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2006 Toyota Tundra Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2006 Toyota Tundra Review
Tundra carries its 2006 models into early calendar 2007 pending introduction of larger, more-powerful redesigned 2007 versions. In addition to regular cabs, the '06 Tundra offers extended Access Cabs with small rear-hinged back doors and crew-cab Double Cabs. Regulars use an 8.1-ft cargo bed. Access and Double cabs have a 6.1-ft bed. All offer front bucket seats or bench. Access and Double Cabs add a split folding rear seat for up to six-passenger capacity. Tundra offers a 236-hp V6 with manual or automatic transmission, and a 271-hp V8 with automatic only. Tundras offer rear-wheel drive or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Tundras come with ABS and offer an antiskid system. Available for Double Cabs are front side airbags paired with curtain side airbags. A navigation system is available, as are TRD Off-Road Packages with special tires, suspension, and trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Tundra is redesigned for a debut in early calendar '07 as Toyota's first direct challenge to big American-brand pickups. Previous Tundras were a little smaller than domestic-badge rivals. Full details aren't yet available, but Toyota says the new Tundra will bow in regular cab and extended Double Cab models. The latter replace Access Cabs and have larger rear doors hinged at the front instead of the back. Due later on are even bigger versions, as-yet unnamed, with four full-size doors. All Tundras are appreciably larger than before and have a new frame. Double Cabs come with a 145.7-inch wheelbase and an 8-foot-long cargo box. Cabs are naturally larger too, with a claimed four inches more shoulder room. They also feature dedicated storage for thermos bottles, a laptop computer and file folders. Engines comprise a returning 4.0-liter V6 and 4.7 V8, plus a new 5.7-liter V8 with an estimated 350 hp delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The V6 will likely be sold only with rear drive, while V8s will offer 4WD as well. Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 units in the first 12 months versus a Tundra-record 120,000 in 2005. We'll have further details soon, so keep checking back with us.
2006 Toyota Tundra Road Test
Pros Cons
Build quality Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
Towing/Hauling (V8s) Fuel economy (V8)
Interior materials Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
Rear-seat room/comfort (crew cab)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2006 Toyota Tundra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/26/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Base regular cab long bed, manual $16,155 $14,619 $605
2WD Base regular cab long bed, automatic $16,955 $15,378 $605
2WD Work regular cab long bed, automatic $18,630 $16,859 $605
4WD Work regular cab long bed, automatic $21,960 $19,872 $605
2WD SR5 V6 Access Cab extended cab short bed, manual $22,590 $20,471 $605
2WD SR5 V6 Access Cab extended cab short bed, automatic $23,360 $21,177 $605
2WD SR5 V8 Access Cab extended cab short bed, automatic $24,315 $22,029 $605
2WD SR5 V8 Access Cab extended cab StepSide short bed, automatic $25,065 $22,707 $605
4WD SR5 V8 Access Cab extended cab short bed, automatic $27,645 $25,042 $605
4WD SR5 V8 Access Cab extended cab StepSide short bed, automatic $28,395 $25,720 $605
2WD SR5 V8 Double Cab crew cab short bed, automatic $26,620 $24,090 $605
4WD SR5 V8 Double Cab crew cab short bed, automatic $29,950 $27,104 $605
2WD Limited Access Cab extended cab short bed, automatic $27,255 $24,665 $605
2WD Limited Access Cab extended cab StepSide short bed, automatic $28,005 $25,344 $605
4WD Limited Access Cab extended cab short bed, automatic $30,595 $27,686 $605
4WD Limited Access Cab extended cab StepSide short bed, automatic $31,345 $28,365 $605
2WD Limited Double Cab crew cab short bed, automatic $30,245 $27,370 $605
4WD Limited Double Cab crew cab short bed, automatic $33,575 $30,383 $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
Base
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth upholstery, bench seat, cupholders, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, automatic-off headlights, cargo-box light, vinyl floor covering.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Painted bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 245/70R16 tires.
Work adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates.
SR5 V6 adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, rear-hinged rear doors, tilt steering wheel, front split bench seat (automatic), front captain chairs (manual), split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry (Access Cab), tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, carpeting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass (Access Cab), sliding rear window, color-keyed front bumper and chrome rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates.
SR5 V8 adds to SR5 V6:
Powertrain
4.7-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, front split bench seat (Access Cab), front captain chairs (Double Cab), power rear window (Double Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Double Cab).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case.
Limited adds to SR5 V8:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front captain chairs (Double Cab), remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer (Access Cab), JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player (Double Cab), steering wheel radio controls (Double Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, power sliding rear window (Access Cab), power rear window (Double Cab) , fog lights, color-keyed rear bumper, theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, electronic 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
Work
$1,190
$952
Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, cruise control, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window.
Leather Pkg. LA
Limited Access Cab
$1,700
$1,360
Limited Double Cab
$1,095
$876
Leather upholstery, captain chairs (Access Cab), 6-way power driver seat (Access Cab), simulated wood trim.
All Weather Guard
Base, Work
$70
$59
SR5, Limited
$100
$85
Heavy-duty starter and battery, heavy-duty heater, heated power mirrors (SR5, Limited). Base requires mud guards.
TRD Off-Road Pkg.
Limited
$0
$0
Off-road suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, 265/70R16 tires.
TRD Sports Pkg.
