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It should have been called the RAV4 XXL or the RAV5, something to let people know that Toyota’s entry-level sport-utility vehicle has grown up–in a big way.

The RAV4 began life in 1996 as a compact, car-based SUV–a crossover in today’s parlance. For 2006 it has been redesigned. The new sheet metal gives it a long nose, low roof wagon like look more in keeping with crossovers than boxy SUVs, though the styling is still more bland than bold.

It is offered in three versions–standard, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited–in front- or four-wheel-drive and with a 4-cylinder or V-6 engine.

We tested the 4WD Sport, which like all models is built off a car platform (the Corolla, which has grown as well). But RAV4’s dimensions have changed dramatically–a 6.7-inch longer wheelbase, 14.5-inch longer overall length and 3.2-inches more width.

The longer wheelbase and length improve road manners a lot. And the larger size means room to squirm in the cabin without bouncing off other occupants.

It also means a commodious cargo hold, large enough, in fact, that RAV4 can offer a third-row seat. That, however, is a $700 to $980 option depending on whether you get the standard or Limited model and the 4- or 6-cylinder engine. No third-row seat for the sport.

The third-row folds flat into the floor when not in use like that on the Toyota Sienna minivan. Skip that seat and get a huge stowage compartment under the cargo floor where the seat would hide if you had it.

The larger size also adds more than a few pounds, 325 to be exact, though you don’t feel any weight burden when making a quick getaway from the light or a sharp turn or taking a tight corner.

But we had the advantage of testing the RAV4 in Sport version with 4WD and V-6 engine. The swift response to pedal input is in large part the result of the 3.5-liter, 296-horsepower V-6 teamed with a 5-speed automatic, RAV4’s first V-6.

The 3.5-liter achieves 54 h.p. more than the 3.3-liter V-6 in the Toyota Highlander SUV. You can expect the potent little V-6 to be added to a variety of other Toyotas soon.

While the RAV4 is far more lively when packed with the V-6, it doesn’t sacrifice mileage, rated at 21 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway, even better than the 18/24 rating in the Highlander.

A 2.4-liter, 166-h.p. 4 rated at 23/28 with 4-speed automatic is standard. Have to suspect it would lumber off the line in comparison with the V-6 that adds $1,915 to the sticker.

The Sport also comes with a sports-tuned suspension and 18-inch radials, whose function is to deliver agile, almost sports coupe like handling. The standard RAV4 comes with 16-inch radials, the Limited with 17 inchers.

It helps, of course, that the vehicle stability control system has an electronic power steering system to optimize response. The system senses when you need more or less power assist based on vehicle speed and steering-wheel angle. While Toyota’s luxury Lexus division comes out with a LS450 sedan this fall that can park itself, the RAV4 comes close in its ability to dart in, out and around traffic as well as parking slots with very little effort expended.

Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control with traction control are also standard in all models.

The four-wheel-drive system is on-demand, which means you operate in front-wheel-drive until slippage puts all four wheels to work. Though not meant for rugged off-roading, you can push a button in the dash to lock into 4WD to get going in deep snow up. At 25 m.p.h., the system automatically unlocks.

All RAV4s with a V-6 or any 4-cylinder model with the optional third-row seat come with Hill start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) as standard.

HAC keeps the vehicle from rolling when starting off from a steep incline or from slipping on wet surfaces. DAC holds the engine at low speed when traveling down steep inclines so the vehicle doesn’t get away from you.

Toyota is noted for is its ability to fill every nook and cranny with something useful. The RAV4 is no exception.

The dash in front of the passenger seat has a push open/close stowage bin. There are power plugs in the cargo hold, as well as under the center console and in the dash; a stowage compartment under the center armrest upfront; small cubby holes in the dash, center console and all four doors to stash things, as well as a bottle or cupholder–your call–in both rear doors; cupholders in both front doors along with the center console and rear-seat armrest.

Nice touches include ample leg, head and arm room in the second row. That seat slides forward to bring the kids in their safety seats closer to you.

The second-row seat backs recline, but Toyota engineers need to revisit the headrests. As in the FJ Cruiser (Transportation, May 14), when flush with the seat, the headrests dig at your shoulders and neck. They have to be raised a few inches to relieve the pressure.

The rear door holds the spare tire and swings open to provide easy access to the cargo hold. Need more room? Pull the handles in the side walls to drop the seat backs or yank the handles on top of the seat backs so they fold.

As noted, the test vehicle didn’t have the optional third-row seat, but the walls in the cargo hold have built in cupholders. Hard to tell without the seat but have to suspect those holders would be for sippy cups. It doesn’t look there would be much room for such things as adult legs to fit comfortably.

RAV4 stickers rose about $500 for 2006 to cover the extensive changes. Base price of the AWD Sport tested is $25,190 and comes loaded with such standard equipment as air conditioning with air filtration, heated outside mirrors, AM/FM CD player, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, rear-window wiper, power windows and door locks (manual seats), keyless entry and digital clock.

You have to add only side-impact and side-curtain air bags–for $650–to have a nearly complete package.

You also might want to toss on a power moonroof at $900 and a six-disc JBL CD changer with nine speakers and subwoofer plus MP3 capability at $590.

The Limited offers a rear-seat DVD system for $1,705, but it’s not available in the Sport.

Two items you won’t find in a RAV4 are a navigation system or gas/electric power. You can expect hybrid power before the navi.

RAV4 had decent sales last year, 70,518, units, up 200 from 2004. But obviously lots of folks waited for the redesigned version this year as sales in the first four months of 2006 were 47,798, up 113 percent from a year earlier.

Toyota should have no trouble reaching if not topping its target of 130,000 sales for the full year.

2006 Toyota RAV4

Price as tested: $26,054*

Wheelbase: 104.7 inches

Length: 181.1 inches

Engine: 3.5-liter, 269-h.p. V-6.

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

CITY 21 m.p.g.

HWY 28 m.p.g.

THE STICKER

$25,190 Base price

$650 Side-impact air bags and curtains

$214 Carpeted cabin and cargo mats

*Add $605 for freight.

PLUSES

My, how it has grown in size, power and features–without sacrificing mileage.

MINUSES

Bland styling.

Rear-seat headrests

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation and Wednesday and Friday in Business. Hear him on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:22 a.m. Sundays.
jmateja@tribune.com