3rd Gen Toyota RAV4

Exterior:

• Updated design with a more rounded, car-like appearance
• Increased overall dimensions – Wheelbase 104.7 in, Length 182.1 in, Width 71.5 in, Height 66.3 in
• Available in 4-door SUV body style only

3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 2006- 2012

Interior:

• Seating for up to 5 passengers
• Cargo volume of 36.4 cu-ft behind rear seats, up to 73.0 cu-ft with seats folded
• Available power features, premium audio, and navigation

Powertrains:

• 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (166 hp, 165 lb-ft)
• 3.5L V6 engine (269 hp, 246 lb-ft) introduced in 2006
• 4-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder)
• 5-speed automatic transmission (V6)

3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 interior

• Available part-time 4-wheel drive system

Features:

• Standard safety features like front/side airbags, ABS brakes
• Available stability/traction control, rear camera, and other tech features
• Towing capacity up to 3,500 lbs

Fuel Economy:

• 4-cylinder: 22-24 mpg city, 28-30 mpg highway
• V6: 19-21 mpg city, 26-27 mpg highway

The 3rd generation RAV4 brought a more substantial and SUV-like design, added more interior space and cargo room, and offered the more powerful V6 engine option starting in 2006. It continued the RAV4’s reputation for practicality and versatility in the compact crossover segment.

What should I do if I accidentally use the wrong fuel for my 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4

1. Stop driving immediately:
   • Continuing to drive with the wrong fuel can potentially cause serious damage to the engine and fuel system.
2. Don’t start the engine:
   • If you’ve just filled up with the wrong fuel, don’t start the engine. This will prevent the incorrect fuel from being drawn into the engine.
3. Drain the fuel tank:
   • The best solution is to have the fuel tank completely drained and refilled with the correct fuel type. This will remove the contaminated fuel.
   • Do not attempt to drain the fuel tank yourself unless you have the proper equipment and expertise.
4. Consult a Toyota dealer or mechanic:
   • Take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership or reputable mechanic as soon as possible. They can properly diagnose and address the issue.
   • Explain exactly what happened so they can determine the best course of action.
5. Avoid starting the engine:
   • If you must move the vehicle, try to push or tow it to the repair facility without starting the engine.

The sooner the wrong fuel is removed, the lower the chance of any permanent damage. Attempting to drive with the incorrect fuel can lead to costly repairs, so it’s critical to address it immediately.

Details for every trim for the 3rd Gen of RAV4 available at our Auto Shop

1. LE Trim:
   • Base model
   • 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (166 hp, 165 lb-ft)
   • 4-speed automatic transmission
   • Front-wheel drive or part-time 4WD available
   • Standard features:
     • Cloth upholstery
     • Manual climate control
     • Power windows/locks/mirrors
     • CD player audio
     • 16-inch steel wheels
2. Sport Trim:
   • Sportier styling and upgrades
   • 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (166 hp, 165 lb-ft)
   • 4-speed automatic transmission
   • Front-wheel drive or part-time 4WD available
   • Additional features over LE:
     • Unique exterior styling details
     • 17-inch alloy wheels
     • Sport-tuned suspension
     • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
     • Paddle shifters
3. Limited Trim:
   • Premium and luxury-oriented model
   • Available with 2.4L 4-cyl or 3.5L V6 (269 hp, 246 lb-ft)
   • 4-speed automatic (4-cyl) or 5-speed automatic (V6)
   • Front-wheel drive or part-time 4WD available
   • Additional features over LE/Sport:
     • Leather upholstery
     • Dual-zone automatic climate control
     • Power driver’s seat
     • Premium JBL audio system
     • Power liftgate
     • 17-inch alloy wheels
4. Platinum Trim (V6 only):
   • Top-of-the-line luxury model
   • 3.5L V6 engine (269 hp, 246 lb-ft)
   • 5-speed automatic transmission
   • Part-time 4WD system
   • Adds over Limited:
     • Premium leather upholstery
     • Heated front seats
     • Navigation system
     • Premium audio
     • 18-inch alloy wheels

Key options across the lineup included a third-row seat, moonroof, and towing package.

safety features available for each trim level of the 3rd Gen RAV4

LE Trim:

• Dual front airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist

Sport Trim:

• Same safety features as LE

Limited Trim:

• Same safety features as LE
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Platinum Trim:

• Same safety features as Limited
• Smart Key System with push-button start

Available Optional Safety Features:

• Backup camera
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Downhill Assist Control (DAC) – 4WD models

Notable Safety Ratings:

• The 2006-2012 RAV4 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA
• It also earned a “Good” rating in IIHS crash tests

IIHS Side Test  for 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4