By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Toyota News Room
After a redesign for the 2014 model year the Toyota Tundra half-ton full-size pickup truck comes back with an encore for 2015. The value-driven and capable Tundra yet gets more upgrades, including standard V8 power across the board, a new TRD Pro model with special off-road suspension and an available spray-in bed liner.
Exterior
Tundra offers three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax. Tundra Regular Cab models come exclusively with a long bed (8.1-foot) configuration. Double Cab models are offered in both standard bed (6.5-foot) or long bed (8.1-foot) configurations and include Rear Under Seat Tray Storage on the SR5 and Limited grades. The CrewMax comes with a 5.5-foot bed. All beds are 22.2-in. deep.
As tough as it looks, the Tundra design is also quite sophisticated in its function. For example, patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins on the tail lamp lenses and mirror bases help reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle. These Aero-Fins also help to enhance straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing.
The easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam, can easily be removed when necessary and comes standard with a lock feature to help prevent theft. Limited trim Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding horizontal rear window, while the CrewMax models have a power vertical sliding rear window.
2015 Toyota Tundra
2015 Toyota Tundra
Interior
All Tundras start out with a quiet cabin, made even quieter by comprehensive new sound insulation methods and materials. So, even in the base SR model, the ride is amazingly civilized. From there, the Tundra becomes what you need it to be. All models come with a standard back-up camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. All have a standard windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear mudguards, power window and door locks, and heated, power, outside mirrors. Standard High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass helps filter solar heat and most UV light energy entering the vehicle. This helps reduce occupant sun exposure, helps to keep the interior cooler, and enhances durability of interior materials.
The Limited grade adds leather seating surfaces in Black, Sand Beige or Graphite with matching soft-touch door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The list of added amenities includes dual zone air conditioning and a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support.
In addition the Platinum and 1794 Edition upgrade to perforated, premium leather-trimmed seats and matching door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome console accent badging for an upscale, yet urban feel. Standard amenities include a 12-way power driver’s seat with memory and a 4-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation; a 12-speaker
touch-screen Entune Premium JBL Audio system with navigation; a power moonroof; parking sonar; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink universal transceiver.
2015 Toyota Tundra
2015 Toyota Tundra
Two Engine Choices, Both Powerful V8s
For 2015, the Tundra comes standard with the 4.6-liter i-Force V8 that doles out 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. The most popular Tundra engine, still one of the most capable and advanced in the full-size pickup segment, is the 5.7-liter i-Force V8. A real workhorse, it’s also remarkably refined as it generates 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.7-liter is offered in both gasoline and Flex Fuel variants.
Both V8s feature an aluminum cylinder block and double overhead-cam heads with four valves per cylinder. In both, Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Acoustic Control Induction System get credit for a broad torque curve and helping to optimize efficiency. Both V8s come teamed with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4WD optional.
2015 Toyota Tundra
Performance
The foundation for Tundra’s strength and up to 10,500-lb. towing capacity is its advanced TripleTech frame. The Triple refers to the wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel beneath the bed for strength, ride quality and durability. The double A-arm front suspension uses coil-over spring shock units, and a front-mounted steering rack helps enhance steering feel and response, while decreasing the overall turning diameter.
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. Included with the 4WDemand part-time 4WD system is Active Traction Control, which operates like Auto-LSD, except it allows full, unrestricted engine output and transfers power to the wheel with the most traction on both the front and rear axles.
Summary
The Tundra works and plays like a full-size American pickup should, while delivering Toyota value through a clear model grade strategy. In addition to the new TRD Pro, the line includes the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades, the Platinum and unique 1794 Edition.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $47,875.00 for the Platinum Edition 4×4 Plat Crewmax 5.7 L i-Force V8 Engine, the one I drove, included, Blind Spot Monitor, Bed Mat, Dual Exhaust, Remote Engine Start, Center Console Storage Tray and the TRD Performance Air Filter, and it came in at $51,353.00 including delivery, processing and handling fee.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
