To be clear, unlike the Volvo XC90 crossover-SUV that uses a
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| Mesh grille is just one of the many TRD components added. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Yamaha designed and built V8, the Tundra Yamaha Edition sticks with the already impressive Toyota V8, an advanced engine featuring variable-valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), 32-valves, and double overhead camshafts. The engine is made better thanks to the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, super electronically controlled (Super ECT) no less, responding well to jabs at the throttle no matter if passing on the flat or hauling uphill. Foot to the floor, the grunt of the V8 and gurgling dual exhaust made for a music all its own, but as the revs perked up and my speed increased, I swear I could see the fuel gauge dip lower and lower. While I can't say I was particularly thrilled to put $75 worth of regular into the Tundra just to drive a mere 300 and some odd kilometers (with the price of gas being $1.13 at its lowest), that's what I had to pay to drive around town in a swanky truck. It's the nature of the 4.7L V8 beast. According to the "official" specs, the Tundra's fuel economy averages at 15.9L/100km in the city and 12.3L/100km in the city (16 / 19 mpg). Of course, Transport Canada ratings are hardly accurate, so suffice it to say its fuel ratings are definitely not Prius-like by any means, but nevertheless average for the half-ton pickup truck category.
When
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| From the cabin, the Tundra feels a mere 7/8ths the size of a traditional truck. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I wasn't paying attention to how fast my fuel was being consumed, I particularly enjoyed driving the Tundra. I love trucks, and the bigger, the better. Driving the large-and-in-charge TRD Edition was surprisingly easy. It felt more like a big, long SUV rather than, well a truck, thanks to its 7/8ths size and variable assist, rack-and-pinion power steering; via a 4-spoke tilt steering wheel. Its maneuverability in the city and on the highway was quite comfortable even with its rather flexible front independent double wishbone suspension with gas shock absorbers, coil springs and stabilizer bar and rear heavy duty multi-leaf springs with bias-mounted shock absorbers suspension. Its turning radius is probably one if its biggest drawbacks, but I made all attempts to not pull "U'ies" unnecessarily.
As for comfort, I mentioned earlier that the Yamaha Edition came with
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| Centre stack is organized. What else would you expect from Toyota? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
the double cab configuration (there are 3 configurations Toyota offers in the Tundra lineup: regular cab, access cab and double cab). The comfort was not only for me, the driver, but those who sat in the rear due to a considerable amount of legroom at 953mm (37.5 in). While no one stayed in back for an 'extended' time, I heard nothing but compliments on how the rear seat was comfortable to sit in. I would have no problem hauling around a truckload of friends and surfboards on a long road trip, perhaps down to Oregon for some wave action, so long as everyone chipped in for gas! Now that I think of it, Toyota, can I have this truck for another week?
Going
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| Five can comfortably be seated on board. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
back to comfort for the driver, all the necessary amenities to make life cozy in such a spacious cabin were within arms reach. But before getting into the tall truck, the combination of running boards and 'oh crap' handle bars eased entry. The convenient layout of buttons and knobs, and not to mention a big bertha sized front center console box, which accommodated all of the junk I collected throughout the week, made my experience more driver-friendly. The upholstered seats combined with a foldable armrest allowing me to remain content as I hauled myself back and forth from work and various social activities. In addition, the P265/65R17 all-season radial tires with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (also part of the Yamaha package) accentuated the truck's overall smooth ride.
