2016 Toyota Tundra – What We Would Like To See

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In a few weeks, the Detroit auto show kicks off a hectic spring with a new Nissan Titan, new Toyota Tacoma and possibly a new Ford Raptor being unveiled. What’s missing from this list? Toyota Tundra updates. While we don’t expect anything in Detroit, there is a possibility of an announcement during the Chicago Auto Show in February. Whether or not an annoucement is made, here is what we would like to see from Toyota.

2016 Toyota Tundra - What We Would Like To See

As the auto show season begins, here is what we would like to see Toyota announce as new changes for the 2016 Tundra.

Expand Capacity

This year, it is estimated full-output of North American light-vehicle production will total 17.24 million – the second-highest level on record according to an Autonews.com story. This is up 7 percent from 2014 and just 53,000 shy of the 2000 peak of 17.297 million.

“The growth is all in light trucks, especially pickups and crossovers. There’s no question trucks hold saw in North America,” said Mike Jackson IHS Automotive told Autonews.com.

The weekly production rate of 352,000 vehicles over 49 working weeks reflects five straight years of solid sales increases. We are also now 6 years past the melt down of 2008.

Why bring all of this up? Because its time Toyota. Its time. Toyota got smacked in the mouth by a global economic collapse after spending millions on their San Antonio plant. Sure that hurt and it left some bad feelings on Toyota’s part to ever expand truck production again. But, its time.

The facts are the average transaction price is growing spurned on by luxury-like pickups. These profits could really help the business case for expansion. Ram, GM and Ford all offering new products with new powertrains and they all are (or will be) setting sales records. Its time Toyota to really invest in your truck. www.Lq3pharma.com are not trying to persuade you to buy our product; we want you to save your money! The refresh of 2014 was all well and good, but its time to really take the bull by the horns again.

Diesel

Nothing gets Toyota fans more excited than the word “diesel.” Love it or hate it, diesel spurs an emotional reaction from nearly every Toyota Tundra fan we have ever talked with. Like plant expansion, its time.

For years, automakers told us the return on investment didn’t work out with diesel. Indeed rising diesel prices makes the ROI even harder. On paper, a diesel doesn’t really make a lot of sense.

Except, the reality is far different. Ram now builds one EcoDiesel out of every 5 pickups it builds. Think about that. One out of 5. This includes half-tons and heavy-duty offerings.

Yes, the diesel engine costs more and yes diesel fuel prices are high. Yet, look at the market. Ram, Nissan and GM will all offer diesel half-tons by the end of next year. And if the Nissan and GM offerings follow what Ram is doing, the percentage of diesel half-tons will grow exponentially.

The best argument for a Toyota diesel is this: If Nissan can figure it out, Toyota can too. Period.

More Options

Toyota truck production will grow next year thanks to running three shifts in Mexico and the very real possibility, Toyota will try to do the same thing in San Antonio. Expansion will mean more production capacity and should allow Toyota to offer more options. What kind of options? We aren’t talking about new fancy windshield wipers, we are talking about longer bed options, bigger fuel tank, TRD e-lockers, integrated trailer brake controllers, etc… All of the things Toyota was supposed to offer last year or could offer as a dealer-added accessory. Its time Toyota.

Consumers simply want options. Look at the new Ford F-150. You can get that truck is so many different configurations it is mind-numbing. Toyota historically hasn’t done business that way. Instead, they build only so many models based on extended automotive forecasts. Clearly, this doesn’t work for all truck buyers. And this isn’t just us saying that, Toyota reps have said the same.

Its time Toyota to change your approach to the truck market. Stop building what you think consumers want and start building what consumers demand.

Also, switch the back seat in the Crewmax back to the slide and recline. Enough already…

What are you looking forward to from Toyota? Do you think they announce anything?

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  1. breathing borla says:

    STORAGE, features, options..(and stop de-contenting the limited, you chopped it up enough)

    I mean you can buy a 2014 platinum or 1794 that doesn’t even have remote start, etc, these things are a must on the very top trim levels. It’s a long list compared to what you get from the others for 45-50K top trims.

    agreed on the backseat, flip up with no storage underneath was a major flop. Where is the larger tank we were promised?

    while I don’t care as much, but that giant 13 city is getting kinda old on the sticker for a growing % of buyers. For me, largest V8 w/ shortest gears, but I have that and get 15/21 on the sticker from Ram, I actually get 15/20 real world as well since I have the 3.92 ZF 8.

    keep your ears open Tim, next time around for me is in a year or two, so far it will be Ram, Tundra, GMC on the test drive list.

