By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
The redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra half-ton full-size pickup truck adds dramatically bold elements of design, refinement, quality and craftsmanship, while building upon Tundra’s well-known reputation for reliability, efficiency and function.
A new bed design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler and TUNDRA stamped into the sheet metal, creating a one-piece forged look. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the tail lamps express a tool-like quality to match the appearance of the body. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three, for lower replacement costs.
The interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with new instrument panel. The meters feature 3-D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax are available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row.
The Limited grade has an active premium image with leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited is available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors and will have standard dual zone auto HVAC controls.
Under the hood Tundra continues to offer three proven powertrains. The Tundra workhorse, and still one of the most capable and advanced engines in the full-size pickup segment, is the 5.7-liter, DOHC i-Force V8. It generates 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 foot-pounds of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.7-liter is offered in both gasoline and Flex Fuel variants. Fuel efficiency on 4×2 models is a competitive 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined while the 4×4 achieves 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.
The V8 engine comes standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.
The standard Automatic Limited-Slip Differential helps provide better acceleration in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces. Compared to a conventional mechanical limited slip differential, the Auto-LSD system is much more responsive and has better wear characteristics. The Tundra’s VSC system integrates traction control and enhances traction on or off-road by helping keep the vehicle on its intended course.
Integration of these technologies also provides driver-selectable versatility to tackle just about any road surface or driving condition. In normal mode, VSC, TRAC and Auto-LSD all function to help enable traction and control capability. TRAC Off and Auto-LSD modes activate Auto-LSD to help extricate the Tundra from extreme conditions. The VSC Off mode turns off all three of these systems.
Tundra 4×4 models use an on-demand, electronically controlled four-wheel drive system featuring a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set to provide 4×2, 4×4 Hi and 4×4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial on the dash.
When equipped with a tow package, a one-piece towing receiver is integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.
With the Towing Package, the six-speed automatic transmission gains a TOW/HAUL shift mode, selectable by a dedicated switch. The TOW/HAUL mode applies specific logic for adjusting the throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control, favoring and holding lower gears when accelerating or decelerating to help enhance control and safety. Standard for all models, Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help counteract handling forces applied to the truck in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway.
Simplified option packages help to make it easier for customers to find the right Tundra with the equipment they desire. A Limited Premium Package, available with all Limited grade Tundras, includes front and rear parking sonar, power windows with driver and front passenger auto up/down; room, foot, and ignition key illuminated entry system; and a glass breakage sensor.
A TRD Off-Road Package combines off-road tuned suspension featuring Bilstein gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers, new 18-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels, rear side privacy glass, engine skid plate, front tow hooks on 4×2 models, and TRD unique badging.
Additional stand-alone options include a heated power outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature on all models, a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats standard on Limited, Platinum and 1794 models.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $41,895.00, the one I drove included the Limited Premium Package, TRD Off-Road Package, Running Boards, Bedliner, Alloy Wheels Locks and Spare Tire Lock, and it came in at $44,429.00.00 including delivery, processing and handling fee.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
