Toyota's RAV4 Cruiser was judged Australia's Best Small Wagon at the inaugural Drive Car of the Year Awards (November 2006).
Judges said the RAV4 Cruiser won its category because of its supremely well-rounded character. "It's leading the way when it comes to safety, styling, driveability and practicality," they said.
By automatically engaging when there is loss of traction, Active AWD gives you the power to balance traction and fuel economy. Of course, at speeds of less than 40km/h, you can manually turn AWD on and off with the touch of a button.
The All New RAV4 also has a sleek new look, ABS standard, 17" wheels, more space, more storage, and loads more. All in all, the All New RAV4 is still the compact SUV of choice for anyone after muscle, safety, and style.

The RAV4 interior has always been sculpted to your body with long sliding front seat range, driver's seat height adjustment, and slide-adjustable reclining rear seats. Now it also features tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, ensuring a comfortable driving experience no matter what your proportions.
What's more, the instrument panel features an ultra-modern three-dial design with a centre speedometer and amber graduated illumination. Also featured are one-touch upper and lower gloveboxes and night illumination for the front cupholders.
A power-packed ride needs a power-packed sound system. And that's what the All New RAV4 delivers, with an MP3-compatible CD system and strategically placed speakers:
Single CD player (CV models)
6 disc in-dash CD player (Cruiser and Cruiser L models)
6 speakers
MP3 capability
AM/FM radio
^BluetoothTM will only operate with telephones enabled with compatible BluetoothTM wireless technology (HFP [Hands Free Profile] version 1.0 OPP [Object Push Profile] and version 1.1 international standards. Cruiser, Cruiser L & SX6 - HFP, ZR6 - OPP.
When it comes to internal space, bigger is definitely better! The All New RAV4 is bigger in every internal dimension while still retaining the exterior dimensions of a true compact SUV. Just as importantly, it uses that space intelligently. With one-touch convenience, the rear seats fold flat to the same height as the rear deck, delivering significantly larger flat deck storage capacity. It also boasts a large storage box under the rear deck accessed via a bi-fold deck board, and an increased capacity glovebox and centre console box. And to top it off, you also get a retractable tonneau cover, multi-purpose net and luggage hooks!
It's not just the engine that's powerful! The All New RAV4 features power windows, power mirrors, electric power steering, power door locks… even a power accessory socket! And when you add cruise control to the list, you've got an AWD that not only gives you the power to perform, but also the power to relax. What's more, Cruiser L models feature an electric moonroof, and heated power driver’s seat. (Electric moonroof is available as an option on Cruiser models.)
With the Cruiser L & all new ZR6 the RAV4 has truly entered the luxury compact SUV market. Both models feature leather seat trim, leather door trim inserts, power driver's seat adjustment & lumbar support, heated driver's and front passenger's seats, and electric Moonroof... all standard!

The All New RAV4 is as muscular as ever, but it's also a little more sophisticated. It combines a self-confident elegance with RAV4's famed rugged dynamics. The overall effect is an assertive aesthetic with a sleek yet edgy appeal, featuring:
Bold muscular bonnet bulge
Sure-footed stance
17” styled wheels
Body coloured spare wheel cover
4-bulb headlamps with projector-type low beam and increased high beam spread
Front fog lamps (on Cruiser, Cruiser L, SX6 & ZR6)
Sculpted patterned-mesh front grille
White front indicator lenses
Body coloured rear spoiler
Body coloured door handles
Rear LED combination lamps with transparent red outer lenses
The design team of the RAV4 paid particular attention to the air flow both under and over the vehicle, as well as around the wheels. The result was the installation of aerodynamic spats to direct air around the tyres and reduced surface level gaps to create a flush body for a more stable ride with minimal wind noise at highway speeds.
The RAV4 Cruiser, Cruiser L, SX6 & ZR6 models are especially potent! With sure-footed 17" alloy wheels, imposing overfender flares, purposeful front fog lamps, liberating moonroof (optional on Cruiser and standard on Cruiser L), and sleek roof rails, these models have a way of making their presence known…
The scorching Australian sun can take its toll on your eyes and your upholstery. That's why the RAV4 comes standard with tinted side and rear windows. Of course, it doesn't hurt to look good either…