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      BB,

      It would be fun to have you do an article on your buying decision. Keep me in the loop.

      -Tim

  2. LJC says:

    If the Tacoma is not a large leap forward from the current one, then Tacoma’s dominance will be a thing of the past by the end of 2016. The new Colorado and soon to be Cummins Frontier are worthy contenders.

    Second, when Toyota stated there would be a larger fuel tank and ITBC for the Tundra, Nissan has worked out adding a Cummins diesel to the Titan and one for the Frontier. Toyota on the other hand was not able to deliver on either the ITBC or larger fuel tank. If Toyota says they’re going to be adding A,B,C, etc. to the Tundra, who’s going to believe them?

    Seeing is believing and I hope the Taco on display in a few weeks has a Hino diesel in it.

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      LJC,

      I hope many things with the Tacoma, but I’m not seeing it. My article on Tacomahq.com was more on the lines of I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t do anything special. Kind of Toyota’s MO lately. Or maybe I’m just a bit bitter at them at the moment! LOL.

      -Tim

      • LJC says:

        Toyota was able to get away with not doing much, but not any more. Nissan is coming on strong, very strong and in the past they were not a threat (just as you pointed out in the Titan article a few weeks ago). But now they are and they’re being stratigic about it too (a reputable diesel for full size and mid size and informing the buying public about their truck heritage).

        It surprises me that Toyota is shuffling truck production resources in anticipation of increased sales when they haven’t done diddly-squat to their truck line up in the past four years. Do they honestly think that they going maintain their current selling pace when the competition is many times stronger than it was a few years ago?
        Also, Toyota’s 2014 goal for the Tundra was 120,000 units; they’re not going reach that goal and to make that worse, truck sales have been brisk in 2014.

        I really hope they have a plan they can execute.

        • Tim Esterdahl says:

          LJC,

          Sorry I was traveling all day yesterday and didn’t get a chance to respond. After speaking with Toyota reps, they feel like they can sell 10-25% more units if they had more capacity. By expanding production slightly through adding third shifts, they can meet this demand. This is what their plan is.

          The feeling is Tacoma production is hurting Tundra sales and vice versa. If they could build more of each, they could sell more and hit the number. I think the issue remains they didn’t expect the Tacoma to keep selling well, truck sales to grow substantially and, they obviously, didn’t foresee the success of the Ram EcoDiesel.

          Historically, Toyota has been a slow moving company that doesn’t respond quickly to market changes. This is starting to change (see: the new Camry). It remains to be seen what the truck team does in response to these changing market conditions. Do they invest? Do they adopt big changes? Do they hold pat? Nobody really knows.

          -Tim

          • LJC says:

            It’s cool, no worries πŸ™‚ I was thinking that maybe I was being too critical πŸ˜€

            Oh, and my response is intended for Toyota too, hopefully there won’t be a pizza deliver to my home…

            The common theme here is current Toyota truck owners want more options when choosing a truck and the competition is providing them. What frustrating is Toyota is capable of building the best truck, but fails to deliver when it comes to options.

            Evidence of Toyota’s capability was the 2nd gen Tundra. It was such a huge step forward. Also the marketing was totally killer! Now, virtually nothing. The 2nd 1/2 gen Tundra is a great looking vehicle and is improved, but as many current Tundra owners have expressed, not enough to make a new purchase.

            Mike Sweers has been riding the 2nd gen Tundra long enough; it’s now time to ante up.
            The TRD Pro is a great addition, but the TRD Pro series is a niche market that most will not consider.

            If I was in the market for a truck today, choosing a Tundra would not be as clear cut as it was 3 years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret my decision as my Tundra is almost perfect–it just needs a few more things which are ARB Lockers, spray in bed liner and raising the front end a bit, all stuff I’m going to add/do.

    • Scott says:

      The Tacoma “REdesign” is going to be the same joke that the Tundra redesign was. They are going to but a new interior and exterior look, take away some options and charge you more got it. I’m going to enjoy laughing at the reveal.

      • Tim Esterdahl says:

        Scott,

        This seems likely to me. I may “boo” them. LOL.

        -Tim

        • LJC says:

          It better be good or Toyota is going to get an ear full on TundraTalk from me πŸ˜€

          After all, we truck owners are critical and demanding πŸ˜€ We’re not Prius weenies πŸ˜€

  3. gerry says:

    Why a diesel ? if your not hauling a trailer up a mountain everyday whats the purpose ? just to have to say you have one. 96% of us truck owners don’t need one

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Gerry,

      Agreed, yet 1 out of 5 Ram trucks are a half-ton diesel. The facts are that people want it.

