Toyota RAV4 features a more robust engine, exterior and interior updates, and more standard equipment. The previous 148-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder has been supplanted by a 2.4-liter that makes 161 hp. The suspension and steering have been retuned accordingly. The front and rear ends both have a new look, and inside, cosmetic changes include a redesigned steering wheel, instrument panel, and center dash. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist are now standard, as are air conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, and power windows, door locks, and mirrors. The RAV4’s interior has more room than most mid-size station wagons: 68.3 cubic feet in the rear. The original cute-ute is available with front-wheel drive or a full-time four-wheel-drive system that operates transparently. The RAV4 is nimble, practical, good looking, and well made.
The Avalon, introduced early for ‘06, is a larger, more powerful, and better-looking version of what had been a pretty anonymous sedan, despite its position at the top of Toyota’s line. The Prius hybrid gets redesigned front and rear lamps, new colors, and more luxury options such as a leather interior and a rearview camera. Otherwise, Toyota is concentrating on solidifying its lead in the hybrid race—it plans to double global production of these vehicles to 500,000 next year.
Unchanged: Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Echo.
Dead: MR2 Spyder, Celica.
Future: More hybrids, including built-in-North America Prius and Camry, and an Echo replacement.
Toyota’s truck line adds a Highlander hybrid powered by a 208-hp six-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The 4Runner gets a mild facial, new colors, and a few trim and equipment upgrades, as does the Sienna. The Land Cruiser’s 4.7-liter V-8 is upgraded with variable valve timing, upping power to 275 horsepower, 40 more than previously, and the big truck gets a new grille, headlamps, and taillamps. The RAV4 is scheduled for a major redesign later this year.
Unchanged: Highlander, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra.
Future: The FJ Cruiser, a boxy two-door SUV with military overtones. A “heavy duty” pickup to compete with the likes of Ford’s Super Duty. And a bigger Tundra that will be built in San Antonio in late 2006.

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