2014 Toyota Tundra SR5

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com

For 2014 the redesigned 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.

The design team set out to create a bold and powerful exterior to embody Tundra’s performance capabilities. The all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern industrial image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to visually punctuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The grille has a taller, bolder look, visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. Front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for lower replacement costs. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance.

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.

The interior of the SR5 features a professional gear theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. The new design uses premium surface treatments such as high granulated paint on the center cluster and unique seat stitching to enhance interior quality and durability.

Under the hood 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.

Several enhancements have been implemented on the 2014 Tundra to improve performance. Shock-absorber valving has been re-tuned to improve ride quality over harsh surfaces, steering feel and straight-line stability have been enriched due to steering-system-enhancements. These reduce the inputs from road variations and imperfections, resulting in improved straight line stability and less driver fatigue.

Interior cabin noise is reduced by the advanced design of engine compartment NVH treatments and innovative engineering. Among the many design developments are the installation of a new hood insulator design, a sound-absorbing dash, reduced windshield angles, a non-breathable headliner, door trim pads, and body mounts under the dash and rear panels help to reduce sound transmission from the engine compartment to the vehicle cabin.

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.

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, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4×2 Regular Cab). 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.

All SR5 models will come standard with Entune Audio Plus, which includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle with Hi-Res 7.0-inch touch-screen display; HD Radio with iTunes tagging and HD Traffic and Weather; and SiriusXM satellite radio (90-day trial).

Simplified option packages help to make it easier for customers to find the right Tundra with the equipment they desire. Tundra SR5 models offer an SR5 Upgrade Package that includes front bucket seats with power driver seat and power lumbar support, floor-mounted urethane shift lever and knob, tilt and telescopic urethane steering wheel, three front cup holders, a front console box, a rear under seat storage tray (Double Cab only), and an alarm system.

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.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $33,325.00, the one I drove included the Deck-Rail System, Entune Premium with navigation and App Suite, 18-Inch 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels, SR5 Upgrade Package, Bedliner, Spare Tire Lock and Alloy Wheels Locks, and it came in at $38,039.00 including delivery, processing and handling fee.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Toyota.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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