Freshened with styling and interior enhancements for 2006, Toyota's truck-based mid-size sport-utility vehicle receives a restyled front fascia that includes a newly designed grille, front bumper, integrated fog lamps, and projector headlamps along with restyled taillamps and rear bumper. Additional styling changes include redesigned lower cladding, mudguards, and overfenders. Inside, the 4Runner features an updated instrument cluster, and a new mini-port in the center console allows audio-system connectivity for most portable music players. The standard powerplant remains a 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine that includes Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). An available 4.7-liter V-8 likewise includes VVT-i and generates 270 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. Rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models remain available. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hill Control, Vehicle Skid Control, and Traction Control. Power seats are newly standard for 2006 on on Sport and SR5 V-8 models, and are optional on the SR5 V-6. Limited versions now receive standard memory seats and black wood graphic interior trim. Side and side-curtain airbags, a third-row seat, and a navigation system are among the vehicle's many options.

A new Avalon full-size sedan debuted in early 2005 with added power and refinement and more elegant styling inside and out. It comes in four trim levels, with all versions being fitted with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that utilizes Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and a dual-stage variable intake manifold to generate 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This is 33 percent more muscle than the version it replaces and is Toyota's most powerful V-6 ever. It drives the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift function that allows the driver to shift gears manually. Offering a smooth and quiet ride across the line, the Touring version features a more firmly tuned suspension for added handling prowess. A host of safety and chassis-control systems includes side-curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and available Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control with Brake Assist. Available amenities include Toyota's keyless Smart Key system, Dynamic Cruise Control, heated and ventilated seats, and a remote starter function.

Coming in both coupe and convertible versions, this sporty two-door version of the Camry sedan comes powered by a 157-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Also available is a lustier 225-horsepower 3.3-liter VVT-i V-6 that can be fitted to a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. An SE Sport model includes stiffer front and rear springs, as well as sport-tuned front and rear shock absorbers and larger 17-inch wheels and tires for more precise handling. Front side-impact airbags are standard, and a generous selection of optional features includes side-curtain airbags, a navigation system and XM satellite radio. It remains status quo for 2006

Toyota's popular compact front-drive sedan continues unchanged for 2006. The Corolla comes powered in most versions by a 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant that can be mated to either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic. Added to the line last year was a sporty XRS edition that includes a number of upgrades, none the least of which is its 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed-manual transmission. This version also includes a number of exterior appearance additions, a sport-tuned suspension, and larger 16-inch alloy wheels and performance tires. Air conditioning, a CD stereo, power mirrors, a rear defogger and a tilt steering wheel are among the car's standard features, with front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, a sunroof and various audio-system upgrades optional.

This tall-roofed front-drive subcompact continues for a short 2006 run, and will be replaced in early 2006 by an all-new small car, called Yaris. Offered in coupe and sedan versions, the Echo is distinguished by a roomy interior that sports an instrument panel that's located at the top-center of the dashboard. A 108-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers admirable fuel economy, and can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Standard equipment is sparse, given its value-leading starting price, though features like front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power locks and windows are all available as options.

Debuting in early 2006 as a 2007 model, the FJ Cruiser is a "back to basics" retro-flavored sport-utility vehicle that's derived from, but is positioned and priced below, the 4Runner in Toyota's truck line. Consider it Toyota's answer to the Nissan Xterra. Wrapped in unique styling that's reminiscent of the automaker's classic FJ 40 SUV, the FJ Cruiser is distinguished by its black overfenders with mudguards, silver painted bumper extenders, mirrors, door handles and skid plate, two-part rear hatch with flip-up glass, and rear-hinged back seat access doors. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 245 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque; it's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission on both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions, and a six-speed manual is offered on 4x4 models. The truck rides on 17-inch wheels and tires and includes Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist; 4x2 models come with a standard automatic limited-slip differential. Optional features include a rear differential lock, electronic four-wheel traction control (on 4WD models), rear sonar backup assist, and front side and side-curtain airbags.

A recently introduced hybrid-powered version of Toyota's mid-size crossover SUV boosts both the vehicle's performance and its fuel economy. This is the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system that's also available in the Lexus RX, with which the Highlander otherwise shares platforms and components. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V-6 powerplant with a high-torque electric drive motor/generator to deliver the acceleration of a V-8 with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine (33 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on the highway). A gearless continuously variable automatic transmission and an electric power steering system are included. As in the standard versions, a choice of front or all-wheel drive is offered; the latter includes two separate electric motor/generators, one at each axle. Elsewhere in the line a fuel-efficient 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission remains the standard powertrain, while the conventional version of the aforementioned 3.3-liter 230-horsepower V-6, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, is optional. Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution come standard. A third-row seat is available to expand the Highlander's seating capacity to seven riders.