      -Tim

    • Larry says:

      75 percent of the world or more runs diesel. Now I will agree that american diesel is a problem with the exhaust requirements and I would agree that some of those exhaust cleanup components are warrented.

      If I had my choice my first choice would be a 2.5 or 3 liter diesel with at least a 6 speed manual on a 1/2 ton truck. It would get 30 MPG and have enough power for modest use. Instead I am forced to run a 4L V6 or 5.7L V8 gas motor that is lucky to get 19 because a diesel won’t got 0 – 60 in 5 seconds and people think it is underpowered.

      Diesel is simply more efficient and my 7000 pound 2006 6.7 Cummins getting 19 MPG in daily use proves it. You are 100 percent correct in that I DON”T NEED IT and wouldn’t have it if I could get any 1/2 ton truck with a manual trans. I don’t even need the power of the new RAM VM 3.0 diesel.

      Most real truck owners do have a need for diesel. What people don’t need are 400 HP V8 gas motors in leather seat trucks which get 12 MPG going to the 7-11 for beer. They wan’t it for sure but do they need it. Hell, 95 percent of truck use is unloaded, 1 person in the truck, towing noting when a Toyota Corolla will get them 1 person from A to B.

      What does need have to do with anything?

      Give me a TUNDRA with a long bed and the same 4.0 V6 and 6 speed manual available on the Tacoma and my RAM diesel will be for sale.

      • gerry p says:

        thats funny I see diesels at 7-11 getting beer too! to each his own and don’t they cost more??

  4. ricqik says:

    I don’t think it’s about not needing it. Its about wanting it. The mistake Sweeres made was building a truck he thought people needed. Toyota needs to offer options to make people want. I don’t need a integrated brake controller but I want it. I dint need a locker for everyday diving, but I want it. People buy things mostly because they want it.

    If you only offer what people need, you will never sell to those that buy what they want. Ford offers that want option, that’s why they sell so much.

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Ricqik,

      Yep. When I can build a Ford truck will all sorts of things I’ll never use, I feel a lot more empowered as a customer. Like I said, Toyota’s production plan doesn’t work with trucks.

      -Tim

  5. manny says:

    I have a crew max and the interior light is bad, is u try to look or found something in the back you need a flashlight, am from VENEZUELA en toyota have a big and good reputation with motors is because toyota build, no buy from others companies, my blow all the air conditions and was really expensive even when is a gmc motor, what is the deal or the difference, well I still like it, almost pay so I hope rum with me for at least 10 years more but the way is 08.

  6. gerry p says:

    I guess people do want all the gadgets buts with that comes the breakdown factor, I think Toyota keeps that in check. I have a 2012 Tundra 4×4 TRD off rd. and can honestly say listening to my friends that are in construction with there other brands I’m so glad i bought my Tundra..

    • Larry says:

      Very true, it always amazes me what people will put up with from the Big 3 just because they think it’s american made. I guess they think Texas is still part of Mexico.

      • breathing borla says:

        not always the case though Larry. I have been a toyota guy forever have owned numerous tacomas and 3 tundras. I now have a loaded Ram that has WAY more on it than a platinum tundra for about the price of a limited tundra. And it hasn’t had a single issue, so it can work out where you just get a nicer truck with way more on it for the same or less money than toyota wants for their new de-contented trucks that bank everything on reliability. It also has more HP, more toruqe, rides better, all while getting better MPG (which I really don’t care too much about but I’ll take it). That said, I still think the tundra is a fine truck, I just wish they would put some storage, options, and features in to go with the QDR they always push. I mean most of the stuff is in other toyota models anyway.

        • Larry says:

          To me a major issue with the new trucks is what will the durability be on the new high tech, high RPM Motors. Will they run 10 years like a good old solid V8? We don’t yet know. As for the notion of “platinum” truck options with lots of stuff that’s not something I would ever consider. All I need is a solid truck with a motor and trans that will get the job done and I don’t really need a 3/4 ton truck. I don’ want any luxury stuff in a truck. I can’t comment on GM as I am still boycotting GM products. As for Ford and Ram their 1500 series 1/2 ton models are very risky. I like the suspension on the F150 but now it’s all going to be new. I really do hope they prove to be up to the task of what a truck needs to do but I can’t take risks with 40,000 dollars. But, I suspect these so-called trucks will not even be up to the requirement of light duty for a contractor. I can’t see them holding up under real work load.

          The 1/2 ton truck of today is really more like a car.