2WD SR5 V8
$1,165
$939
2WD SR5 V8 Stepside
$1,035
$835
Limited-slip differential, sport suspension, special shock absorbers, 265/65R17 tires, unique alloy wheels. Regular bed requires wheel-lip moldings or overfenders.
TRD Sport Pkg.
2WD Limited
$425
$347
Limited-slip differential, sport suspension.
Towing Pkg.
Work, SR5 V8, Limited
$430
$344
Class IV hitch receiver, 7-pin connector, transmission-oil cooler, heavy-duty alternator.
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
Work, SR5 V8, Limited
$275
$227
Dual exhaust system
SR5 V8, Limited
$950
$650
Safety
Curtain side airbags
Double Cab
$650
$559
Includes front side airbags, power driver seat.
Antiskid system
4WD SR5/Work
$1,090
$928
Base, 2WD SR5/Work
$940
$799
2WD Limited
$830
$711
4WD Limited
$980
$840
Includes traction control, limited-slip differential, daytime running lights. Base, Work, SR5 include fog lights. 2WD regular cab requires tilt steering wheel. Base requires air conditioning.
Daytime running lights
Base, Limited, SR5 V6, SR5 V8
$40
$32
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
Base
$985
$788
Navigation system
SR5 Access Cab
$1,750
$1,488
SR5 Double Cab
$2,190
$1,818
Limited Access Cab
$1,450
$1,233
Limited Double Cab
$1,650
$1,413
Includes AM/FM/cassette/CD player. SR5 requires optional radio.
Power sunroof
Double Cab
$1,000
$800
Tilt steering wheel
Base
$245
$196
Work
$180
$144
Includes variable-intermittent wipers.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SR5 Access Cab
$290
$218
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SR5 Access Cab
$490
$368
JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player
SR5 Double Cab
$540
$405
Includes steering wheel controls.
JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SR5 Double Cab
$740
$555
Limited Double Cab
$200
$150
Includes steering wheel controls.
Rear radio controls
Double Cabs
$150
$120
SR5 requires optional radio or navigation system.
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Double Cab
$1,780
$1,424
Includes rear radio controls. SR5 requires optional radio or navigation system.
Captain chairs
Limited Access Cab
$555
$444
SR5 V6 Access Cab automatic
$75
$60
SR5 V8 Access Cab
$145
$116
Limited includes 6-way power driver seat. Std. w/manual transmission.
Front split bench seat
Double Cab
$0
$0
Heated front seats
Limited Double Cab
$440
$352
Requires Leather Pkg.
Overhead Console
Double Cab
$160
$128
Includes universal garage-door opener, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Limited
$125
$100
Base, Work, SR5
$295
$204
Remote keyless entry
SR5 Double Cab
$230
$184
Floormats
regular cab
$105
$63
Access Cab
$129
$91
Double Cab
$148
$90
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass
SR5 Double Cab
$80
$64
Alarm
SR5 Double Cab
$220
$176
Overfenders
SR5 Access Cab
$250
$200
SR5 Double Cab
$180
$144
Std. Stepside. SR5 V6, Double Cab require optional wheels. SR5 V8 Access cab requires optional wheels or TRD Sport Pkg.
Chrome wheel-lip moldings
Work, SR5
$70
$56
NA Stepside, Double Cab. Requires styled steel wheels.
Mud guards
Base
$60
$48
Bed rug
Access Cab
$419
$305
Bed extender
Base, Limited, SR5 V6, SR5 V8, Work
$282
$189
Bedliner
Base, Limited, SR5 V6, SR5 V8, Work
$299
$170
Fog lights
Base, Work, SR5
$110
$88
Base requires tilt steering wheel. Work requires Convenience Pkg.
Sliding rear window
Base, Work
$160
$128
Running boards
Access Cab
$699
$435
Double Cab
$345
$276
SR5 Double Cab requires overfenders or Off-Road Pkg.
Step bars
Access Cab
$409
$265
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hitch receiver
Access Cab
$379
$259
Wheel covers
Base, Work
$100
$80
Styled steel wheels
SR5
$150
$120
Work
$110
$88
Requires chrome wheel-lip moldings. Includes 265/70R16 tires. Std. StepSide.
Alloy wheels
SR5
$550
$440
SR5 StepSide
$400
$320
Regular bed requires chrome wheel-lip moldings. Includes 265/70R16 tires.
17-inch alloy wheels
SR5 V8
$650
$520
SR5 V8 StepSide
$500
$400
Includes 265/65R17 tires (2WD), 265/70R17 tires (4WD). Regular bed requires overfenders or chrome wheel-lip moldings.
2006 Toyota Tundra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Toyota Tundra regular cab long bed Toyota Tundra extended cab short bed Toyota Tundra crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 128.3 128.3 140.5
Overall Length, in. 218.3 218.3 230.1
Overall Width, in. 75.2 75.2 79.3
Overall Height, in. 70.5 70.5 74.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3935 4170 4765
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2025 1840 1835
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.4 26.4 26.4
Seating Capacity 3 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 40.3 40.3 41.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.5 41.5 41.6
Rear Head Room, in. -- 38.3 40.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- 28.6 37.5
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 271 @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 266 @ 4000 313 @ 3400
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 17/21 --/--
5-speed automatic 18/22 16/19
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 Tundra regular cab long bed Toyota Tundra extended cab short bed Toyota Tundra crew cab