2014 Toyota Tundra Driving Review – Coming Soon
Tim Esterdahl | Jun 26, 2013 | Comments 41
Tundraheadquarters.com Associate Editor, Tim Esterdahl has been invited by Toyota to attend a media driving event in Jackson Hole, WY. This event will take place on August 23 and 24. The event will feature the new 2014 Toyota Tundra and there will (most likely) be company reps on hand to answer questions.
Tundraheadquarters.com will be at the Jackson Hole, WY driving event with the 2014 Toyota Tundra. What questions do you have?
The assumption is that fuel economy numbers, towing numbers and all other information will be released as well. No word yet on what trim level or cab configuration will be on hand.
We need your help. What questions do you have? Any photos you want to see? What do you want to know that hasn’t been covered?
Tim will be providing updates to questions on this site and through our Facebook page (when cell coverage is good – it is Wyoming!).
Also, we have been promised a 2013 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited press vehicle to review in the next few weeks. Our hope is to provide a review of this model, drive the 2014 and then give a detailed comparison of the two models. If you haven’t driven the 2013 model or if you have questions about it, let us know below as well.
Lastly, for those who have followed and read our site over the past several years – THANK YOU! Because of you, we have been able to expand our site and grab the attention of company representatives. They are really impressed with how much we have grown, how many hits/unique visits we have and our in-depth knowledge of their products. Tim has recently been going to invitation only events as part of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and was able to score this special invitation only invite to the 2014 Tundra driving event. Again, THANK YOU!
UPDATE: there will be a 4Runner at the event too. If you have questions about that vehicle, let me know as well.
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Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
Really looking forward to the review of the 2014. I’m anticipating a better ride.
Also want to hear about interior materials.
And while you’re at it, ask the Toyota guys when a new engine is coming out!
Trust me, I’ll be grilling them with questions the best I can. Toyota though is usually really secretive.
Tim
Enjoy the opportunity Tim. Is Toyota going to an 8 speed tranny? Why not use gauges with numbers vice the L-H or C-H letters.
Have you noticed that the Tundra’s media driving event is in Jackson Hole, WY and GM did theirs right here in the S.A. metro area? I am the 3rd tundra on my little block which is not uncommon here. Toyota should do it in Flint, Michigan!
AD,
Ha-ha… Flint, Michigan. Have you been to Flint recently? I was there in January visiting my brother after the auto show. Flint is a shell of what it used to be and is a stark reminder of the poor decisions the Big 3 have made.
I, personally, thought that Toyota would do something in Texas. I mean with the 1794 edition as a new trim line and the fact that 1 in every 6 trucks registered in the U.S. are in Texas. It is the largest truck market in the world.
Although, I am really good with Wyoming. In fact, I just found out that part of the event will be held at a ranch (Diamond Cross Ranch). Apparently, the presentation and driving experience will be held there.
Oh and BTW, the 2014 RAV4 will be there too. If anybody is interested in that one, let me know too.
-Tim
Whoops, I meant 4Runner. 🙂
-Tim
– Why hasn’t the frame been upgraded to a fully-boxed platform like every other pick-up maker? With bed bounce being an issue it would seem more than just body mounts would be required to fix this. If the Tundra frame is so much better, then show me why it is and why the other makers are foolish for choosing fully-boxed units.
– When will we see better mileage from Toyota? Why can’t I get a light duty straight 6 turbodiesel with 25-30mpg? Seems reasonable to me. Tune it at 250bhp and 400lb-ft of torque and they will hit the market well.
– Also, who is in charge of wheel design? Tundra has some of the most hideous wheels, IMO. Those low profile tires with the 18 inch rims just look goofy to me on the Tundra. If you’re going to have a beefy truck, have beefy tires…like the Tacoma!
– Where’s a Baja Tundra or Pre-runner style Tundra like Tacoma?
– When can we finally get more differential choices? A one-size-fits-all approach is alienating some drivers. I would sacrifice some towing ability for better mpg.
