The 2013 Toyota Tundra is a solid work truck that comes in short and long bed configurations, as well as regular cab or double cab set ups. An engine that runs on flexible fuel is even available for the environmentally conscious driver.
New For 2013
The Tundra essentially carries over unchanged for 2013. The luxurious platinum package is now a distinct trim level. It includes heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, and a sunroof.
Exterior
The fully galvanized steel body of the 2013 Toyota Tundra comes in several colors of clearcoat or metallic monotone paint. The grille is black or has a metal-look, depending on the model chosen. Windows come either light tinted or deep tinted, depending on model, though deep tinted windows are available for trucks that do not have them standard. A wide variety of wheels are available. Silver styled steel, silver aluminum, and machined aluminum are standard for the lower, middle, and upper level trims respectively. Forged aluminum, black aluminum, and chrome aluminum wheels are also available, for added class. All wheels come paired with all-season tires. Platinum models even come with a sunroof.
Interior & Cargo
Most models come with manual air conditioning, though it is dual zone- so some individual control is allowed in the front. The Limited and Platinum models have dual zone automatic air conditioning, so that individual comfort can be further customized. All air conditioning systems come with an air filter to keep air fresh throughout the cabin.
The regular cab Tundra models seat three passengers, while the double cab models can seat up to six passengers. Front seats are split-bench in the lower level trims and bucket seats in the Limited and Platinum trims. The driver’s seat is four-way adjustable for the base models, and ten-way power adjustable for the upper tier models. The front passenger’s seat is either four-way manual or four-way power adjustable, depending on model chosen. The Limited and Platinum models even come with lumbar support, cooled seats, and heated seats for the driver and passenger. All seats come upholstered in cloth, except for Limited and Platinum submodels, which come upholstered in leather.
The audio system is decent. All models come with at least an AM/FM/CD player. The Limited models have an in-dash mounted six-CD player, while the Platinum models have an in-dash mounted, four-disc player. All audio systems can be hooked up to an MP3 player or auxiliary audio, and are Bluetooth compatible. Music plays through four up to ten Brand speakers, depending on submodel chosen. Unfortunately, steering wheel audio controls only come standard on Limited and Platinum models. An entertainment system is also available for these trims. The navigation system is optional for all models save the Platinum, where it comes standard, complete with voice activation. A compass is available for drivers who decide not to purchase the navigation system option; this feature comes standard for Limited and Platinum models. For added convenience, a programmable garage door opener is available on lower trims and standard for Limited and Platinum trims. The driver and front passenger stay updated on the outside temperature through a digital display.
This truck can carry up to 2090 pounds of passengers and cargo, depending on the model chosen. Or, it could pull up to a 10,400 pound trailer, also depending on the submodel that is selected. For additional cargo carrying possibilities, the front passenger seat can fold flat.
Safety
The 2013 Toyota Tundra received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for safety. This truck only rated three out of five stars on rollover resistance, however- so, extra caution will need to be taken when performing maneuvers with high risk of rollover, such as cornering. The electronic stability system somewhat helps with this.
Airbags include frontal driver and front passenger airbags, seat mounted driver and passenger side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and knee protection airbags for the driver and front passenger. Airbags come with an occupant sensor. Anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control work together to help the driver stay in control of the truck at all times.
Remote keyless entry is provided in the form of a key fob – standard for upper tier trims and available as an option for the more basic models. This feature comes with a panic alarm, which can be used to deter theft. Ignition disable also helps with this, and stolen vehicle tracking is available as an option, in case the vehicle does get stolen. This truck gives the standard low fuel, service interval, and low tire pressure warnings.
Driving Experience
Tundra trucks come with one of three engines. The base V-6 model comes with a 4.0-liter, 270 horsepower, V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual. This engine produces 278 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 16/20 mpg city/highway. The base V-8 model comes with a 4.6-liter, 310 horsepower, V-8 engine. This engine produces 327 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 15/20 mpg city/highway. All other models come with a 5.7-liter, 381 horsepower, V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual.
This engine can be a regular gasoline type or a flexible fuel type, depending on driver preference. In both cases, this engine produces 401 lb-ft of torque and is rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway. Cruise control is standard on the upper level trims, and available as an option on the lower level trims.
Toyota Tundra trucks come with a double independent suspension in the front, supported by coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks. In the rear, is a leaf suspension, which comes supported by leaf springs and gas-pressurized shocks. This suspension combination allows for improved maneuverability, while still allowing the truck to bear heavy loads. Offroad suspension tuning is available for some models.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Toyota Tundra
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500