Sharing platforms, powertrains and components with the Pontiac Vibe, but offering its own distinctive exterior and interior styling, the Matrix is a Corolla-based sports wagon that's available in either front- or all-wheel drive. It's powered in its base version by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower in front-drive form and 123 horses with AWD; it can be fitted to either a five-speed manual (with front-drive models) or a four-speed automatic transmission. The top XRS is the sportiest version, by virtue of its more powerful 170-horsepower version of the 1.8-liter engine and standard six-speed manual transmission, which is the only available gearbox. Split-folding rear seats with ample tie-down locations and assorted storage areas and bins add to the Matrix's inherent utility. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are included on the top version and are offered elsewhere in the line, while Vehicle Stability Control is optionally offered on front-drive models. It sees minor changes only for 2006.

Toyota's futuristic-looking gas/electric hybrid-powered sedan continues with only incremental alterations for 2006, and remains in demand among both environmentally conscious buyers and those who simply want to save money at the fuel pump. The automaker's Hybrid Synergy Drive system uses an onboard electric motor/generator that works separately or in tandem, as conditions warrant, with a 1.5-liter gas engine to deliver good power with exceptional fuel economy - as high as 60 mpg - and ultra-low emissions. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard and is operated via a small joystick mounted on the dashboard. Its roomy interior is highlighted by a large electronic display that shows from which source or sources the vehicle is currently drawing power. Anti-lock brakes, power windows, locks and mirrors, and an electrically operated air conditioning system come standard, with a keyless entry and startup feature among the Prius' optional features.

Toyota's smallest crossover sport-utility vehicle is updated in its third generation for a late-2006 introduction, offering added performance and overall refinement. While few details were available as of this writing, the new model also promises a more expansive interior with flexible cargo-carrying solutions and added technology. Styling revisions inside and out will continue to make the RAV4 one of the most expressive-looking compact SUVs on the road. Features like anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution will continue to come standard, with a wide range of additional items available.

Revised last year with a freshened exterior and added underhood power, Toyota's full-size SUV stands pat for 2006. The vehicle's standard 4.7-liter V-8 engine generates a strong 282 horsepower, and drives either the rear or all four wheels via a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The base SR5 version includes four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes w/load sensing proportioning and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Skid Control, traction control, automatic front and rear air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power seats. The upscale Limited model includes a premium JBL stereo and leather heated seats, among other upgrades. A DVD rear-seat entertainment system and a rear load-leveling suspension are among the vehicle's many optional features.

The passenger-friendly Sienna minivan is graced with several styling enhancements for 2006 that include a restyled front fascia with an updated grille, foglamps, and headlamps, redesigned taillamp clusters, new interior fabrics and silver dash accents on CE and LE versions, and backlit Optitron instrumentation on LE, XLE, and Limited models. It comes wrapped in sleek (at least for a minivan) exterior styling, with a comfortable and highly functional interior. Its lengthy list of standard and available features includes some previously offered only in costlier luxury sedans. These include a rear-view video camera, front/rear parking proximity warnings, laser-guided cruise control, a DVD entertainment array, satellite navigation system, and surround-sound audio. A 3.3-liter V-6 engine produces 230 horsepower and drives either the front or all four wheels (in AWD versions) via a five-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock power brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist come standard, with Vehicle Stability Control optional. Front side and side-curtain airbags are newly included across the line for 2006. For 2006, all versions receive a standard universal audio mini-jack port and MP3 audio capability, and the optional DVD system gets a larger nine-inch LCD screen. The XLE receives a lighter wood grain accent and power front seats as standard equipment, while the Limited adds a power heated side mirror with memory, puddle lamp, and integrated turn signal.

Redesigned last year, the compact Tacoma pickup continues for 2006 with only minor tweaks, which includes a newly standard tire-pressure monitor. Eighteen model configurations are available, based on three cab types: Regular Cab, extended Access Cab with dual rear access doors and tumble flat rear seats, and the four-door Double Cab. The standard powerplant is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that utilizes Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce 164 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque; it offers a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 4.0-liter VVT-i V-6 that produces 245 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque that can be mated to a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox. Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist are standard, with side-curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Control optional. An AccessCab configured X-Runner version offers a longer wheelbase, a wider track and lower ride height, and comes powered by the V-6 and six-speed manual. An available Toyota Racing Development supercharger boosts this powerplant's output by about 60 more horses.

The all-new subcompact Yaris replaces the Echo in Toyota's lineup when it debuts in early 2006 as a 2007 model. While few details were available as of this writing, Toyota promises the European-designed Yaris will be a sophisticated small car with relatively high levels of comfort, quality, performance, and safety.