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Toyota Tundra Review
The Toyota Tundra was introduced in 2000 as Toyota's full-size pickup. With each subsequent year, Toyota has improved upon it, eventually earning it recognition as a top-notch competitor in its class. The most recent update was in 2005, when it received some cosmetic touch ups and more powerful engines. It remained basically unchanged for the 2006 model year, but a redesign is expected for 2007.
See also the main fact sheets for the Toyota Tundra.
High Points
- Excellent build quality
- Long truck bed
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Good turning radius
- Sophisticated interior feels like a car
- 4WD version performs well off-road
Low Points
- Not as big or powerful as some competitors
- No 3/4 ton model
- No diesel option
- Rear seats are cramped
- Bland styling
Performance and Handling
The Tundra is available with either a 4.0L 236hp V6 engine or a 4.7L 271hp V8. Though this is a bit less than some bigger, more powerful competitors such as the Nissan Titan, it's still respectable and it makes up for it with other perks. One of them is that the Tundra drives smoothly and delivers tight handling. Smaller than some of its competitors, the Tundra also has a relatively impressive turn radius for a pickup. Vehicle Stability Control and traction control should also provide some stability to the ride.
Gas Mileage
Of 13 rated full-size trucks on Autos.com, the most fuel efficient Toyota Tundra ranked 6th overall. This, of course, does not reflect the various trims of the truck, which all have varying statistics. The city/highway mileage for each of these, as reported by FuelEconomy.gov, are as follows:
Safety
The NHTSA performed safety tests on all three styles of the Tundra, with the exception of the double cab, on which side impact results were not available. In these tests, all received 4/5 stars for front driver impact, 5/5 stars for front passenger impact, and 3/5 stars for rollover. The regular and access cabs also received 5/5 stars in side impact tests.
Reliability and Maintenance
The Tundra is one of the highest rated pickups as rated by Consumer Reports, even with an overall rating of just 67, which still falls under CR's "Very Good" category. Most aspects of the truck have proven to be reliable since its introduction in 2000, with engine problems being improved upon by 2003. Overall, Automotive Information Systems has given the Tundra its green rating, and with Toyota's reputation, the improvements are sure to come with future models.
Interior and Comforts
The Tundra comes available in three different forms, a Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Extended Cab. While the Regular Cab only features a front seat, the Access Cab and Double Cab both offer a rear seat. The middle seat in the rear is also equipped with a shoulder strap seat belt as well as a head restraint for added safety.
Some of the interior options available, depending on trim, in the Tundra are leather seating, heated front seats, simulated wood dashboard inserts, a floor console, rear door bins, cruise control, and power loocks, windows, and mirrors.
Exterior
As with its interior, the Tundra's exterior differs from trim to trim. The Regular Cab only features a front seat but it makes up for it by having one of the longest beds in the half-ton class. The Access Cab shortens the bed and includes a rear seat area, and the Double Cab extends the overall length of the truck to include a complete rear seat area.
Tundra styling has always been simple, and although it has received some updates in recent years, many still complain about its lack of flair. In this day and age, when consumers want even their utility vehicles to possess a bit of pizazz, the Tundra stands out from the pack only in that it remains relatively simple amongst its more flashy peers.
Regular Cab possesses one of the longest beds in the half-ton class, making it ideal for moderate hauling. The Tundra in general, however, is not well-equipped to handle heavy duty jobs, one of its few drawbacks. Ground clearance is good at 12.3" and makes for a satisfactory off-road experience.
Styles and Options
There are three styles of Tundra available in various trims: the Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab. All are available with either a V6 or a V8 engine, and 4WD is optional for all as well.
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