2006 Toyota 4Runner Review

Is the 2006 Toyota 4Runner Right for You?

What Is It and Who Is It For?

The 2006 Toyota 4Runner is a truck-based, midsize SUV with room for up to seven people. Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), it’s for buyers who want real off-road capability in a family-friendly SUV, and who periodically want or need to tow camping gear or a small boat.

What Makes It Unique?

The 4Runner is a rugged, truck-based SUV, and its handsome styling looks the part of an overlanding adventurer. It’s a refined machine. It’s off-road abilities are excellent, and its on-road performance is smooth and quiet. The 4Runner also comes with a long reputation for high quality and durability. All versions can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

4Runner vs. Other Toyotas

In Toyota’s lineup of crossovers and SUVs, the 4Runner sits above the smaller RAV4 and Highlander crossover SUVs, but below the larger truck-based Land Cruiser and Sequoia SUVs.

Toyota 4Runner vs. Competition

The 4Runner is handsome, has serious off-road chops, and it’s well-made; but its low-slung styling and low driving position compromise visibility and ease of entry/exit. Some rivals offer more seating and cargo room, more power, and have similar abilities:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee: The class leader off-road, the low-end Grand Cherokee offers similar performance to the 4Runner. Much more powerful V8s are available, which help elevate its towing capacity to 7,200 lbs., but fuel economy suffers. The Grand Cherokee comes with lots of standard features.
• Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is similar in performance, size, and style to the 4Runner, though it only has a V6. 3-row seating is standard, and cargo space is better than in the 4Runner. It can tow up to 6,000-lbs.
• Mitsubishi Montero: Big and tall but odd looking, the Montero has excellent off-road abilities, a commanding view of the road, and lots of room for people and cargo. 3-row seating is standard. On-road performance is behind the class and there’s no V8.
• Volkswagen Touareg: The Touareg’s interior is very luxurious, but isn’t as capacious as others. V6 models have tepid performance, but a powerful V8 is available. AWD is standard, and it’s very capable off-road. The Touareg can tow up to 7,700 lbs.

Is the 2006 Model Year Right for You?

Changes for 2006

• Front and rear styling are updated.
• A memory function is now included with available power seats on the Limited.
• 18-inch wheels are now standard on the Limited.
• Available bluetooth functionality for audio and navigation systems.

2006 Toyota 4Runner vs. Older 4Runners

Toyota introduced this generation of the 4Runner for 2003, and the 2003 to 2005 models are very similar to the 2006 version. The previous generation of 4Runner (1995-2002) was a little smaller and did not have a V8 engine option, but had similar capabilities and driving feel. You could save money buying an earlier model Toyota 4Runner.

You can find used Toyota 4Runners with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the 4Runner from other model years

Which 2006 Toyota 4Runner Trim Is the Best Value?

The original starting prices, including MSRP and destination charge:

• SR5 V6: $28,280
• SR5 V8: $30,295
• Sport V6: $30,620
• Sport V8: $32,000
• Limited V6: $34,995
• Limited V8: $36,755

The V8-powered SR5 is the one we’d pick as the best value. The V8 engine adds power, and the SR5 comes with good levels of standard equipment. Some of the most desirable features, such as a rear-view camera and navigation, were optional on all 4Runners when they were new.

Find a used Toyota 4Runner

The Sport adds only a telescoping steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, a tubular roof rack and side steps, and a few cosmetic touches over the SR5. 3-row seating is not available on the Sport. The Limited is also a good value, and adds leather seating with heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, and nicer interior materials.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Performance

Engine Options

The 2006 Toyota 4Runner has two engine options:

• 236-horsepower 4 .0-liter V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD.
• 260-horsepower 4 .7-liter V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and RWD or 4WD.

Compared with the class? The 4Runner’s performance is average, but it’s quieter and smoother than most competitors.

Fuel Economy

• V6 (RWD/4WD): 18/17 EPA-estimated combined mpg*
• V8: 16 mpg

*The EPA uses a mixture of highway and city driving for its combined estimate.

Compared with the class? A little above average.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Safety Ratings & Features

Though neither agency gave it overall ratings, the 2006 Toyota 4Runner earned positive results in crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. IIHS gave the 4runner Good ratings in its moderate front overlap and side impact tests, but a Poor rating in its head restraint test. NHTSA gave the 4runner 4 stars in frontal impact testing and 5 stars in side impacts, but 3 stars in rollover testing.

Key Standard Features

• Driver and passenger airbags
• Antilock brakes
• Electronic stability control

Key Optional Features

• Driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags
• Front and second-row side curtain airbags
• Rear-view camera

2006 Toyota 4Runner Interior

Cabin Storage and Features

• Cupholders: 2 front, 2 in second row
• Cabin storage areas: Glovebox, center console bin under the armrest, storage pockets in front and rear doors, map pockets behind rear seats, large storage area behind rear seats.

Compared with the class? Above average for the class.

Cargo Space

• 42.1 cubic feet behind rear seats/75.1 cubic feet with rear seating folded.
• 3rd-row equipped models: 12 cubic feet behind 3rd-row seat (if equipped)/36.6 cubic feet with 3rd-row seat folded

Compared with the class? Above average for the class. The 3rd-row seating option significantly reduces cargo space, and the seats are not designed to be removed.

Seating Space

Compared with the class? Below average. Most competitors have more rear seat leg and hip room.

2006 Toyota 4Runner Warranty

The original 2006 4Runner warranty has long since expired, but when new the warranty was:

• 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. Covers most parts and systems but doesn’t include regular wear-and-tear items such as brake pads, filters, wiper blades, or tires.
• 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. Covers major engine, drive system, and transmission components.
• Both warranties are measured from the in-service or delivery date of the vehicle, whichever comes first, and are transferable to used-car buyers.

Compared with the class? Average for the segment.