since vw's 2.0 pumps out its torque at only 1800 rpms

AcuraRLBlue

Anyone knows what possible safety features are going to be offered? collision avoidance system?

vicpai

.....First off, as Colin pointed out you forgot the Odyssey which DOES have VCM, and can you show me something from Honda where it says that the CIVIC HYBRID has VCM?? .......check your facts before posting erroneous and misleading information.....Yeah right, a 4-cylinder with VCM that can run on 2 cylinders....heh heh heh heh ....that's definitely got to be the new joke of the year!!

and you can start by going to the following website, I have provided for your convenience to check your facts on the Civic Hybrid's powertrain, BEFORE posting:

http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2013?m...41013&mime=asc

........As far as all the other supposed predictions this guy has posted I call BS on all of them. First he claims some fictious numbers on hp, torque etc. (see his prevous post). here's what he said earlier in his bogus post:

I Got my acura mag today, and it had all of the 'maybe' RDX info in it:

2.3L i-VTEC Turbo4 (A first for honda)
256@6400 (Give or take)
228@4600 (Give or take)
SH-AWD (for sure)
Honda's VCM
0-60= 6.6sec (give or take)
MPG in the TL range = 20/29

Acura says there is a possibility that it could be stretched and add a 3rd row to compete with Pacifica and other models in this category, then it would not compete with RAV4, everything that is an option on the RAV4 is standard on the RDX, like sunroof, leather, 18'' alloys, and optional navi. They say it will arrive at dealerships June 2-15 2006 as 2007 model. MSRP (fully loaded ex. navi)= $31,865.......

So far everything has been waaay off. Then when people began wondering, he claimed the $31,865 was invoice, instead of MSRP...yeah right!......I bet you even Acura probably does not know what they're going to keep invoice pricing at this time

after Acura gave their press release, he "revised" his figures, and now his RPM numbers have changed as well!! ......besides, Honda NEVER gives out 0-60 times. Whenever they print anything to this effect, they usually quote one of the car mag's test results (For Example: 0-60 in 5.6 secs Motor Trend December 1997)