2006 Toyota RAV4 rear

Automakers usually unveil new models months before their intro date, but the 2006 RAV4 was kept under wraps until it suddenly sprang up on the market last December. As the founder of the small "cute ute" segment in 1996, the third-generation RAV4 seems to be running from its roots, growing markedly in every dimension (14 inches in length!) and offering an optional 3.5-liter V6 with 269 horsepower – quite a far cry from the original little 120-horsepower runabout that had no bumpers. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, available 4WD system, and strut/double-wishbone suspension carry over, though electric power steering is new. All models get an automatic; the V6 gets five gears. The available third-row seat has the RAV4 encroaching on Highlander territory, though the $21,000 starting price stands comfortably below.