4 - 2014 Toyota Tundra (72.5%)
For some inexplicable reason, the Tundra was going to be a serious contender in this grudge match; inexplicably because Toyota is not a truck manufacturer, and in this game taking on the domestics is suicide. We still had high hopes, but the Tundra simply was not up to par.
Inside and Out
The struggle with Toyota's revamped 2014 Tundra begins "face" on. The Tundra has a number of strikes against it, and the first is styling. This pickup is non-descript, bland, and uninspired. Its road presence comes only from sheer size. As I posted on Instagram: "more chrome does not equal more 'tude."
On the other hand, the 2014 Tundra's cabin is well-executed. Plastics are cheap to the eye, but seem equally capable of resisting wear and tear expected in this type of vehicle. Overall ergonomics are good, and buttons and controls are large.
Our Limited was loaded to the gills and featured all the latest amenities anticipated in today's road cars. The leather-clad seats were cozy whereas the rear bench provided sufficient comfort. Interior storage was limited compared to others, but still quite adequate.
Driving
Where the 2014 Toyota Tundra took a nosedive was in the driving section of our individual evaluations. The Toyota was a handful on all surfaces, save for the smoothest sections of pavement.
The rear end would never fully settle down even when loaded, and steering lacked all notion of precision. Overly light with no feedback, maintaining a straight line on some rough country roads was a chore. Repeat undulations upset the ride's delicate neutrality to the point of making the drive very unpleasant.
Furthermore, body roll was present through tighter corners despite the hugely stiff suspension. The issues arise from what we surmise as being a very basic suspension setup designed to handle heavy payloads. This is laudable; however, all others in this group were conceived with the same goals in mind, without the unladen compromises.
The Tundra's redeeming qualities were in its engine, transmission, and brakes. The 5.7L V8's loves to rev and belch out its power. The 6-speed autobox was always ready to drop a gear or two for maximum acceleration. We were quite satisfied to note that the brakes were powerful and resisted repeat pedal stabbings.
A final word
Of the lot, the 2014 Toyota Tundra was the most pickup like, much to its detriment and advantage. Its rough-and-tough-around-the-edges and loud persona pleased as much as it displeased our panel of testers. It is the "throwback" of this comparo and for this reason, it fell to the last spot.
For some inexplicable reason, the Tundra was going to be a serious contender in this grudge match; inexplicably because Toyota is not a truck manufacturer, and in this game taking on the domestics is suicide. We still had high hopes, but the Tundra simply was not up to par.
Inside and Out
The struggle with Toyota's revamped 2014 Tundra begins "face" on. The Tundra has a number of strikes against it, and the first is styling. This pickup is non-descript, bland, and uninspired. Its road presence comes only from sheer size. As I posted on Instagram: "more chrome does not equal more 'tude."
On the other hand, the 2014 Tundra's cabin is well-executed. Plastics are cheap to the eye, but seem equally capable of resisting wear and tear expected in this type of vehicle. Overall ergonomics are good, and buttons and controls are large.
Our Limited was loaded to the gills and featured all the latest amenities anticipated in today's road cars. The leather-clad seats were cozy whereas the rear bench provided sufficient comfort. Interior storage was limited compared to others, but still quite adequate.
 |
| The 2014 Tundra's cabin is well-executed. Plastics are cheap to the eye, but seem equally capable of resisting wear and tear expected in this type of vehicle. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving
Where the 2014 Toyota Tundra took a nosedive was in the driving section of our individual evaluations. The Toyota was a handful on all surfaces, save for the smoothest sections of pavement.
The rear end would never fully settle down even when loaded, and steering lacked all notion of precision. Overly light with no feedback, maintaining a straight line on some rough country roads was a chore. Repeat undulations upset the ride's delicate neutrality to the point of making the drive very unpleasant.
Furthermore, body roll was present through tighter corners despite the hugely stiff suspension. The issues arise from what we surmise as being a very basic suspension setup designed to handle heavy payloads. This is laudable; however, all others in this group were conceived with the same goals in mind, without the unladen compromises.
The Tundra's redeeming qualities were in its engine, transmission, and brakes. The 5.7L V8's loves to rev and belch out its power. The 6-speed autobox was always ready to drop a gear or two for maximum acceleration. We were quite satisfied to note that the brakes were powerful and resisted repeat pedal stabbings.
 |
| The Toyota was a handful on all surfaces, save for the smoothest sections of pavement. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
A final word
Of the lot, the 2014 Toyota Tundra was the most pickup like, much to its detriment and advantage. Its rough-and-tough-around-the-edges and loud persona pleased as much as it displeased our panel of testers. It is the "throwback" of this comparo and for this reason, it fell to the last spot.