When you look beyond the volume models in the full-size pickup truck segment you'll
find one rig that isn't afraid to mix it up with the big boys.
This is the all-new 2014 Toyota Tundra.As we've come to learn in the auto biz, the definition
of 'all-new' varies greatly, and in the case of this Tundra the term is used most loosely.
If you were expecting new or improved powertrains, increased capabilities or some sort of fresh
segment innovation you won't find it.
In a year where GM introduced their redesigned Silverado and Sierra, the Tundra's first major
tinkering since 2007 looks rather tame.Now one could argue that when you've got a good
thing going there's no need to make radical changes and the Tundra has certainly proven
to be worthy of truck owners' respect.So this SR5 grade I'm driving this week, one of the
lower trim levels, is a CrewMax 4×4 with its giant back seat and the short 5 and a
half foot bed length -- the only box available.
It comes standard with the most popular of the Tundra's 3 engine offerings -- a 5.7-liter
V8 rated at 381 horsepower and 401 foot pounds of torque.
Unchanged for 2014, this motor is still a beast and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic,
but man is it thirsty.
Too bad Toyota doesn't offer an 8-speed transmission like Ram because after a week of mixed driving
-- predominately in 2-wheel drive, all it could muster was 13mpg.
This configuration is good for towing 9,000 pounds with payload maxed at 1,440 pounds.
But no truck is without its laundry list of options and mine has, most notably, the TRD
Off-Road package -- highlighted by these awesome 18" wheels, skid plates and Bilstein shocks
-- the SR5 Upgrade package replacing the bench seat with buckets, the new Entune Premium
Audio with navigation -- a very capable system with smartphone apps integration -- and the
loudest option of all, the $1,100 TRD performance dual exhaust.
Holy crow does this thing make some noise.
From the moment you fire it up to the times you're nailing the accelerator and everything
in between, if you're looking to announce your arrival this is the way to do it.
While amusing at first, the booming exhaust became tiresome as the week wore on.Beyond
the slight exterior tweaks giving the Tundra more of an edge, the most tangible differences
manifest in the drivability.
As a truck like this will no doubt see a mix of work and family duty, the Tundra's ride
and handling have been improved, there's greater steering feel and better straight line stability.
I'm very impressed with how well this truck tackles the country road and highway alike
-- with an uncommon agility and assuredness.
Combined with the racy sounds I felt like I was driving a sport truck all week.Though
22" deep, the short bed has its limitations, but helpful features like sliding tie down
cleats and a power rear window expand its usefulness.It's a comfortable truck to ride
in and the back seat is beyond huge with seats that fold up now to create more cargo room
-- and the standard backup cam is perfect for tight parking lots.
Base price of this model is $37,370 while this one totals $43,445.
If you're in search of that "oh-wow" new truck moment you won't find much of that here, but
the 2014 Tundra refines its strengths by keeping it simple
and credible.