Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new third-generation RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Featuring improved performance, overall refinement, and a larger, restyled design. The RAV4, which was launched in January 1996.

America's 2006 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades in two- and four-wheel-drive. They include the standard grade, a new performance-driven Sport grade, and the top-of-the-line Limited. All grades will offer an all-new class-leading 3.5-litre V6 engine paired to a gated-shift five-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) the new V6 will generate 269 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, and 246 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4,700 RPM.

The standard powertrain will be an upgraded 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with VVT-i equipped with a gated-shift four-speed automatic. The engine will deliver 166 horsepower (an increase of five hp) with 165 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 RPM.

With an increased length over the previous generation, a new seating design features second row seating for three and optional third row seating.

Toyota also announced a four-door sedan version of the Yaris will be unveiled at a press conference at the 2006 Los Angeles Motor Show.

2006 Toyota RAV4

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