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Fitment Guaranteed for 2006 Toyota Highlander

What Size Bulbs Does a 2006 Toyota Highlander Use?

Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.

Installation Difficulty

Easy (Plug and Play)

Est. Replacement Cost

$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)

What Lighting System Does the 2006 Toyota Highlander Have?

The 2006 Toyota Highlander features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Highlander has been available from 2002 to 2019, and the 2006 model falls in the early-generation years.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

To upgrade the 2006 Toyota Highlander headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a 9006 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.

How to Replace Bulbs on a 2006 Toyota Highlander

The 9006 bulb uses a push-and-twist L-shaped bayonet lock. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2006 Highlander typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the 9006 LED fog light socket.

Full Upgrade Bundle

Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once

Low Beam: 9006 LEDHigh Beam: 9005 LEDFog Light: 9006 LEDBrake Light: 921 LEDSide Marker: 168 LEDTurn Signal Front: 7528 LEDTurn Signal Rear: 7440NA LEDReverse Light: 921Dome Light: DE3175License Plate: 168Map Light: 168Parking Light: 7528Trunk Light: LED Light
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How Long Do 2006 Toyota Highlander Headlight Bulbs Last?

Standard halogen headlights on the 2006 Toyota Highlander have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 20 years old, the original bulbs on your Highlander are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.

What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2006 Toyota Highlander?

The 9006 low beam bulb on the 2006 Toyota Highlander is cross-compatible with HB4 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9006 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.

2006 Toyota Highlander Headlight FAQ

The 2006 Toyota Highlander uses a 9006 LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

The high beam bulb size for the 2006 Toyota Highlander is 9005 LED.

The 2006 Toyota Highlander uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Yes, the 2006 Toyota Highlander comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a 9006 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Yes, the 2006 Toyota Highlander takes a 9006 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Turn off the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the headlight assembly from behind, remove the dust cover or retaining clip, disconnect the wiring harness, twist the old 9006 LED bulb counter-clockwise to remove it, then insert the new bulb and reassemble. The whole process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per side depending on accessibility.

LED bulbs used off-road or in auxiliary lights are legal everywhere. For on-road headlight use, legality varies by state. Many states allow LED retrofits as long as the beam pattern meets DOT standards. For the best legal compliance, choose a DOT-approved 9006 LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

A pair of halogen 9006 LED bulbs costs $15 to $40, while LED conversion kits run $25 to $60 per pair. If you have a shop do the work, expect an additional $20 to $50 in labor per bulb. Replacing them yourself at home saves the labor cost and usually takes under 30 minutes.

Halogen bulbs produce a warm yellow light (around 3200K), last 500 to 1000 hours, and draw more power. LED bulbs emit a brighter white light (5000-6000K), last 25,000+ hours, and use less energy. LED upgrades for the 9006 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

Did Toyota Highlander Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?

Over its production run from 2002 to 2019, the Toyota Highlander has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2006 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2006 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.

Other Highlander Years

Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs

These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: