2006 Toyota Highlander: Road Test
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2006 Toyota Highlander ▼
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- MSRP: $24,530 -$39,290
- Invoice: $21,831 -$35,198
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Highlander includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota Highlander from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Highlander, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Highlander help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Highlander is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Four-cyl models are sluggish on takeoff, marginal for passing and merging even lightly loaded. Conventional V6s have good all-around power. Test AWD Limited did 8.1 sec 0-60 mph. Hybrid among the quicker midsize SUVs; test RX 400h timed 7.3 sec. Responsive CVT helps, though gas-electric powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb for 4-cyl, 3500 lb for V6 and Hybrid.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3.8 |
Test AWD 4-cyl Highlanders averaged 19.6 mpg. Test Limited AWD averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly city use, including gas-eating performance runs. Test 2WD Hybrid averaged 26.4 mpg. Test AWD Hybrids averaged 22.8-23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for 4-cyl Highlanders, premium for the others.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Among the best in class. Highlander has firmer suspension than RX, registers more bumps, but is never jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Pleasant, though not car agile. Cornering lean evident, but fine overall control abetted by standard antiskid system. Highlander's AWD less capable off-road or in deep snow than true 4WD. Some testers complained of overly sensitive brake pedal in one test Hybrid.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Four-cyl sounds coarse at full throttle. V6s always quiet, refined, but electric-motor whine noticed in Hybrid. Well-muffled road noise in any model, only moderate wind rush at highway speeds. More than expected wind rush from sunroof in one test Highlander.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Handy, smooth-working switchgear, but some labels not obvious. Shift lever sprouts from dashboard, is easy to knock into Neutral by mistake. Large, clear gauges. Hybrid replaces tachometer with a "power" meter that isn't too informative. Navigation system is fairly intuitive, but complicates some audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid's navigation screen can display power-flow and fuel-economy graphics that can be distracting. Cabin has quality materials, exemplary workmanship, but decor isn't that fancy. Cupholders too large to secure soda cans.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ample space, though available sunroof steals some head room. Seats nicely supportive, but maybe too firm for some. Driver gets elevated views with no big blind spots. Entry/exit requires modest step-in vs. higher-riding truck-type SUVs.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Ample 2nd-row space for two adults, three in a pinch. Narrow door bottoms impede entry/exit. Third-row seat cramped and hard to access for adults, but OK for preteens.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.3 |
Only grocery-bag space behind 3rd-row seat, but that stows quickly and without removing headrests for more room with a flat floor. The 2nd-row seat is split 60/40, also folds easily, but its seatbacks don't lie fully flat. Ample interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Any Highlander is a family focused SUV offering great practicality, solid quality, and Toyota's deserved reputation for reliability and high resale value. Versions with the conventional V6 engine best represent Highlander's Best Buy status. The 4-cyl models are too slow and noisy. Hybrids are the costliest versions, and their price premium may take years to offset in fuel savings. But they also are the quickest Highlanders, and their value calculation also takes into account emissions benefits.
Total Score
| AWD Base 4-cyl | AWD Limited w/nav. sys. | 2WD Limited Hybrid | AWD Limited Hybrid | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 56.7 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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