Styling changes for 2006 add still more visual muscle. The trapezoidal grille remains, but now it slashes into the bumper below; and one big, bold horizontal crossbar has replaced the two slimmer bars used previously. Foglights, when ordered last year, were contoured to the surface of the bumper; now they are standard, and they hunker down in squared-off foxholes. The more massive and bumpy front bumper sets a chunkier theme that continues through more prominent overfenders and body cladding (making the 2006 model an inch-and-a-half wider than the '05). Headlights and taillights have been more subtly re-shaped, with the teardrop effect of the former slightly exaggerated.

More than ever, the 4Runner looks off-road rugged and ready to hit the dusty trail. Backing up that contention are skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank, all of which come standard. (Even 2WD models get the engine and fuel tank plates.) A molded-in step adds a functional look to the broad rear bumper.

Visual cues help distinguish among the three trim levels. Bumpers are body-color on all three models. On SR5, however, grille, door handles, and the license-plate trim are chrome, and running boards are painted black. The Sport edition retains the hood scoop and is further distinguished by a smoked-chrome effect in its grille and headlamp trim, and by a graphite-and-black roof rack. Tubular side steps replace the SR5's running boards. The Limited looks almost military with its body-color grille, black roof rack and black running boards (which are illuminated). The standard aluminum-alloy wheels have six spokes on SR5 and Sport Edition; five on Limited, and they grow from 16 inches to 17 to 18 as you move up the line.

4Runner's windshield, side windows, and side mirrors are made of hydrophilic glass and repel water like a waxed car or a window that has been treated with Rain-X. The glass causes water to form large drops, which are quickly shed by gravity or wind. The side mirrors are angled out to increase the driver's field of view. The available moonroof includes a two-stage wind deflector designed to reduce wind noise when traveling above 55 mph.