The Toyota Tundra has entered a new era with its first full redesign in over a decade and a half. For years, while the domestic giants like Ford, General Motors, and Ram consistently innovated and updated their full-size truck offerings, the Tundra remained largely unchanged. This new model aims to bridge that gap, bringing Toyota’s contender up to speed with modern expectations in a highly competitive segment. After putting the redesigned Tundra through rigorous testing, we’re here to provide a comprehensive Toyota Tundra Review, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and overall position in the current truck landscape.
While the latest Tundra undeniably represents an improvement over its predecessor – boasting enhanced power, quicker acceleration, and a more spacious cabin – it’s crucial to understand where it stands against its formidable rivals. Has Toyota truly leapfrogged the competition, or is the Tundra now simply playing in the same ballpark? Our in-depth assessment will delve into key aspects like performance, fuel economy, ride comfort, interior features, and truck capabilities to give you a clear picture.
Potent Powertrain: The Twin-Turbo V6 Engine
One of the most significant transformations in the new Tundra is under the hood. Toyota has replaced the previous V8 engine with a state-of-the-art 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This engine is a powerhouse, generating an impressive 389 horsepower and a robust 479 lb.-ft. of torque. The result is readily apparent on the road. The Tundra delivers effortless acceleration in any gear and across the RPM range, providing ample power for both daily driving and demanding tasks. During our track testing, the Tundra surged from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 6.3 seconds, establishing itself as the quickest full-size pickup in terms of acceleration we’ve tested.
Complementing this potent engine is a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is a standout feature, executing upshifts with remarkable smoothness, often imperceptible even compared to luxury vehicles. While downshifts are more noticeable, as is typical in this truck class, the overall performance and responsiveness of this powertrain are exceptional.
Fuel Economy and Hybrid Considerations
Despite the advancements in powertrain technology, fuel economy remains a point of consideration. In our testing, the Tundra achieved 17 mpg overall. While respectable for a full-size truck, it falls short of the 19 mpg achieved by the Ford F-150 with its popular 2.7-liter turbo V6 engine. Furthermore, unlike many of its competitors, the standard Tundra models do not offer automatic 4WD. Drivers need to manually engage 4WD when needed and revert to rear-wheel drive when conditions improve, a feature that some may find less convenient than automatic systems.
Toyota does offer a hybrid version of the Tundra, branded as the iForce Max. However, similar to Ford’s F-150 PowerBoost hybrid, the primary focus here is enhanced performance rather than a dramatic improvement in fuel efficiency. The iForce Max hybrid powertrain utilizes the same twin-turbocharged V6 as the standard model but incorporates an electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission. This boosts the total output to 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 lb.-ft. of torque, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing power and responsiveness.
Ride and Handling: Comfort and Control
Another notable change in the Tundra’s redesign is the shift to coil spring rear suspension, replacing the traditional leaf springs found in most full-size pickups. This transition mirrors Ram’s successful move over a decade ago, which significantly improved the Ram 1500’s ride comfort. However, in the Tundra, the improvement is more modest. While the ride is acceptable, it still exhibits the characteristic rear-end bounce on uneven surfaces common to pickup trucks.
In terms of handling, the Tundra can feel somewhat cumbersome, particularly in corners. The steering is light and can feel slow, contributing to a sensation of ponderousness in the front end. Despite this, the Tundra demonstrated stability during our handling tests, achieving comparable performance in avoidance maneuvers to other trucks in its class. One area where the Tundra underperformed was braking, with stopping distances that were longer than average for full-size pickups.
Interior and Cabin Experience: Design and Comfort
Inside the Tundra, the cabin presents a robust and rugged aesthetic, characterized by large, easily accessible buttons, sturdy rocker switches, and a generously sized volume knob. The design prioritizes functionality and durability, aligning with the truck’s intended use. We experienced two trim levels: the high-end 1794 Edition and the more mainstream SR5 model. While the 1794 Edition impressed with its upscale interior appointments, the SR5 exhibited a more utilitarian, work-truck feel. The SR5 model featured noticeable plastic materials, less refined steering-wheel controls, and some rough edges on trim panels.
The Tundra incorporates a large touchscreen infotainment system that is generally user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, reaching the far right side of the screen can be a stretch for the driver, and the system can exhibit a slow startup time upon vehicle ignition. In terms of space, the crew cab Tundra offers a remarkably spacious interior. The front seats are wide and reasonably comfortable, accommodating various body types, although their flatter design provides limited lateral support during cornering. Ample headroom, a well-positioned footrest, and adequately padded armrests contribute to driver comfort. The rear seat is equally generous in space, providing substantial knee room, good headroom, and decent leg support. While the seatback is somewhat upright, it offers sufficient rake for comfortable longer journeys. A unique and practical feature is the power retractable rear window, adding to the cabin’s versatility.
Truck Capabilities and Practicality
When it comes to traditional truck duties, the Tundra holds its own against the competition. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds (though more common trims are rated slightly above 11,000 pounds) and a maximum payload capacity of 1,940 pounds. The spray-on bedliner, constructed from a dent- and corrosion-resistant composite material, promises long-term durability. The tailgate is user-friendly, easily opened and closed, and can be conveniently operated via a button on the key fob. Practical features such as tie-down points, power outlets, and bed-side lights further enhance the Tundra’s utility.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Toyota prioritizes safety, equipping every Tundra model with a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver-assistance features. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are available as options on the SR5 trim and standard on the Limited and higher trims, further enhancing safety and driver awareness.
Conclusion: A Solid Contender, But Not a Class Leader
In conclusion, the redesigned Toyota Tundra is a significant step forward for Toyota in the full-size truck segment. It delivers a potent and refined powertrain, a spacious cabin, and robust truck capabilities. However, it doesn’t decisively surpass its key competitors in areas like fuel economy, ride comfort, or innovative storage solutions. Instead, the Tundra has effectively caught up to the pack, becoming a more compelling and competitive option within the full-size truck market. For buyers prioritizing Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, the Tundra is certainly worth considering. However, those seeking class-leading fuel efficiency, the most refined ride, or cutting-edge features might find themselves still drawn to offerings from Ford, Ram, or GM. The Toyota Tundra review reveals a truck that is now firmly in the mix, offering a balanced and capable package for a wide range of truck buyers.
