[Sizematters75]

Originally Posted by el_madmaster

The V6 Rav's power/mpg combo has always been impressive for its class.

However, this is one of the few times where I'd say Ford may have the edge. The new Escape/Tribute/Mariner has a 6 speed auto - standard - on its V6, and even I4, motors.

From this post I am guessing you don't quite understand power bands in a motor to interchange with gearing in a transmission.
A six speed auto in a Rav4 is just dumb in my opinion. Why do you need that many gears in a family style car. Here is my first problem with a six speed on a i-4 in any car. You get on interstate doing 75 MPH and turning 2200RPM with a 4 speed you are in the powerband of the motor which in lamens terms you are getting no drag on the motor whic is giving you optimal MPG. Now you add two more gears to that which are considered running gears anyways and you drop the RPM's about 600RPM's now turning around 1600RPM's now causing excessive drag on the motor directly resulting in a drop in MPG. Same problem I am having on my Tundra with the increase in tire and rim size until I can regear it to compensate. Second problem I see with a six speed in a Rav. The Rav4 is known to be a decently priced cross over, reliable, and good gas mileage. Now to put a 6 speed in it you are adding additional pricing for a larger transmission, significant spacing for a larger tranmission case, and rebuilding the I-4 and V-6 now to accomodate the additional gearing.
Toyota's in general have always been a higher RPM running motor to keep within power bands and to give the driver good or decent MPG and the best performance that can come out of it. In my opinion that is the best of both worlds.
The Rav4 has one of the best MPG in its class so why change anything.
Ford, GM, and Dodge are trying anything they can think of to try and get people to stray away from Toyota. Anyone sees they offering a six speed they automatically think better gas mileage. Which is great selling strategies on there part but will hurt them in the long run. Hints why Ford had to redesign the F-150 after only two years. They offered a six speed with a small V-8 causing horrible gas mileage and no performance.