– Can you also ask why we can’t get a factory spray-in bedliner?
Brian,
Great questions.
I do know that Toyota is discontinuing the Baja and X-Runner trim lines on the Tacoma. http://www.tacomahq.com/2693/t.....nued-2014/ Poor sales seem to be to blame.
-Tim
As for the frame Brian it’s the ability the frame has when it’s under a load to spring back making it more than 1/2 ton truck. Full box frames don’t have the ability to come back. They would end up bending the frame. I think of the Tundra like a semi. You see channel frame vice box. So why is that?
Good points. I am just curious why the other four 1/2 ton manufacturers have elected to go fully-boxed vs open C-channel like Toyota. I’ve had no issues with the frame other than it transmits and amplifies shockwaves from the rear axle forward on my daily drive over a few road imperfections. It just makes me wonder why Toyota chose this frame. Even the 3/4 and 1 tons are now rumored to be going fully-boxed, and the Sequoia is fully-boxed to “add strength” per Toyota. Obviously, the Sequoia will not carry as much wt or need to flex like the Tundra, but again the “why” factor is there. So much has been done to prove the Tundra frame inferior. I just want Toyota to come out and say, “No, our frame is better and this is why. Look how much better our frame holds up in X conditions.” I haven’t seen that, but if you have some links I would love to see them!
As far as the wheels go, can I at least get some that look like they belong on the Tundra? The best wheels are the older style TRD Off-road wheels. Of course looks are subjective.
Also Brian when you want beefy tires you just gave up mpg’s so you do have a choice beefy or mpg’s
My only question is, “Where the heck is the double cab?” Some of us need more bed, and less passenger space. I have yet to see a 2014 DC photo.
Someone photoshopped a standard cab version to give an idea. Considering that the roll out is just a few months away, you would think there would be at least a prototype double cab out there.
GoBig,
Good point. I haven’t seen one either. I’m sure there will be some version at the media day.
-Tim
Push the factory reps on more options for the truck which the buyer can order via the dealer. Also press them hard for a larger fuel tank to accomodate RV drivers who tow trailers.
DieselClyde,
What options are you specifically looking for?
See other response to fuel tank capacity.
-Tim
Ditto on the gas tank. That 26 gallon tank is just too small for the worst gas mileage truck in America. My dad’s 89 Chevrolet has a 33 gallon tank for his 350. Would it be so bad to get a 32-36 gallon tank for the Tundra? Decrease the number of stops I have to make on the highway whether or not I am towing.
Off the top of my head, I think it has to do with weight. You add more gallons, you increase the total vehicle weight. Vehicle weight is very important to automakers and if anything, the goal is to get lighter.
-Tim
Also, I would add that the larger gas tank is really only found in the larger HD pickups. They don’t need to drop weight to meet CAFE regulations.
-Tim
Tim,
the others have bigger gas tank options in the 1/2 ton. i just got a 2013 Ram and it had a 32-gallon option which i took. i traded my 2010 Tundra limited as the 2014 wasn’t much a redesign. So far the Ram has been perfect and has a TON of storage, in the rear floor, under the seats, Ramboxes, two glove boxes, etc. it rides WAY nicer as well.
i am interested to see how you feel the new tundra rides. The old one was too rough empty as has been well documented. Please also note how the road is where they let you drive it. of course if it’s perfectly flat and smooth it will ride ok, but roads around chicago here suck and none are smooth so the ride of the truck make a big difference.
I do have one question though:
ask them why on earth they have nothing for storage under the crewmax rear seats. All that’s there from the photos at the release was a flat raised solid surface with no storage. Not a good use of space.
also, ask when are they going to get better MPG, my RAM gets way better than my tundra did and makes more power (395). That’s with the new 8-speed and 3.92 rear.
I would get another tundra next time in a hearbeat, but they need to step up,
and get rid of that granny quilt looking like leather in the new platinum, ugly!!! The rest of the interior looks nice from the pics so far.
