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2006 Toyota Tacoma Road Test
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota Tacoma Review:
Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the
2006 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and
handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin
and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the
2006 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Tacoma is right for
you.
2006 Toyota Tacoma Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Rear-seat room/comfort (XtraCab) |
| Acceleration (V6) | Ride (4WD w/TRD Off-Road suspension) |
| Steering/handling (XRunner) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No regular-cab or 4-cyl models made available for test yet. V6 versions feel strong in most situations. Test 2WD PreRunner Access Cab with manual transmission did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Toyota claims 7.5 sec for 4WD V6s with automatic, under 7 sec for sporty X-Runner. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly, downshifts quickly for passing. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4.8 |
No regular-cab or 4-cyl models made available for test yet. V6 versions feel strong in most situations. Test 2WD PreRunner Access Cab with manual transmission did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Toyota claims 7.5 sec for 4WD V6s with automatic, under 7 sec for sporty X-Runner. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly, downshifts quickly for passing. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaged 16.6 mpg over 3686 miles. Based on EPA fuel-economy estimates, expect 4-cyl models to average in the low-20-mpg range. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for the 4-cyl, premium for the V6.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaged 16.6 mpg over 3686 miles. Based on EPA fuel-economy estimates, expect 4-cyl models to average in the low-20-mpg range. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for the 4-cyl, premium for the V6.
Ride Quality
Most models fairly controlled and comfortable for compact pickups, but optional TRD Off-Road suspension makes ride bouncy-stiff. X-Runner's sport suspension and low-profile tires annoy less, but try before you buy.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Most models fairly controlled and comfortable for compact pickups, but optional TRD Off-Road suspension makes ride bouncy-stiff. X-Runner's sport suspension and low-profile tires annoy less, but try before you buy.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Among models made available for testing, X-Runner has almost sporty car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas exhibit comparatively more body lean and less braking prowess, but are easily on par with class rivals.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Among models made available for testing, X-Runner has almost sporty car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas exhibit comparatively more body lean and less braking prowess, but are easily on par with class rivals.
Quietness
Modest wind noise, but available off-road tires whine at highway speeds. V6 engine emits refined growl under acceleration, cruises quietly.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Modest wind noise, but available off-road tires whine at highway speeds. V6 engine emits refined growl under acceleration, cruises quietly.
Controls
Legible gauges, smooth-working switchgear. Audio and climate controls mounted high on central dashboard are within easy reach. Well-finished interiors use high-quality materials, yet decor on some models borders on bland or busy.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Legible gauges, smooth-working switchgear. Audio and climate controls mounted high on central dashboard are within easy reach. Well-finished interiors use high-quality materials, yet decor on some models borders on bland or busy.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Fine head, leg room. All models tested had available sport seats, which are comfortable and have good bolster support for fast cornering. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn't offered. Step-in height reasonable, even on 4WDs and PreRunners. No major blind spots.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Fine head, leg room. All models tested had available sport seats, which are comfortable and have good bolster support for fast cornering. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn't offered. Step-in height reasonable, even on 4WDs and PreRunners. No major blind spots.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Access Cab has little leg room even with front seats well forward. Rear bench has low cushion, bolt-upright seatback, so even those who fit will grumble. Rear-hinged doors ease entry/exit. Double Cab offers comfortably angled seatback, adequate leg room behind tall front-seaters, entry/exit easy through fairly large doors.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.5 |
Access Cab has little leg room even with front seats well forward. Rear bench has low cushion, bolt-upright seatback, so even those who fit will grumble. Rear-hinged doors ease entry/exit. Double Cab offers comfortably angled seatback, adequate leg room behind tall front-seaters, entry/exit easy through fairly large doors.
Cargo Room
Access Cab seat cushion flips forward to form level load deck, reveals covered underseat storage. Double Cab has split rear seat; backrests drop and cushions flip forward individually to make level floor and expose storage bins, covered underseat storage. Cargo beds have four adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail, two lower hooks, and an optional 115-volt outlet.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.7 |
Access Cab seat cushion flips forward to form level load deck, reveals covered underseat storage. Double Cab has split rear seat; backrests drop and cushions flip forward individually to make level floor and expose storage bins, covered underseat storage. Cargo beds have four adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail, two lower hooks, and an optional 115-volt outlet.
Value within Class
Tacoma blends available off-road prowess with commendable refinement, and is more than competitive in performance and accommodations. Available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus, though they're available only on Double Cabs. Add Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability, and Tacoma is an easy Best Buy choice.
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Tacoma blends available off-road prowess with commendable refinement, and is more than competitive in performance and accommodations. Available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus, though they're available only on Double Cabs. Add Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability, and Tacoma is an easy Best Buy choice.
Total Score
| PreRunner Double Cab, V6 auto. | X-Runner | PreRunner Access Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab w/Off-Road susp., V6 auto. | Class Average |
| 52 | 51 | 46 | 47 | 44.8 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 32 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 60 |
Also in the 2006 Toyota Tacoma Review:
1.
2.
Toyota Tacoma Road Test
3.
4.
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Vehicle History Report
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