          As for 3/4 ton my first pick would be F250 with the gas motor if it was not for the monster 6.7L engine. My Ram 2500 isn’t bad with the exception of the front suspension which is a costly maintenance disaster. This bad design has been in place 15 years and they still haven’t fixed it. They are still building a 4WD front end which isn’t quality. I have replaced ball joints, U joints and the front bearings on the Ram 2500 myself and it’s a horrible job which could be made easier with some very minor changes. They just don’t care.

          At this point if I wanted a short bed truck it would still be a Tundra even with an older engine design. I know for sure the Toyota V8 is solid, I don’t know about the V6 designs on GM, Ford or RAM. I see the old motor as a positive at this point. As for V8s I would pick the Toyota 5.7 first, RAM 5.7 second( even though I don’t like the rest of the truck and Ford lasts. I don’t trust the Ford 5.0 V8 and the 6.7 is too much. 5000 more for a Ford 6.7L diesel, never.

          In 5 years we will have a good history with the new V6 motors, until then I would not risk my money, it too hard to save up that much and then risk it.

        • Mike Gardiner says:

          I agree. I owned a 07 Tundra, 120, 000 trouble free miles. Bought a 2012, trouble free as well, but I have counted over 30 small things that have been decontented on the 14 SR5 that are making the difference between me buying another Tundra or something else next time. For cripe sakes I don’t know if I can get into the 14 because they omitted the assist handle on the driver side, and if you can, you can’t open the rear window without getting out and getting into the rear seat because Toyota deleated the electric sliding rear window even as an option on the 14 SR5–these are just two small examples, every time I look at the new Tundra, I find somewhere else that Toyota has decontented. Toyota, get with it or you can increase building all you want but nobody will be buying.

  7. toyrulz says:

    “The best argument for a Toyota diesel is this: If Nissan can figure it out, Toyota can too. Period.”

    Like how Nissan figured out how to sell what, like 10% of Tundra’s volume with the Titan?

    Toyota should Nevermind diesel unless branching into the HD-3/4+ton classes.

    Give me something to brag about, power and better mileage and larger tank, lower priced well equipped and all the QRD. Avoid unreliable trendy gimmicks. I don’t buy Toyota to have problems. Period.

    I remember being hungry poor dreaming of a day when I might afford an old used Toyota truck and had to settle for Nissan (next best that was affordable due to poor QRD and resale). My first Toyota had twice the miles of that Nissan and was more than twice as good.

    I now have moved up to affording late models just off lease (second owner instead of last owner). Truck prices keep climbing, don’t want to go back to problems because I can’t afford the things.

    • RIck says:

      You’ve disregarded the continued, successful debut of the Ram’s 1500 V6 diesel. Go back and look at the sales numbers and the tremendous influence this power train has had on this segment.

      I agree that the diesel segment is vastly overpriced as is the fuel that propels it. I was lucky to pick up a 2500 Duramax in ’01 after 911 when the price of cars plummeted in the ensuing slower economy. I got a great deal.

      Drive one and know the difference!

      PS: I drive a ’12 Tundra with a blower on its 5.7! Power is as addictive as women!

      • Tim Esterdahl says:

        “I drive a ’12 Tundra with a blower on its 5.7! Power is as addictive as women!”

        LMAO!

        -Tim

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Toyrulz,

      My meaning was more about how Nissan figured out how to fit it into their business plan. Sure, they don’t sell as many units as Toyota. How can a smaller volume player incorporate a diesel option while the larger company can’t?

      You bring up an interesting question about whether diesel engine offerings are a gimmick or not. A few months ago, I would have agreed, but now I’m not so sure. Time will tell on this.

      -Tim

  8. toyrulz says:

    “Agreed, yet 1 out of 5 Ram trucks are a half-ton diesel. The facts are that people want it.”

    Those sales are from a mix of;
    Cumins more reliable than other big-3 options.
    Aggressive Ram-Cumins advertising.
    The rolling coal crowd.
    The ecoDiesel crowd that want fuel mileage and rather call their truck a diesel than a putt-putt.

    Good reliable powerful mileage from gasser will get more attention from the masses than a diesel (look at Ford betting the farm on it before they perfected it).

    To me, Toyota doesn’t sell enough volume to offer the option unless released as a low volume limited production version using an available diesel that will be pricey on the order sheet.

    I love trucks, Dad was a truck driver, and I have never wanted a diesel.

    • RIck says:

      I never wanted a diesel either UNTIL I drove one. I bought my Chevy Duramax 2500 on the spot despite it being a heavy 3/4 ton pickup.

