2004 Toyota Tundra Double Cab Road Test

Shifting the big Double Cab into 4X4 Hi or Low range was a snap. A dash-mounted switch electronically activated the transfer case and voila, the Tundra morphed into a hill climbing champ. Held in low gear, the

Toyota's tried and true 240-hp 4.7-liter i-Force DOHC, 32-valve V8 engine gives the Tundra reliable performance. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Tundra is also a competent downhill'er as well. The engine's resistance is sufficient to hold downhill speed in check, while ensuring that vehicle control and stability are maintained.

The engine that performed so admirably on- and off-road was Toyota's tried and true 4.7-liter i-Force DOHC, 32-valve V8. This smooth-running conscript is capable of 240 horsepower and a muscular 315 ft-lb of torque. It hustled the Tundra down the highway with reasonable velocity, but was not a standout when it came to highway passing and hill climbing.

The Tundra is equipped with standard antilock brakes and the largest rear-wheel drum brakes in the segment, according to Toyota. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Each of the Big-3 domestics can out match the Toyota in engine output and straight-line performance as well. As for the Tundra's Japanese competition, the Titan's standard 305-hp 5.6-liter power unit is the clear winner with its 379 lb-ft of torque.

Balancing the performance equation is safety, which Toyota has attended to. The Tundra protects its driver and front seat passenger with the inclusion of multi-stage, reduced power dual front airbags as standard equipment. Also standard at all five seating positions are three-point seatbelts. Toyota has also furnished the Tundra with antilock brakes as standard equipment.