Last fall, during the launch of the all-new Tundra, I was pretty impressed by the results of my short test. I recently asked Toyota for a 4WD Double Cab model in SR5 trim. This package includes, among other things, a power-adjustable driver seat, a telescopic steering wheel, a front console box with lid, 18-inch wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers and a sliding rear window. The Double Cab also comes standard with a 4.7L V8 engine; however, in 4x4 SR5 trim, a 5.7L V8 with 6-speed automatic transmission is fitted under the hood. The 4WD system is engaged via a one-touch dashboard-mounted control. In addition, the transmission features an electronic Tow mode that holds or increases gear ratios to make shifts easier and smoother.
The load and the route
As you can see on the pictures, our Tundra was towing a trailer carrying a 1963 MG Midget, which represents a 3,000-lb load excluding the 1000 lbs of additional hardware. We drove for more than 1,200 kilometres, from Laval (Quebec) to Loudon (New Hampshire), home of the Loudon International Speedway. This venue holds NASCAR races from the Nextel Cup and Craftsman Truck series. We took a number of highways and byroads, including a long, winding section in Vermont's White Mountains.
Comfortable and spacious
You have to climb to get on board the Tundra Double Cab, but several handles are there to help you. I found the cloth-trimmed driver seat very comfortable; the seatback ergonomics and adjustments allowed me to drive for six hours (including two short breaks to eat and fill up the tank) without feeling any sort of pain. In terms of storage, I put the Tundra above the average for full-size pickup trucks. Only the Ford F-150 can match the Toyota. The center console is large enough to house a portable computer and I was able to stow numerous items in the other compartments. I also took advantage of the 60/40 split-folding rear seat's lift-up cushion to accommodate part of my gear. As for visibility, I only have one complaint to make: the constant rain sticks to the rear window and impedes the driver's rear view. A power-sliding function would allow us to wipe the window once in a while.
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| Here's the 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab in 4x4 SR5 trim. |
The load and the route
As you can see on the pictures, our Tundra was towing a trailer carrying a 1963 MG Midget, which represents a 3,000-lb load excluding the 1000 lbs of additional hardware. We drove for more than 1,200 kilometres, from Laval (Quebec) to Loudon (New Hampshire), home of the Loudon International Speedway. This venue holds NASCAR races from the Nextel Cup and Craftsman Truck series. We took a number of highways and byroads, including a long, winding section in Vermont's White Mountains.
Comfortable and spacious
You have to climb to get on board the Tundra Double Cab, but several handles are there to help you. I found the cloth-trimmed driver seat very comfortable; the seatback ergonomics and adjustments allowed me to drive for six hours (including two short breaks to eat and fill up the tank) without feeling any sort of pain. In terms of storage, I put the Tundra above the average for full-size pickup trucks. Only the Ford F-150 can match the Toyota. The center console is large enough to house a portable computer and I was able to stow numerous items in the other compartments. I also took advantage of the 60/40 split-folding rear seat's lift-up cushion to accommodate part of my gear. As for visibility, I only have one complaint to make: the constant rain sticks to the rear window and impedes the driver's rear view. A power-sliding function would allow us to wipe the window once in a while.
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| This pickup truck behaved remarkably well despite towing a heavy load. |