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2006 Toyota 4Runner Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2006 Toyota 4Runner Review
Toyota's truck-type midsize SUV comes in SR5, Sport Edition, and Limited trim. All offer a 236-hp V6 or a 260-hp V8. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission. All models come with rear-wheel drive. V6 versions are also available with 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. V8s are available with all-wheel drive. Both systems have low-range gearing and include hill descent control. Hill ascent control is standard on all 4Runners. So are ABS and traction/antiskid control. SR5s and Limiteds are available with a 3rd-row seat to increase capacity to seven passengers from five. Optional on all are front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover the first two seating rows and include rollover deployment. The glass in 4Runner's liftgate powers up and down. A firmer suspension is standard on Sport Editions, optional for Limiteds. A load-leveling suspension is available for V8 Limiteds. Other options include DVD entertainment and navigation system with rearview camera.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Sources say 4Runner won't see an immediate, major change. A redesign is possible around 2009.
2006 Toyota 4Runner Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Entry/exit |
| Instruments/controls | Fuel economy |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Toyota 4Runner Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD SR5 V6 4-door wagon | $27,635 | $24,677 | $605 |
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| 2WD SR5 V8 4-door wagon | $29,650 | $26,476 | $605 |
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| 4WD SR5 V6 4-door wagon | $29,910 | $26,709 | $605 |
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| AWD SR5 V8 4-door wagon | $31,925 | $28,508 | $605 |
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| 2WD Sport Edition V6 4-door wagon | $29,975 | $26,642 | $605 |
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| 2WD Sport Edition V8 4-door wagon | $31,355 | $27,908 | $605 |
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| 4WD Sport Edition V6 4-door wagon | $32,250 | $28,674 | $605 |
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| AWD Sport Edition V8 4-door wagon | $33,630 | $29,940 | $605 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $34,350 | $30,674 | $605 |
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| 2WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $36,110 | $32,246 | $605 |
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| 4WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $36,625 | $32,705 | $605 |
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| AWD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $38,385 | $34,275 | $605 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SR5
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 or 4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control, limited-slip rear differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, hill ascent control, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, height-adjustable driver seat (V6), 8-way power driver seat (V8), 4-way power passenger seat (V8), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows including tailgate window, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, running boards, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Trailer hitch (V8), skid plates, full-size spare tire, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive/all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, hill descent control. Deletes: limited-slip rear differential.
Sport Edition adds to SR5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 265/65R17 white-letter tires, 4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive/all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, hill descent control. Deletes: limited-slip rear differential.
Limited adds to Sport Edition:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, cargo organizer, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: sport suspension.
265/60R18 tires, 4WD/AWD adds: 4-wheel drive/all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, hill descent control: Deletes: limited-slip rear differential.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Accessory Pkg.
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$264
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$169
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First aid kit, emergency-assistance kit, cargo mat, floormats.
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Convenience Pkg.
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$267
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$170
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Hood protector, metallic sport pedals, chrome exhaust tip.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags and curtain side airbags
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$650
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$559
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Includes rollover deployment. SR5 includes illuminated visor mirrors.
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Daytime running lights
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$40
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$32
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$900
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$720
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DVD entertainment system
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$1,580
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$1,264
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Requires power sunroof. SR5, Sport Edition require navigation system or JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. NA w/3rd-row split folding seat.
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Navigation system
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SR5
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$2,840
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$2,313
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Sport
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$2,620
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$2,137
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Limited
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$2,420
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$1,987
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Includes voice recognition, wireless cell phone link, JBL sound system, rearview camera. SR5, Sport require universal garage door opener.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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SR5, Sport
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$200
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$150
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JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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Limited
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$665
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$499
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SR5, Sport
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$865
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$649
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SR5 requires leather-wrapped steering wheel. NA w/navigation system.
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel
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SR5
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$220
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$176
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Includes radio controls. NA w/navigation system.
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3rd-row split folding seat
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SR5
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$805
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$644
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Limited
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$1,175
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$940
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NA w/power sunroof, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear air suspension. Limited deletes std. cargo cover.
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AC power point
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SR5, Sport
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$100
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$80
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Std. Limited.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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SR5, Sport
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$150
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$120
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Universal garage door opener
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SR5, Sport
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$125
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$100
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Cargo cover
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SR5
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$90
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$72
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NA w/3rd-row split folding seat.
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Double-decker cargo system
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SR5, Sport
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$125
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$100
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Includes cargo net and mat. NA w/3rd-row seat. Std. Limited.
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Floormats
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$186
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$114
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Includes cargo mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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SR5
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$220
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$176
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Theft-deterrent system
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SR5, Sport
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$359
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$239
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Includes alarm.
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Alarm
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SR5, Sport
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$220
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$176
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Rear spoiler
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Limited, SR5, Sport Edition
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$200
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$160
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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V6
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$430
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$344
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Sport suspension
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Limited
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$450
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$360
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Load-leveling air suspension
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Limited V8
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$950
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$760
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Requires sport suspension. NA w/3rd-row split folding seat.
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265/65R17 tires
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SR5
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$100
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$80
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2006 Toyota 4Runner Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota 4Runner 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4300 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 75.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /241 | 4.7 /285 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 236 @ 5200 | 260 @ 5400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 266 @ 4000 | 306 @ 3400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 17/21 | 15/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota 4Runner 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Toyota 4Runner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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