04 and 06 Comparisons

[coolpop]

I have an 04 Limited that I absolutely love and it has almost 60,000 miles on it in 2 years. I've kept up on the mostly cosmetic changes the past few years with the expectation that I'd be trading in the 04 for an 07.

This weekend, I drove with a friend to Tampa and back (about 3 hours each way) in his brand new 06. It gave me a good amount of time to compare the looks, ride and noise in his 06 to my 04 and here's what I found (purely my subjective opinion, of course):

I love the LED taillights, no question. I put them on my truck last year.

He got the Shadow Mica. Love the color, especially in direct sunlight.

I definitely do NOT like all the chrome that has been added - door handles, grill, hatch. To me, it cheapens the exterior.

I really like the projector headlamps. Give the Runner a very cool look. Light output is about the same.

Supposedly there has been a bunch of sound-deadening improvements made. I didn't notice a thing that was different. Same amount of wind noise, same amount of tire noise. And speaking of tires...

I have the Michelin CT tires on my rig. His came with the Duelers.
There was no difference in tire noise at all (both are quiet) and really only minimal difference in ride comfort, with the Duelers being just a bit more firm.

His truck seemed a bit peppier off the line than mine currently is. Also seemed a bit tighter and less bouncy, but that's maybe bc his is new, I don't know.

Any other questions are welcomed.

 

[Thai]

Michelin CT are supposedly very quiet (one of the best highway tires for SUVs). Bridgestone Dueler H/T is probably not as quiet. So, if you heard the same road noise level, then it proves that the '06 improved sound insulation actually does make a difference.

My theory.

 

[tkr128]

The Michelin CTs are definately more quiet than the Dueler H/Ts. I went from the Bridgestones to the Michelins and there was a noticeable difference in quietness.

I agree that the chrome is a bit much. The chrome grill doesn't bother me on the '06s, but the door handles and license plate garnish are just too much. The chrome grill on the '05 SR5's however bug me.

Just curious, would you trade your Pacific Blue for a Shadow Mica?

 

[RL4673]

The only chrome on mine is the grill. I went from an 04 to an 06 last October and I'd do it again today.

 

[coolpop]

Just curious, would you trade your Pacific Blue for a Shadow Mica? [/B]

I don't think so. I love the Pacific Blue and get a lot of compliments on it, but the Shadow Mica is an awesome color as well. Would probably be my second choice.

As for the sound insulation, maybe I should clarify that. The wind noise sounded about the same, thicker glass or not. Road noise, yeah, if there was no difference and everybody is telling me that the Duelers are louder than the CTs, then sure, the sound insulation was improved.

Now, on a completely different topic - I love the tubular racks and running boards on the 06 sport but I want the Limited. I wonder if the dealers would have any problem swapping those?

When I get serious about getting an 07 (maybe in December) I'll worry about it then.

 

[Mark86]

The difference in power that you noticed is probably from the upgrade that took place in 2005. The V6 was given a 5 speed transmission and the V8 got a bump in torque (330) and horsepower (275). My dad has a 2006 Limited with the Michelins and I think the thicker glass makes a difference. My truck has Revos, so you really can't compare tire noise. As for wind noise, it is very muffled in the 2006. I can definitely hear the difference between my 2005 and 2006. In addition, the leather feels like it is better quality in the 2006. I like all of the cosmetic changes on the 2006 model as well. LED taillights are really cool!

 

[azskyrider]

In addition, the leather feels like it is better quality in the 2006.

Anyone know if the leather in the 4runner up to par with the GX?

Thanks

 

[Mark86]

Anyone know if the leather in the 4runner up to par with the GX?

Thanks

I would say the leather in the GX is still a bit softer. The leather in the 2006 is much closer to GX than the leather in the 2005 4Runner.