2011 Toyota Tundra Review
Popular Tundra Reviews
From Edmunds.com:
Even though its rivals have all received makeovers recently, the 2011 Toyota Tundra's strong powertrains, spacious cabs and excellent towing ability make it a top choice for a workhorse pickup.
Pros: Strong V8 powertrains; capable six-speed automatic; large extended cab; colossal crew cab; comfortable and spacious cabin; one axle ratio fits all.
Cons: Interior design missteps; jiggly ride; feels more cumbersome than some competitors.
From Cars.com:
What We Like: 4.6-liter V-8 with broad, flat peak torque curve and good fuel economy; Base 4.0-liter V-6 has excellent power ratings; 5.7-liter V-8 among best half-ton-pickup engines; New max trailering rating; Massive front brakes with excellent stopping power.
What We Don't: Dark, sterile interior materials; Unloaded ride quality is harsh; Huge CrewMax has no rear captain's chairs in luxury model; No integrated trailer braker controller; Instrument gauges sit in deep barrels in the instrument panel
Tundra Comparisons
- 09' Tundra vs. F150
- 08' Tundra vs. 09' Ram
- 08' Tundra vs. Sierra-Silverado
- PickupTrucks.com 2008 Half-Ton Shoot Out
- PickupTrucks.com 2011 $30,000 Half-ton Shoot Out
2011 Tundra Overview
The 2011 Toyota Tundra continues to improve on the incremental changes that were made on the previous year’s 2010 model. While for the most part the full-size Toyota truck maintains the same brawny look that it has always featured, there are have been enough upgrades made to the Tundra platform to help keep it competitive in the pickup segment.
Most intriguing for entry-level 2011 Tundra buyers is the brawnier treatment given to the base V6 engine. Still displacing 4.0-liters, this dual overhead cam design gains a significant power boost, going from 236 ponies the year before to 270. Torque is also up, jumping 12 lb/ft for a total of 278. The reason for the additional muscle? Toyota installed its innovative VVT-I dual independent variable valve timing system in the six-cylinder engine, finally granting it access to the same technology that had long been paired with the V8 options found in higher Tundra trim levels. Fuel mileage improves to 16 miles per gallon city and stays at 20 miles per gallon highway despite the additional grunt, while towing capacity drops just slightly to 4,900 lbs (a result of adhering to new SAE tow standards).
What else will Tundra fans notice in terms of changes for the full-size truck? Another important difference between 2010 and 2011 models is the inclusion of Toyota’s Trailer Sway Control feature as standard equipment across all versions of the pickup. This system integrates with the Tundra’s electronic stability control system and anti-lock braking system to help prevent towed loads from stepping out of line. The system includes a trailer brake controller. Other, smaller changes such as the elimination of ashtrays and cigarette lighters in favor of a 12-volt power point and a slight design alteration to the vehicle’s headrests will also be spotted by hardcore Tundraphiles.
Trim Levels
In terms of available trims and body styles, the 2011 Tundra soldiers on with Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax editions. The latter two offer seating for as many as five passengers, with the CrewMax upgrading the Double Cab’s rear access doors to full-size units. The Regular and Double Cab enjoy a selection of either 6.5-foot of 8-foot cargo beds, while the CrewMax must make do with a 5.5-foot box. Toyota has decided to continue to pare down ordering choices available to Tundra buyers, and it has eliminated 10 different body / engine / trim options that proved to be of little interest to those ordering 2010 versions of the truck. These were mostly editions featuring the entry-level V8 in two-wheel and four-wheel drive form.
The choices that remain still provides a good amount of selection for Tundra buyers. The Tundra and Tundra Limited are offered as the only two available trim levels, matching what was available on the 2010 version of the truck. The Tundra trim includes features such as dual zone manual climate control, an MP3-capable CD player, satellite radio and tilt steering. Options include an upgraded stereo system featuring Bluetooth and USB integration, as well as the availability of a navigation system that incorporates a backup camera.
The Work Truck package can still be ordered for drivers who want to strip their Tundra Regular or Double Cab down to the bare essentials, while the Cold Weather Package and the SR5 Package can also be added to the Tundra trim. The former introduces a heavy-duty battery and starter which are better capable of handling low temperatures, as well as a windshield wiper de-icer system, while the latter spruces up the Tundra’s appearance through the inclusion of chrome bumpers and a chrome grille surround. The SR5 Package (additionally available on the CrewMax and Double Cab) also installs power windows, door locks and mirrors, as well as cruise control, keyless entry and a few other interior trim improvements. Those who enjoy trail driving are also able to select the TRD Off-Road package, which can be fitted to either four-wheel or two-wheel drive trucks and which offers 18-inch wheels, knobby tires, skid plates and tow hooks.
The Double Cab in Tundra trim is also provided with the choice of two more TRD packages. The TRD Rock Warrior package – available on trucks equipped with four-wheel drive, and additionally offered on the CrewMax – provides 17-inch TRD wheels, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks and unique exterior trim graphics. The TRD Sport Package goes in the other direction through the inclusion of 20-inch wheels, slick body-colored bumpers, mirrors and trim, a black cloth interior and the choice of either Black or Radiant Red paint schemes.
The Tundra Limited trim (only found on Double Cab and CrewMax body styles) comes with all of the same comfort and convenience features found in the 2010 edition, with highlights including additional exterior bright work, heated power front seats and dual automatic climate controls. The CrewMax Limited can also benefit from the selection of the Platinum Package, which offers special 20-inch wheels, a voice-activated navigation system, heated and ventilated leather seats, a moonroof, special paint hues unique to the model, upscale wood trim and embroidered headrests.
Powertrain Options
2010’s two V8 engine options are of course still available on the 2011 Toyota Tundra. The smaller, 4.6-liter eight-cylinder is good for 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque, while providing fuel mileage that is rated at 15 miles per gallon around town and 19 miles per gallon on the highway – numbers that are quite close to the entry-level V6. Towing capacity for this unit comes in at 8,600 lbs. The top tier 5.7-liter V8 still reigns supreme thanks to is 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque and excellent highway fuel mileage of 18 miles per gallon on the highway (14-mpg city). The maximum tow rating for Tundras equipped with this mill crests 10,000 lbs. A Flex Fuel edition of the 5.7-liter is also available from Toyota. In terms of transmission choices, the revamped V6 maintains a five-speed auto as its only option, while both V8 engines make use of a six-speed automatic.