The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota. The model debuted in 2000, and it outsold the previous T100 pickup by more than twice the amount. In fact, the Tundra has the highest sales of any Toyota vehicle. It has also been named “Best Full-Size Truck” by Consumer Reports and “Truck of the Year” by Motor Trends.
Toyota introduced the second-generation Tundra in 2008. The truck was made more versatile than before, offering a variety of trim levels and accessories. In addition to offering a standard V-8 engine, the new Tundra also offers a 5.7-liter V8 engine that supports E85 fuel. Toyota also added a TRD Off-Road Package, which is available on all Tundra models.
The Toyota Tundra features dual front airbags, front-seat side torso airbags, and rollover-sensing side curtain airbags. It also comes standard with vehicle stability control, traction control, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Toyota also offers an optional 14-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the touchscreen lacks steering-wheel controls and a tuning knob, it features a full complement of driver-assist technologies.
The Tundra’s bed is long enough to accommodate a 6.5-foot bed. There is also a step-side bed on the Access Cab model. In late 2003, Toyota added a Double Cab body style to its lineup. This version was longer, wider, and taller than its competitors. Its bed was also 102 mm longer than the regular Cab.
In the US market, the third-generation Tundra has lagged behind its Detroit-bred rivals. However, sales of the new full-size pickup truck have exceeded 63,702 units from January to August. This represents a 15% increase over the previous year. Despite the slow start, Toyota has proven its commitment to long-term plans.
The Toyota Tundra is available in Double Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Both offer five-seats, and front seats are supportive and comfortable. The driver’s seat is high and offers excellent head and legroom. The front seat’s elevated position gives a commanding view, but sightlines aren’t expansive.
The Toyota Tundra is a powerful full-size pickup with a comfortable interior and plenty of standard safety features. It is also a great bargain, especially in the lower trim levels. However, the competition in this class is fierce. In addition to the Tundra, other full-size pickups include the Ram 1500, the Ford F-150, and the Chevy Silverado 1500.