The new 2006 Toyota Rav4 bested 6 other SUVs to emerge as the top-rated small sport utility vehicle in a test conducted by Consumer Reports. Rav4 garnered a rating of ‘Excellent’ surpassing other strong competitors in the crowded small SUV segment such as the popular Honda CR-V and the bestselling Subaru Forester, once a top pick in the same test a few months ago.

Among the SUV’s that Consumer Reports tested at the Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut was the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Explorer V6 and V8, Jeep Commander V8 and a Chevrolet Tahoe V8, the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center says that, “The redesigned RAV4 tops its class with either the standard four-cylinder engine or the optional V6 powerplant. With the optional third-row seat and the V6 engine, the RAV4 is a good alternative to some more expensive midsized SUVs.”