2006 Toyota 4Runner: Road Test
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2006 Toyota 4Runner ▼
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- MSRP: $27,635 -$38,385
- Invoice: $24,677 -$34,275
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota 4Runner help you decide if a 2006 Toyota 4Runner is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
V6 more than adequate for most needs. V8 has ample, ready power. Both abetted by smooth, responsive transmission. Kudos for standard traction control and hill ascent features. Towing capacity is 5000 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
No opportunity to measure with V6. Test AWD V8 Sport averaged 17.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Toyota recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Copes well with small bumps, but rough surfaces cause bounce and aftershock-jiggle typical of truck-based SUVs. Sport suspension only a tad stiffer. Load-leveling setup doesn't affect comfort.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Heavy and tall, so cornering lean marked. Sport's suspension trims it a bit, but all models tend to bob and weave on imperfect pavement. Steering nicely weighted. Strong brakes are easy to modulate. Antiskid system enhances control.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Among the quieter SUVs of this type. Wind rush, tire roar evident at highway speeds, but neither is severe. Both engines quiet in normal operation. V8 emits a muted whine under full throttle; V6 is scarcely louder.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Gauges deeply recessed, can be tough to read. Convenient controls work with typical Toyota slickness, but markings may be too small for some eyes. Standard automatic climate system simple, versatile. All trim levels nicely appointed inside. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system, which incorporates some radio functions.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Seats comfortable, but fairly low to floor. Driving position easily tailored with available tilt/telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable seat, power lumbar adjustment. Large door mirrors contribute to fine all-around visibility. Models without upgraded audio get novel wide-angle mirrors inside rear roof pillars that expose some blind spots when backing up. Standard running boards partly offset lofty step-in height, but reduce ground clearance off-road.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Second-row seat nicely contoured but set low, allowing good head room but forcing adults to sit knees-up. And it's a squeeze for three-across travel. Toe space poor without front seats elevated. Third-row suits only children. Note that rear DVD entertainment unavailable with 3rd-row seat--a family unfriendly omission. As in front, tall step-in hampers entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Split rear seat folds without removing headrests. Handy bag holder folds from rear of console. Cargo area has tie-downs, nets, cubbies. Useful double-deck cargo shelf folds from floor; it's standard or available depending on model. Power liftgate window a novel asset.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Some like-priced rivals offer a smoother ride and sharper on-road handling, but 4Runner is tough to beat for refinement, off-road ability, and overall execution. Few direct competitors match its array of traction enhancers. Toyota's reputation for reliability and high resale value clinch our Recommended ribbon.
Total Score
| 2WD SR5, V6 | 4WD SR5, V6 | AWD Sport Edition, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 61 | 62 | 56.7 |
Total Score: 61
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