And its civility is all the more impressive when the truck is put into perspective. A quick look in the rearview mirror makes one thing very clear, just how much roadway is consumed by the full-size cab and box of the Tundra Double Cab. Toyota didn't diminish the length of the Tundra Double Cab box. It extends approximately 188 mm (7 inches) further down the road than that of the Ford F150 Crew Cab or the new Nissan Titan Crew Cab. Even with its extra box length factored in, the civilized attributes of the Tundra Double Cab belie its substantial overall length of 5,845 mm (230 inches) and heft of 2,258 kg (4,980 lbs).
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| With its impressive suspension setup, the Tundra successfully pulls off a car-like ride. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Thanks to an independent front suspension incorporating a double wishbone design, coil springs, gas filled low-pressure nitrogen shocks and a sway bar, the Tundra successfully pulls off the car-like ride. Of course the rear suspension must do more than merely transmit a favorable ride, it also needs to be capable of supporting whatever payload is foisted upon it. To do this Toyota has armed the Tundra with lengthened leaf springs at the rear and outboard mounted gas-filled, low-pressure nitrogen shocks.
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| The Tundra climbed up and down very steep snow-covered hills without a problem, thanks in part to its optional off-road package. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Collectively, the front and rear suspension calibrations nicely blend the ideals of ride quality, handling and payload carrying capacity. But don't let the notion of a smooth riding pickup deceive you into believing that it must lack decent off-road ability. A short jaunt over some very steep, craggy pitches covered with foot deep snow dispelled that myth. The accompanying pictures don't tell the full story. Well into the bowels of the off-road site, the Tundra climbed and descended pitches that led me to feel I was breaching the Great Wall of China. The Tundra undertook and executed these maneuvers with competence and tenacity, partly due to my tester's optional off-road package.