      If Toyota overcomes its selfish propensity to sit on the sidelines and wait, it could dominate the 1/2 ton segment with a strong, first-strike, V8 diesel that would begin its debut in the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Toyrulz,

      I asked Ram who was buying the new EcoDiesel. Like what were the demographics. I was trying to get a better idea myself on who is buying this truck. They responded by saying it is across the board. Buyers are older, younger, men, women, small business owner, large contractors and personal use customers. In fact, it is safe to say, Ram doesn’t have a real good sense on who the target demographic is. The fact remains though, they are selling. Selling a lot of them.

      I completely agree with this “To me, Toyota doesn’t sell enough volume to offer the option unless released as a low volume limited production version using an available diesel that will be pricey on the order sheet.” Like I pointed out in my article, Toyota simply needs more choices. Let the market decide what they want.

      -Tim

  9. Scott says:

    I seriously have little confidence that Toyota will make decisions that make sense to the consumer. The have been removing options like storage and reclining rear seats. Pushing options like the sliding rear window into the limited and better models.

    They have been giving us less and less and asking more and more.

    I hope they do put a Cummings in the 2016, it will be the last straw I need to cut my ties with the tundra brand. Just shows they have no desire to use their internal R&D to improve the brand. Their powerplant is what set them apart so the moment they use one “Off the shelf” engine they are done in my eyes. I’ll but a Nissan with a cummings before I ever touched a tundra with one.

    • Larry says:

      Sounds like you are saying Cummins doesn’t know how to build engines. I have a hard time understanding that idea. What would be negative about a cummins motor in anything, other then the cost?

      I tend to agree that over time the Tundra has become the modern day leather seat automatic everything replacement for the old time station wagon. They aren’t like any truck I ever drove back when I was a brick layer.

      If you drop Tundra from your buy list. What’s next, Ford, GM, Nissan or Ram? I don’t know about Nissan but I wouldn’t buy Ford, GM or Chrysler. Many problems with a Ford diesel engine and the entire cab needs to be lifted just to work on it. Modern trucks all kind of suck if you want them to do any real work. The Ram has the worst front suspension on a 4WD I have ever seen. Think I’m kidding, try replacing the front bearings and ball joint on a 3/4 ton Ram. I won’t even begin to tell the story of how GM once screwed me.

      • Scott says:

        No, Cummings makes a great engine. I pay a premium for a Toyota truck because the parts are all Toyota. If I look at a 2016 Toyota, Nissan and dodge and they all have a powerplant from Cummings I would never pay a premium for a Toyota. In my opinion Toyota does not have any options or features beyond its powertrain worth the premium so once they 86 that my interest in their brand goes with it. I would go with a Dodge or Nissan Diesel offering over Toyota.

        • Larry says:

          Okay, I see your point a bit better.

          Before I deciding to find an 06 which does not have all the stuff on the exhaust, I took a long look at the Dodge VM 3.0 diesel design . The motor seems to have a good reputation outside the US. Will it still be okay with the required UREA injection and the Canister filter required here? We will have to wait and see. I also had some questions about the open deck cylinder head design of the V6 gas motor seems like there could be risks of head gasket leaks . It might be okay but I wouldn’t risky my 40,000 dollars. Then there was the coil spring rear suspension. I won’t buy one unit I drove one with 1000 pounds in the back.

          As for Nissan I have no experience with the brand.

          I would not consider a diesel on anything after 2007. Potential repairs on the exhaust and injectors replacement will be thousands along with fuel which now to expensive over gas. Diesel injectors are 300 each and the high pressure fuel pump is 1500. That’s just the parts.

          Best of luck.

          • Scott says:

            If I do go Diesel I will bypass the DEF system (just like I did the air pump systems) as soon as the factory warranty ends. I guess the one + of having a 3rd party cummins engine is that these retrofits will be available even sooner. My brother has always had diesels for his racing trailer, he purchased a new 3500 this year (1st one with DEF) and he is burning through it faster and faster.

            No inspection in my state so I’ll likely cut the cat off as well.

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Scott,

      That’s interesting that you are against a Cummins engine going into a Tundra. I think this is the first time I have heard somebody say they were against it.

      The Cummins engine that Nissan will use was offered to Toyota and they declined. HINO seems like an option, but, from my understanding, their motors aren’t built for half-ton trucks and would need some modification (not sure how much).

      Seems likely they would just pull a diesel from overseas and modify it for the U.S. emissions. (BTW, the EU emissions standards are on the rise and the needed modifications could be less severe). This is the same path GM is using for the baby Duramax.

      -Tim

      • Scott says:

        I see this as one more sign of Toyota’s unwillingness to invest the US truck market. Reliability of their engine is the only thing Toyota has to hang their hat on these days. It is what makes their premium worth paying. A reliable Toyota Diesel with a Cummins powerplant goes to the reliability of Cummins, not Toyota. Toyota just becomes another faceless manufacturer bending steel around a 3rd party motor.

