Early 2014 Toyota Tundra Reviews Are Out
Tim Esterdahl | Jul 30, 2013 | Comments 15
Tim here – wanted to give our readers a few links of a few, new 2014 Toyota Tundra reviews that are out. Both of these reviews look like they took place in Pennsylvania where Toyota had a media event. While we have a lot of things to say about these reviews, we thought we would give you the chance to review them for yourself.
PickupTrucks.com – https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/07/2014-toyota-tundra-first-drive.html
AutoGuide.com first drive – https://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/toyota/2014-toyota-tundra-review-video-2742.html
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
I thought AutoGuide.com first drive was good and autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/2013/0.....rst-drive/ was a little to rough even for me.
AD,
Nice to see you again! I read a comment on PUTC’s and was a bit concerned about us ticking you off.
Does anybody else get the impression that some of these reviews are from journalists who either dislike the Tundra beforehand or that they don’t get why people buy them?
Tim
I’ll give PUTC credit for stating why the changes for the next gen Tundra we kept to the bare minimum (the assembly plant cost more than expected and thus money for the Tundra was minimal).
These so called journalists are appealing to the masses. I prefer to call them “shock jocks of the web”.
What they miss are the other factors that consumers consider when buying a truck. Like reliability, resale value, safety, and bang for the buck. None of these factors were discussed in thier so called reviews. Secondly, the autoblog review did not segregate his posted sales figures. Everyone who knows trucks knows the big 3 figures are greatly skewed because of fleet sales.
LJC,
My issue with the AutoGuide review is about his fuel economy issue. Yes, the Tundra isn’t a Prius, but when you only drive it 50 miles and probably mash the gas any chance you get (which is often the case at press events), you won’t get good gas mileage. Most journalists won’t talk about it since it is such a skewed sample. For him to make such a big deal about it, is poor reporting IMHO.
-Tim
I agree. My gas mileage is now about 17 with about 80% highway. All highway, I’m at 19 MPG for a TRD Dbl Cab 4×4, AC running.
Quick Post:
1) I thought the 2014 was to come with an integrated brake controller?
2) What’s the model of the Michelin Tire used for the 2014 TRD Tundra?
LJC,
1. I thought it did too. I’ll be double-checking this.
2. I called Michelin a few months back and they won’t say until the truck is released. I’ll be following up with them.
Tim
Thanks Tim! 🙂
Hopefully, this exclusive tire will have a high tread wear rating.
LJC,
While I haven’t drive it and can’t 100% confirm it, there are several news articles that speak to the trailer brake controller being added.
http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/.....-test.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/aut.....-1.1283407
-Tim
Michael Harley had some pointers till he got to the J2807 compliant. He didn’t pursue that. Naturally he didn’t say anything against the big 3 other than saying they are complying with it. Total B/S. Complaining about the “C” frame. Most of those who commented on that have no clue about a “C” channel frame and what it does. If a dang box frame was so good why haven’t semi’s gone to a box frame? If a box frame was so strong why are the Raptor bending their frame’s? I totally agree Tim about that on these journalist. They were brought up you buy what daddy bought. What about the so called American part content?
Why was Tundra Headquarters not part of this event?
Tom,
We were invited to the Jackson Hole, WY event. Apparently, Toyota is having these events throughout the country and we drew that event not the PA event. I will be there and will have my review as well. Our event is at the end of August.
Here is a post about my upcoming trip: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2013/06/26/2014-toyota-tundra-driving-event/
-Tim
Was at PUTC and was unable to post this… Here is 2 of my many cents for the TH faithful.
@Tom – ya because when reviewers get their hands on a new truck to try they pussy foot around like their driving Miss Daisy. Seriously – how you drive is one of the largest milage seterminators. I got my used 2011 and my first highway tank was 15mpg then I realized the last dozen drivers were testing and the computer needed to learn my drive and I had to learn its – last highway tank was 21mpg and I don’t drive slow and pass as needed to feel the 5.7 clear its throat.
You guys comparing window stickers and spec sheets need to learn that just like the tow standard that only one half ton abides by, the others are getting the numbers from the marketting department. Truck trend got 17 from new chev/gmc in mixed highway/city unloaded… Not 22/23… I’m just saying guys – there are apples, oranges and bananas out there and until they all obide by the same well crafted standard that reflects real world use they can’t be compared – your buying who has the best advertising the way my kids shop for cereal. I don’t care who promises the most – I care who honestly and reliably delivers it.
Picture measuring tapes – one advertises 1/32″ accuracy because that is the best it can do – where another only claims 1/16″ because that is the worst it has done during testing of measurements of 50′ at 68F… Which is the better tape?
while there, please ask the big shots at Yota WHY in the world did they NOT make a 6 1/2′ bed in a crewmax like the big 3 have done already. Yota dropped the ball bigtime on that and will hurt sales for sure.
MK,
I’m actually thinking they are working on it. See the post about Sweers looking to move production and increase variations in the Tundra.
-Tim