Toyota has offered many small trucks in its time and many of these models have been huge successes. The Tundra is the first attempt from Toyota to break into the big boy truck market and the Tundra does offer a very solid overall work truck. The 2011 Tundra starts $23,935 and offers up to 20 mpg on the highway. This makes the Tundra one of the best values in its class as far as price and fuel economy goes. The Tundra was the Motor Trend Truck of the Year when it was introduced in 2008 and the newer models are built on the same technology that was respected when it was first released.
There are 4 engine choices in the Tundra a 4.0 liter V-6, a 4.7 liter V-8 and a 5.7 liter V-8. The largerst engine option offers 381 horsepower which make the Tundra formidable opponent when it comes to towing heavy loads or carrying a ton of cargo in the bed. This truck is of course available in rear wheel drive and 4WD variations and offers a multitude of cab variations to allow for plenty of customization.
The Range
Body styles: Truck
Engines: 4.0L V-6, 4.6L V-8, 5.7L V-8
Transmissions: 5-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Models: Regular Cab, Double Cab, CrewMax
What's New
Following the introduction of a new V-8 engine and a mild restyle for 2010, The 2011 Toyota Tundra brings dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms to the 4.0-liter V-6. Other new additions are trailer sway control and brake override system. Inside, the Tundra's ashtray is no longer available and the cigarette lighter was replaced by a 12-volt power port. Toyota has also discontinued 10 low-volume combinations in the Tundra lineup.
Exterior
The Toyota Tundra's corners are more rounded than on previous Toyotas, yet the lines are much more aggressive overall. The Tundra's wheels are 18-inches standard and 20-inch wheels are available with 5.7-liter V-8-equipped Tundras or as part of the Tundra's TRD Sport Package.
Interior
Plenty of features allow the Tundra to be more work-biased or a luxury truck depending on configuration. With the Tundra, you can get a choice of gauges, tow package, everything from rubber floor to carpet, seating for three to six people, DVD navigation, and power doors/locks/windows.
Performance & Handling
The Toyota Tundra's ride is a little choppy unloaded, but improves greatly when there is cargo in the bad. At the track, the 4.6-liter V-8 moves the Tundra to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, a time that goes down to 6.0 with the 5.7-liter V-8 models. Braking from 60 mph takes 138 feet with the 4.6-liter V8-powered 4x4 Double Cab, 139 feet with the 5.7-liter V-8 powered Tundra 4x4 Double Cab.
Safety
Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, dual front knee airbags, and front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags are standard on the Toyota Tundra. Also standard are four-wheel disc ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, stability control, and traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Regular Cab, Double Cab, CrewMax: 13-15 mpg city/17-20 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Wide array of features
- Excellent power
- Fantastic towing and payload capability
- Improved fuel economy
- Quiet interior
You Won't Like
- Controversial styling
- Topline Tundras get expensive
- Rough ride with empty bed
- Some hard-to-reach controls
Sum Up
Big, bad, and ready for the tough stuff
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford F-150
- Ram 1500
- Nissan Titan