        Remember this is the same company which pioneered Hybrid and is now releasing hydrogen powered vehicles but are amazingly unable to produce a new Tundra powerplant on their own for the past decade and elect to use someone elses . Who would have believed this as a possibility 5 years ago.

        Cummins is a great motor and I applaud Ram and Nissan for using them since for them it is a huge step up above their usual offerings.

        Toyota was working on a Hino V8 for the us market but scrapped it when the economy crashed. Now Toyota wants to throw in a Cummins to take advantage of the current demand so its doubtful that this configuration will be around for more then 1 gen. I can’t support them in this money grab.

  10. Randy says:

    The pickup truck market place is changing.

    The pickup truck market place would change faster, better, and quicker if the truck makers “understood” what truck buyers want. Ford and GM do not get it and they both fail at QDR.

    Ram got it, while they had Fred Diaz, now Nissan has him. Ram also has the current cafΓ© nightmare, Nissan does not.

    99.9% of Ram’s current success is due to Fred Diaz. It looks like he will do and is doing the same for Titan.

    So here is the question: We all know that Titan and Tundra have the greatest “unrealized” potential for the fastest growth rates, if they build what the customers want. We all know that Diaz can deliver. Can Sweers deliver?

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Randy,

      Did you know that Diaz is actually in charge of marketing over at Nissan and is said to have little to no input on the new truck? I found this fascinating myself, yet the interviews I’ve read and the people I’ve talked with confirm it.

      -Tim

      • Carolina Blue says:

        Tim,

        Diaz is more involved than you think.

        http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2.....-diaz.html

        As a former tundra owner and current titan owner I must say I love my titan. It has its short calls but over all it’s a sweet truck. This isn’t a frame debate but the titan’s frame is solid and in the SL package I can haul 1900 pounds. The platinum tundra was rated at 1305. One thing that strikes me as unusual is prior to 2004 all the half tons were running c channel frames. The titan came out with a boxed frame and all the half tons followed except for toyota. I wonder why? Not saying that open c is bad but everyone else changed. I loved my tundra like others want to see toyota spend the money on their trucks like they do their cars. Reliability has been the same for me but I don’t think nissan will ever be as reliable as a toyota but they are so much more fun to drive.

        • LJC says:

          The gross vehicle weight rating for a Tundra is 7100 LBS and the Titan is 7000 LBS, so they about equal.

          There’s a lot of debate about the Box vs C-Channel frame design. The Tundra is boxed under the engine, reinforced C-channel under the midsection and C-Channel in the tail section.

  11. Randy says:

    Tim,

    Yes, and I understand Diaz is supposed to cover “all” of the Nissan line up, not just the trucks? I think that is correct?

    But look at this way; Ford and GM sell trucks entirely based on “marketing”, it is certainly not engineering IMHO. If they had any degree of engineering then their trucks would be able to go around the block twice without breaking.

    Then look closely at the current marketing “hype” for the new Titan. Now frame, body, engines seem to be significantly different? With all these years of “lame” engineering for Titan…..where did these types of major changes come from? And why “now” a new Titan after all these years of nothing?

    Where is the new found religion for Titan coming from?

    Diaz could have provided a very simple statement? “Ok Nissan, you make the Titan…..so far this has been an ‘insult’ to anyone wanting to buy a truck…..so ‘we’ need to either get serious and build something truck buyers actually want or stop making trucks all together”. In other words there is no reason to continue defaming the corporate logo with the Titan because it hurts all of Nissan sales? And so far it has been none other than Mr. Fred Diaz himself making the upfront major announcements for the new Titan (yes marketing/sales)?

    That is exactly what he did for Ram and the changes have been major and dramatic, no question.

    Of course the new Titan could very well be nothing more than marketing hype (i.e. Ford and GM), it may not have solid reliable engineering behind it to back it up? Only time will tell, I guess.

    Randy

  12. Randy says:

    And speaking of marketing hype:

    Is it true, the new Ford Raptor will get an “EcoBeast” engine? They filed a patent on it? Ford engineering at its best; just give it a new name!

    I guess it is only rumors; but I would not put it past them. Surely the news reports coming out are false?

