2006 Toyota Tundra: Road Test
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2006 Toyota Tundra ▼
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- MSRP: $16,155 -$33,575
- Invoice: $14,619 -$30,383
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota Tundra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Tundra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Tundra help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Tundra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
No V6 models made available for testing. Silky V8 well-matched to smooth transmission, though heavier Double Cabs can feel sluggish, especially with 4WD. Towing limits: 5000 lb with V6, 7200 lb with V8.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
No opportunity to measure. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
More comfortable than most rivals, but still stiff and trucky, with plenty of jiggle and tire patter on broken surfaces and freeway expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
OK for big pickups, but with the usual woes of marked cornering lean, clumsy parking, occasional rear-end hop without a load; 4WDs add slow, numb steering.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Near carlike refinement, particularly with smooth-running V8. Typical big-truck wind rush at highway speeds and coarse-pavement tire thrum, but both are modest for the class.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Well-organized, though it's easy to inadvertently trip the wiper stalk on automatic models because column-mounted shift lever is so nearby. Power rear window a nice standard touch on Access, Double Cabs. Impressive cabin materials, workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Class competitive for two adults, but relatively narrow cabin on regulars and Access Cabs, tight for three on available bench. Ride height little different between 2WD and 4WD models--and steep enough to make entry/exit a chore.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
Access Cab suffers limited leg room and entry/exit space, plus a fairly narrow seat with thin padding, upright backrest. Double Cab offers ample leg space, good head room, easier ingress/egress, plus a wider bench more comfortable for three, though backrest is poorly shaped for a middle rider.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 4.9 |
Decent small-item storage. Rear cargo room only OK in Access Cabs, generous in Double Cabs.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
Tundra doesn't offer as much power as most other big pickups, so it's less of a workhorse. But Toyota virtues of refinement, workmanship, reliability and resale value are present. With larger, more-powerful redesigned 2007 Tundras on the horizon, don't buy a leftover 2006 without getting a big discount.
Total Score
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 49 | 56 | 50.5 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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