Hello,
What version of Ram do you have? I’m thinking that is where my mistake is. For example, on Ram’s website, the 2013 Ram Express lists a 26 gallon gas tank and Cars.com lists 26 gallon tanks. Here is the link: http://www.ramtrucks.com/hostc.....=CUT201313
Would it be far to say then that Tundra should offer more “options” when it comes to gas tanks? Maybe so, maybe the RCSB could be 26 gallon and the CrewMax would be 32?
Also, do you have any issues with the larger gas tank and a “rear end” bump?
Thanks for your help!
-Tim
[…] at his site. I posted my gripes and questions already. just in case you guys want to participate. 2014 Toyota Tundra Driving Review – Coming Soon | Tundra Headquarters Blog __________________ 2013 Ram Sport 4×4, 8-speed, 3.92, 5.7, 4×4 2010 LTD TRD w RW Wheels […]
I have a Ram Sport Crew 5’7″ bed 4×4. I have no fuel slosh that I can tell.
and yes the standard tank on all Rams is 26 and the optional is 32, which is nice.
I think toyota could just add an option if they didn’t want a bigger tank in all the trucks.
I swore that the engineer said that this was going to happen in the last few years in several interviews.
I would ask him what happened? did he get cut by the bean counters?
I would think the Tsunami and changes in management is largely to blame for the tank being left off the table. Those issues affecting Toyota – especially the truck side – more than we will ever know. I’ll be sure to ask though.
And yes, I do agrew with you that an “option” of the larger gas tank does make a lot of sense.
-Tim
Here it is
“Mike Sweers, the Tundra’s chief engineer, told the WSJ that Toyota “is in the process of making the next generation [Tundra] a bit more traditional looking” and that it will have a larger fuel tank for greater range because “Toyota also found that buyers liked the longer range that other trucks could provide, even if the actual fuel economy was the same or worse.”
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2.....s-way.html
maybe it will have one and they just haven’t let that out yet?
Frankly, I screwed up when I interviewed Sweers and didn’t ask. At the time, I didn’t realize it was that big of an issue. Looking back, I wish I had.
Here is my interview: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2013/02/07/qa-mike-sweers-toyota-chief-engineer-tundra/
Now, we will have a definite answer in August when it is revealed in Wyoming. Until then, Toyota Reps have been mum with me.
-Tim
no biggie, you’ll know when you drive it and look at the range or distance till empty. my tundra would say about 300-315 after fill up and that would be not including the 5-6 gallons in reserve until it said fuel low.
my ram right now on this tank: I have put on 200 miles and it says 318 left, that doesn’t include the same 5-6 reserve. That is with 75-80% city so far for this tank.
one thing I would really like to request is when you drive it and comment on the ride quality, pay attention to the road surface you are on. Is it super smooth and no expansion joints, no bumps, etc???? big question for me, anyone can make it “ride better” on a super smooth track that is hand picked and most journalists never take this into consideration and write about it.
meant to say it does include the same 5-6 gallon reserve
I get from 410 – 440 miles to go. Which would put me over 500 miles for the tank.
Tim I do believe why Toyota hasn’t put in a larger gas tank is the gas price shock to fill the bigger tank. Going from around $70 to about $120 does cause the gulp factor. With that being said is why I do think Toyota bypass on that.
Mickey,
I like the thought of having it as an “option.” I’m going to ask an overall question about choices. Why does it seem like other makers like Ford have an unlimited amount of trim/cab/engine choices while Toyota really doesn’t. Is it a capacity issue (they have more plants) or is it Toyota philosophy issue (less choices=more streamlined manufacturing=more profit)? That, for me, is the ultimate question with regards to the 6 1/2 foot bed, larger fuel tank, etc…
-Tim
[…] what is going on. I can't click on it myself at all, I'll embed it here again and see if it works. 2014 Toyota Tundra Driving Review – Coming Soon | Tundra Headquarters Blog What features specifically are you referring too? Those trucks were before my time with THQ. […]
Tim, I left a reply at Tundrasolutions too, but I want MORE PAYLOAD! My axles are rated for something like 8100lbs, but my Tundra is only rated for something like 7000lbs leaving me only about 1400 lbs of payload (doublecab 4×4). I RV a lot and find that the Tundra has plenty of power and the trans, brakes and rear axle seem plenty beefy, but I QUICKLY run out of payload.