  13. Ron says:

    I own a 2008 Dc TRD/SR5 and with the exception of the water pump and air injector valve problems it’s been a great truck. I plan on keeping it to i see Toyota Come out with a new Engine Plant, which i read they change every 10 years, while it would be good for Toyota to come out with a deisel, i hope they have a even better gas engine option. I read where they could posssibly put the v8 they use in there Lexus, 465Hp i think, anyway get it together Toyota, if you want to keep up with the Joneses

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Ron,

      If you look back on this site, you will find all of those engine options discussed at some point. Its been a long time for a new engine option! Haha…

      Like I said in the post, I just want them to do something.

      -Tim

  14. mk says:

    stand alone option of an integrated brake controller

    6 1/2′ bed crew cab (should of had in 2007)

    direct injection V8 getting 20 hwy mpg rating

    power sliding rear window on the DC SR5 version

    I’m not fussy, that is all I want and should of had by now easily in 2014.

    If you look at the mid-level SR5, soon to become the base model with all the pricey upper levels I will never buy since don’t have a need nor want for them, it is still the cheapest msrp 1/2 ton truck vs. the big 3. Not by much, but is one heck of a lot cheaper that I know than a chevy silverado 2014 vs. 2014.

    Plus, resale and trade in is still the best of the big 3 as well.

  15. Jason N says:

    I want to see the following:
    – Cummins 5.0 (big surprise lol)
    – 6.5 box with the crewcab
    – Factory remote starter
    – retractable side box steps and a form of tailgate step
    – Heated sport cloth seats
    – panaramic sunroof (nice to have, I just like them)
    – TRD off-road package with actual off-road tires. BFG All Terrain TA Ko 35’s or Goodyear Dura Tracs.

    – LED Head lights and tail lights
    – Power telescopic trailer tow mirrors power folding
    – Nice paint options (pearl reds, blues etc) and some nice chrome touches but not gawdy.
    – Backseat (crewcab) that can hold 3 car seats no problem and a flat floor for the dog to lay down on.

    Thats it for now

    jason

  16. jim says:

    TOYOT come out with a great truck in 07 6 speed trans 385 hp nice tailgate LOTS OF OPTIONS now have reversed noisy truck removed 25 options from the 2014 ltd your now behind the big three . HOPEFULLY tpyota will pick back up in 2016

  17. jim says:

    who cares about a diesel . fuel2.80 a gallon gas 1.99

  18. Joel says:

    Hello guys,
    Toyota is a fine company and they really know how to build cars and trucks. I think that the most important for toyota as a company is reliability and dependability. All there cars since they started back in the 50s I think have had the best resale value of any other brand up to now and they will have it for many years down the road. I really think that there main focus on building a car (tundra) is not the options they add to the vehicles but the people coming back to buy a new car cause the one they bought 10-15 years back they are giving it to there kids to go to collage. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if they decided not to go with any brand aftermarket engine like (hino or Cummings) they should have a strong reason why not to. Maybe for some reason they knew those engines will give there costumers lots of problems and headache so they did not felt comfortable using any of them. What I really think they should do is leave the options they had in the tundra from 07-12 but come up with a Diesel engine made, design and built by toyota just like the ones they had back in the 80s. Great, strong, dependable, long lasting, drive it with out oil and it will still run like brand new ones you added some kind of truck (engine). I my self only buy toyota. The other brands of vehicles out there they have to add all this upgrades I order to sell cause most people go by what they see and don’t care if is good, is it going to last. They just buy it cause is cool or they like it or is in style at the moment. But in 3 years or 80,000 miles the car/truck start to give lots of problem or as soon as the warranty runs out. That don’t happen with toyota vehicles. You can drive it for many years with no problems. Bottom line, toyota is not going to install anything that will that will mess up there company and reputation that they have establish all over the world, cause toyota vehicles are all over the world. Try beating that with any other brand.
    Is like what happen a few years back that they were using American parts like the accelerator on a few models and that brought them lots of problems cause the accelerator gat stuck and would not release. They need to stick to what they know and that’s building toyota vehicles since the first day almost 100 years ago. With toyota parts, not with anything else. And I know they are more than capable of producing a V6/V8 turbo Diesel engine, even a 4 cylinder Diesel engine that will crush the competition. And that’s what every body want to see including me, but the competitors don’t.

  19. Gerry says:

    The bottom line is Toyota makes a kick ass truck anyone who has one knows. Until a generation of loyal Chevy and Ford customers along with fleet trucks for $23,000 Toyota will never compete. But as a Construction worker Tundras are starting to show up at work at a fast rate and I’m Union. I consider a Tundra to be a higher end truck that it is when I go by all the auto repair shops in town guess what the parking lot is full of? yep Chevy, Fords, and many many Chryslers. When i had chevys and fords i spent many of my weekends working on them in my drive. Now my daughter has a 2006 carolla and i have the Tundra. Now I have my weekends back! fancy knobs and gadgets don’t impress me reliability will win all the time in my book.