Advanced Active All Wheel Drive (AWD) means you’re steadier on your feet. Because power is dynamically distributed, you get far better handling in all conditions. On Cruiser and Cruiser L models you also get the added safety of Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (automatic transmission models only), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)& Traction Control (TRC).
On the Toyota RAV4, safety isn't an option - it's standard. All RAV4 models come with AB-i incorporating Anti-skid Braking System (ABS), Electronic Broke-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) as standard, helping you stay well out of harm’s way – no matter what the surface. The RAV4 AB-i system includes:
ABS - ABS helps prevent your wheels from locking up, so you’re less likely to skid under heavy braking. Wheel lock-up is a major cause of accidents because steering control is lost once the front wheels begin to skid.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) - Helps redistribute braking force according to changing vehicle loads.
Brake Assist (BA) - When you brake fast and hard, Brake Assist interprets this as emergency braking. If you haven't hit the brakes hard enough, it dynamically increases braking power.
With the exception of CV, all models come standard with Toyota's impressive Vehicle Control Management System (VCMS). VCMS acts like a central nervous system and serves as a link between various traction enhancing technologies such as Vehicle Stability Control (VCS), Traction Control (TRC), Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). This all provides you with enhanced control in adverse conditions and especially in emergency situations.
Keep your guard up with a host of standard safety features:
Dual front SRS airbags – Driver and front passenger SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) airbags are standard.
Front-seat Side SRS airbags and Front and Rear Curtain-shield SRS airbags - Cruiser, Cruiser L and all V6 models deliver all-round airbag protection, with front seat mounted side and front and rear curtain shield airbags. (Available on CV models at additional cost as part of the Enhanced Safety Pack option.)
Safe-T-Cell – Toyota’s revolutionary impact absorbing cabin disperses the impact of collision instead of transferring it to your and your passengers.
Side door anti-intrusion beams – The doors of the RAV4 contain side impact beams which help protect you and your passengers if you’re struck from the side by another vehicle.
Impact absorbing steering column – Because the RAV4’s steering column compresses slightly on impact, it helps absorb the force, rather than transferring it to the driver.
Force-limiting seat belts – Pre-tensioner and force-limiter front seat belts automatically retract to hold the occupants snugly during frontal collisions, then reduce tension when they reach a predetermined load, reducing the risk of chest injury.

With the RAV4, Toyota introduces Active AWD. By engaging only when the front wheels lose traction, Active AWD gives you real-time control of your vehicle while also conserving engine power and fuel. Of course, you can manually engage AWD at any time with the touch of a button (at vehicle speed below 40km/h). But the improvements don't stop there! On Cruiser, Cruiser L & all V6 Models, you also get:
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) - (Automatic transmission models only) - helps you control the vehicle on steep descents by controlling the vehicle’s speed without locking the wheels
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) – delivers smoother hill starts by preventing vehicle roll-back when taking off on steep or slippery inclines
Traction Control (TRC) – senses when a wheel slips and brakes each wheel independently and distributing power to the wheels with the greatest traction
The Toyota RAV4 delivers a knockout blow with its powerful 2.4 litre VVT-i 4 cylinder DOHC engine. With 125kW of impressive power and a handy 224Nm of torque, RAV4 not only talks the talk, it also walks the walk.
Now available in V6, the Toyota RAV4 now packs even more punch with a technologically advanced 3.5L V6 DOHC Dual VVT-i engine pumping out a huge 201kW of power and a gutsy 333Nm of torque, RAV4 V6 models provide high performance with excellent fuel economy.
Of course, it ’s not just about raw power. High performance is also about style and grace. That’s why the RAV4 features a lightweight, compact cylinder block, a reduced drag co-efficient compared to the previous model, and a 4-speed Super ECT automatic transmission built on low-friction technology or a smooth 5-speed manual in (manual available in 4 cylinder models only). RAV4 V6 models come standard with a 5-speed Super ECT automatic transmission.
The RAV4 is now more nimble and comfortable than ever. Thanks to McPherson strut front suspension with highly rigid lower arms, off-set springs, gas dampers and stabiliser bar, and trailing-type double wishbone suspension in the rear, the RAV4 delivers optimised comfort with a smooth ride, maximum driver stability, and minimum body roll.