The Toyota Tundra is the brand’s contender in the full-size truck segment. It’s earned a reputation for durability and reliability, but it faces stiff competition from the Big Three’s half-ton trucks, not to mention an all-new Nissan Titan which will arrive for 2017. The Tundra is the segment’s oldest design and is going on a decade in its current generation.
For 2017, the Tundra stays the course with the exception of greater availability of the heavy-duty TRD Pro package. It’s now available on the Double Cab and the Crew Max body styles. Also new this year are two colours: Blazing Blue (available on all models) and Inferno (TRD Off-Road Package exclusive).
The Tundra is available in three cab styles (Regular, Double Cab, Crew Max), and two bed lengths. The Regular Cab is available exclusively with an 8’ long box; the Double Cab with a 6.5’ box or an 8’ box; the CrewMax comes with a 5.5’ box. Interestingly, Tundras feature a three-piece bumper design that allows owners to swap out components when they get scratched, dinged, or dented.
Where other brands feature turbocharged engines, diesel power, and V6s throughout their ranges, the Tundra opts for tried and tested naturally aspirated V8s. Two V8s are offered. 4.6-litre units develop 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, which is more than what base-level engines on rival trucks produce. Those who regularly tow or haul may wish to select the 5.7-litre engine which makes 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard on some models, including the TRD Pro. Both engines pair to a six-speed automatic transmission.
While the Tundra’s powertrain is well proven, this old-school technology means it’s not as efficient as some rivals. The most frugal Tundra rates at 16.8 L/100 km city and 12.6 L/100 km highway, with the large-engined Crew Max rated at 18.1 L/100 km and 13.9 L/100 km.
While the Tundra will certainly tow most trailers with ease, it’s also not as capable as some of its rivals. Tow ratings range from 3,080 – 4,760 kg (6,800 – 10,500 lbs); most rivals have one model or another that can tow more than 12,000 lbs. Trailer brake controllers are featured throughout the model range. Payload ratings range between 530 - 800 kg (1,180 - 1,770 kg)
One highlight of the Tundra range is the TRD Pro trim level. A step above the similarly named TRD Off-Road, it adds Bilstein shock absorbers with remote reservoirs, 18-inch wheels, beefy skid plates, a performance exhaust, performance tailpipes, and other distinctive styling tweaks. Oddly, the TRD Pro does not feature a locking rear differential but should prove to be more capable off road than most half-ton trucks on the market. Other trim levels worth calling out are the luxurious Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition – Toyota’s take on the Cowboy Cadillac luxo truck.
From a technology standpoint, all Tundras receive a 6.1-inch touchscreen display audio system, standard rear camera, and Bluetooth. A larger 7.0-inch screen is available, but in-car connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not yet available. Though the Tundra is not available with radar cruise control or lane-keeping assist, certain trims can be outfitted with blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing for the Tundra ranges from $30,425 for the 4x2 Regular Cab SR to $58,540 for the Crew Max Platinum 1794 Edition.
