2006 Toyota RAV4

The fully independent suspension rides and handles well on upgraded front McPherson struts and a new rear trailing double wishbone set-up, with the rear shocks mounted diagonally to optimize rear cargo area width and height. Like other Toyota SUVs, the '06 RAV4 boasts a comprehensive "Star Safety System" incorporating Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) and an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and adds to the acronym soup with Electronic Power Steering (EPS). EPS is lighter and more fuel efficient than conventional engine-driven hydraulic power steering, though its feel can seem artificial at times.

Performance

Both front airbags inflate respectively to the severity of a collision, and a front passenger-seat sensor determines whether the seat is occupied plus the occupant's weight to decide whether or not to inflate the bag. Driver and front passenger side airbags, and roll-sensing first- and second-row side curtain airbags are optional.


Stretched almost seven inches in wheelbase and 14 inches overall, this new RAV4 offers nearly six inches more second-row legroom than the Gen II version, plus an inch and a half more head- and shoulder room. It also provides (just) enough space for the optional 50/50 two-person third seat, though we'd recommend it only for children.


The 60/40 reclining middle-row seats feature fore-aft adjustment to optimize legroom; trade some of it off with back-row folks or make room for additional cargo. An included center armrest and a pair of cup holders can fold flat via levers on their sides or, for added convenience on two-row models, a one-touch lever in the cargo hold. The available third row seats fold flat into the same under-floor space where two-row RAV4s have handy hidden storage.


Base RAV4s get durable fabric-covered seats, while higher-level cloth dresses Sport and Limited models—the former in dark charcoal. The center cluster, door trim and steering wheel spokes are brushed metallic silver-look plastic. Nice interior features include lighted front cup holders, console cell phone holder, extra storage compartment above the glove box, deep rear storage bin and (on non-Limiteds) ratcheting driver's seat height adjustment.