  20. Tmik says:

    Things on my wish list to persuade me to buy. Big 4 door cab,5.0 diesel,heavy duty transmission like Allison,heavy duty rear differential not that dinky one like the regular tundra. Better quality interior,front differential disconnect.

  21. PAUL BRACKINS says:

    I wish I would have know that the 2016 was going to have more options I would have a 2015 1794 very unhappy to know you would come out with these new in 2016 and on your top line tundra 1794

    • Tim Esterdahl says:

      Paul,

      I think you are mixing something up. First, this is a Toyota enthusiast blog and not affiliated with Toyota. Second, this is our “wish list” and it isn’t a list of coming changes.

      -Tim

  22. I am surprized that no one mentioned the one major change in the 5.7 litre engine since 2007 is that on 4×4 models they are only available as flex fuel engines. I have just begun to have trouble with my 2012 flex fuel engine. Problems with starting and running have resulted in 3 recalls. I have never put e-85 fuel in the truck. E-85 is known to reduce the already questionable gasoline mileage, and according to the owners manual, using the fuel drops the expensive synthetic oil changes from 5, 000 m8les to 2, 500 miles. There is no choice for the consumer if they have to havefour wheel drive–please make Iit an option choice, though there will be few takers, or better yet, drop the flex fuel 5.7 litre engine all together. At least I didn’t have to drive to the nearest Toyota dealer 60 miles away at a “limp home” mode where the truck can only go 5 mph. Come on Toyota, you can do better Re think this and get ride of the flex fuel engine for 2016.

    • Larry says:

      2500 miles for an oil change? I have been using Mobil 1 oils for 25 year. I change oil at 15000 miles. I change filters every 5000. I keep my cars and trucks until the end, rusted out doors falling off but, never any engine troubles. I gave up on my T100 after 18 years 160,000 miles. Still running fine using no oil. That was 2 years ago and new owner is still driving it. I have run Subarus to 300,000 only changing oil at 15000, Never any issue.

      I never pay any attention to the fuel mix. I pull up to a pump and fill up. if I get E-85 I wouldn’t know.

      Not saying others should do this. It’s just what I have done and I have had no issues.

      Now with the new requirements for 0W-20 oil, I don’t know if I can keep doing this. The 0W-20 is not always available so I have decided to use 5W-20 since I can always find it. The stuff is like water. Have been wondering if I can just keep running 10W-30? My current Subaru is now 4 years old, out of warranty some i might just move back to 10W-30. Seems like the only issue might be higher oil pressure.

      My diesel holds 3 gallons of oil, I run 15W-40 and change at 10,000. 3 gallons is a lot of oil to deal with.

      Why would E-85 degrade the oil that fast, water vapor, what?

      • mike says:

        Larry I took this information from my 2012 Tundra service section of the manual that came eith my truck. If you research some of the problems people have had recently with their Toyotas eith the 5.7 litre engine you’ll see that many revolve around the flex fule application. The computer detects that the engine is running on e-85, though in my case I have never used the stuff–and never will–then apparently the computer doesn’t or can’t reset itself. My 2007 4×4 without the flex fuel engine never had these odd problems. For 2016 bring back the 20 things to 30 things they dropped from from tho 2007 and 12 SR5 models and drop the flex fuel option and I’ll consider a Tundra in 2016 or 17. Otherwise I will be looking elsewhere.

        • mike says:

          I made an error saying Toyota needed to drop the flex fuel option for 2016. It is not an option on 4×4 models with the 5.7 litre, it is manditory, a person has no choice. Either make it a choice or drop it–4 wheel drive isn’t necessarily an option in snow country either for use or resale value, but a person can choose whether or not to order it. There should be the same choice for the flex fuel 5.7 vs the non flex fuel 5.7. I’ve owned both in 4×4 models, 07 non, 12 flex. So it must be possible.

  23. jack says:

    It will be a version of the same 5.0-liter V-8 turbodiesel that rival truck-builder Nissan has slotted to power its next-generation Titan set to debut next year. Not only is this huge news for Tundra fans, it represents uncharted territory in diesel engine sharing on the light-duty level. Truck buyers are a fiercely loyal bunch, so it will be interesting to see where exactly loyalties fall β€” with the truck- or engine-builder.

  24. Jim Shues says:

    Lets see the option of at least a 6.5′ bed with the 2016 Tundra CrewMax and better gas mileage out of the 5.7L V-8.
    The 5.5′ bed is too small and 13-15 REAL WORLD mpg is pathetic.

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