I wish Toyota would either increase payload across the board by 800lbs or so… OR offer a HD version for a small upcharge. Upgrade the axles to 6 or 8 lug’s, offer heavier duty suspension (or airbags) and increase the payload by 1200 or 1500 lbs.
Giving the Tundra a payload of at least 2000 lbs will increase the potential customers for the Tundra. Landscapers, builders, RV haulers etc will suddenly have a new choice for potentially WAY less money than a F250, Chevy or Dodge 2500.
The engine/trans/brakes/axles seem to be enough to allow the higher payload… what is holding them back???
Mike,
I just ran a story a few days ago about a possible 1/2-ton HD Tundra coming to the market. Check it out: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2013/06/25/toyota-tundra-hd-coming/
The demand is there, the truck is capable and my sense is Toyota Engineers are working on it. When will it come to market? That I don’t know. Could it be another teaser like the diesel was? Maybe. But, I don’t think so this time.
-Tim
Just to be specific..no it’s not a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time.
Backward compatible TriMode e-locker
Mode 1: completely disengaged
Mode 2: automatically engaged and disengage like GM’s
Mode 3: completely engaged until manually disengaged
LJC,
Just a TriMode? 🙂
-Tim
I want exterior pics of a Double Cab new design
Ask where the heck is my tundra crewmax 6 1/2′ bed length?
What about gas mileage numbers improving and I’d like input on better suspension to eleviate road bounce.
Also, very important to me, but not to others: Ask if you can get the new designed interior without the dumb 6-7″ push button screen to adjust radio and other items in the middle – I hate using them give me a dial or knob to turn instead of trying to push and read a touch screen while driving down the hwy. Whoever thought of this feature is asking for more accidents on the road takes way too much time to fiddle with a touch screen.
MK,
That is an interesting point about touch screens and I wonder if that will be an “optional” package. Also, I wonder if automakers will bring back knobs like Ford reportedly will do.
-Tim
I’m telling you, those touch screens like ford and toyota and others are going to is a big mistake. More accidents by taking eyes off road to fiddle with trying to push a screen in the right area. It is NOT a ipad/ipod for gosh sakes, but a lethal weapon on the road.
I’m sort of disappointed in the 2014 tundra doubt any better gas mileage and no other cab/bed configs now that the big 3 have them all now in 2014. Will be looking at the newly redesigned chevy silverado but don’t really care for their squared off 1988 looking front grille. If GM can get me a decent 3.73 rear axle ratio with crewcab 6 1/2′ bed while achieving say 340 hp/350 torque or thereabouts and 21 hwy mpg for 4wd I may be switching.
If you want more payload, install some airbags. The cost is anywhere from 250 to 400, takes a few hrs to install, and i think they are good for up to 5000 pounds. Best money I’ve spent on my truck so far. As well as being able to increase your payload it dramatically improves the handling of your truck when your towing. My trailer is about 6000 lbs fully loaded and my payload around 2000.I can get the truck to sit level and corner and brake really well.
Tmac,
Airbags for increased payload? Huh? Airbags improve the ride quality. Payload is based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) minus the truck’s curb weight. How do airbags increase the GVWR? I’ve spoken with countless RV drivers and engineers, air bags don’t increase payload, they do provide a more comfortable ride.
-Tim
Maybe not for legal purposes, but the truck can handle alot more weight in an efficient manner. If you were to max out your payload and and then put a trailer behind you, your front end is going to touch the sky. Pump the bags up to 60 lbs and problem solved.