The Tundra’s ride is pretty good; it soaks up bumps with relative ease and doesn’t provoke much head toss when the going gets rough. However, it can’t quite match the suspension smoothness of the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150.
The Tundra isn’t lacking in safety features. Standard on every model is electronic stability control, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, and knee airbags have been added this year.
As for the two important capacities of a pickup, towing and payload, our Tundra Double Cab 4x4 with the 4.6L engine can haul 1,255 lbs (565 kg) in its cargo bed and tow up to 8,300 lbs (3,760 kg). Comparably configured, its rivals have it beat in payload capacity and except for the Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 4.7L V8, they also boast superior towing capacities.
The Tundra sports a straightforward yet somewhat uninspiring dash design. The seats are comfortable and clad with grippy, sturdy fabric. Storage spaces abound, thanks to the big glove box and huge centre armrest. The rear-seat quarters are as spacious as any other four-door, full-size pickup.
We wish wheel-mounted audio controls would have been part of the package, as the volume knob is a bit of a far reach, but they’re only available on the Limited trim.
The Tundra starts at $25,310 for a Regular Cab 4x2 model, while our 4x4 Double Cab SR5 4.6L test truck equipped with the Upgrade Package (power driver’s seat, sliding rear window, fog lamps, trip computer and more) lists for $38,480.
In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 4WD and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE 4WD, both with the 5.3L engine, cost $41,485. The Ford F-150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4 costs $39,299. The Nissan Titan Crew Cab XE 4x4 costs $39,448. The Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 costs $37,145. As I’m writing this, though, all domestic brands are offering rebates of several thousands of dollars.
Toyota’s Tundra is a tough-looking, capable truck. It offers a comfortable interior, two excellent engines and good capabilities. For the light-duty user, the Tundra is a player in the full-size pickup category. However, sales dropped by 42% in 2009, which is higher than the sales decreases of Ford (20%), Chevy/GMC (32%) and Dodge (28%).
It might not be the best in its class, but despite it being built in the USA and destined for the USA, is the Tundra victim of the ‘Buy American’ movement? I’d say yes.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The Tundra isn’t lacking in safety features. Standard on every model is electronic stability control, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, and knee airbags have been added this year.
As for the two important capacities of a pickup, towing and payload, our Tundra Double Cab 4x4 with the 4.6L engine can haul 1,255 lbs (565 kg) in its cargo bed and tow up to 8,300 lbs (3,760 kg). Comparably configured, its rivals have it beat in payload capacity and except for the Ram 1500 Crew Cab with the 4.7L V8, they also boast superior towing capacities.
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| Storage spaces abound, thanks to the big glove box and huge centre armrest. |
The Tundra sports a straightforward yet somewhat uninspiring dash design. The seats are comfortable and clad with grippy, sturdy fabric. Storage spaces abound, thanks to the big glove box and huge centre armrest. The rear-seat quarters are as spacious as any other four-door, full-size pickup.
We wish wheel-mounted audio controls would have been part of the package, as the volume knob is a bit of a far reach, but they’re only available on the Limited trim.
The Tundra starts at $25,310 for a Regular Cab 4x2 model, while our 4x4 Double Cab SR5 4.6L test truck equipped with the Upgrade Package (power driver’s seat, sliding rear window, fog lamps, trip computer and more) lists for $38,480.
In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LS 4WD and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE 4WD, both with the 5.3L engine, cost $41,485. The Ford F-150 SuperCrew XLT 4x4 costs $39,299. The Nissan Titan Crew Cab XE 4x4 costs $39,448. The Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 costs $37,145. As I’m writing this, though, all domestic brands are offering rebates of several thousands of dollars.
Toyota’s Tundra is a tough-looking, capable truck. It offers a comfortable interior, two excellent engines and good capabilities. For the light-duty user, the Tundra is a player in the full-size pickup category. However, sales dropped by 42% in 2009, which is higher than the sales decreases of Ford (20%), Chevy/GMC (32%) and Dodge (28%).
It might not be the best in its class, but despite it being built in the USA and destined for the USA, is the Tundra victim of the ‘Buy American’ movement? I’d say yes.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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