2017 Toyota Tundra – What to Expect
Tim Esterdahl | Nov 19, 2015 | Comments 64
Note to the readers: you are going to see Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer Mike Sweers mentioned quite a bit in this article. Why? He is chief engineer and provides the direction for the truck as well as approves/turns down any ideas his team comes up with. In the past, some readers have said I refer to Sweers too much. Those readers don’t understand how much Sweers controls the direction of the Tundra. In order to understand the future of the Tundra, one must understand how Sweers thinks. I believe, after spending quite a bit of time with him, I have a fairly good idea. Again, a “fairly” good idea.
With the start of auto show “season” kicking off in LA this week, it is a good time to turn our attention to what Toyota has in store. This year, it is highly likely changes to the Toyota Tundra are coming at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. What could those changes be? Here are my best guesses.
What improvements can you expect in the 2017 Toyota Tundra? Here are my best guesses.
Before I get to what I think will happen, I’d like to take a moment and thank you – the readers. When I started writing here 4 years ago, I had no idea really what I was getting myself into. My early work probably reflected this with article topics on all sorts of things and wild assumptions galore (definitely wild now looking back). Along the way, I’d like to think I’ve gotten better at covering the topics Tundra owners care about and I’ve also gotten better at understanding the marketplace. I hope you agree. Again, thank you for reading, commenting and emailing me. I appreciate it.
Powertrain Changes Lead to Better Fuel Economy
If you were to step back and take a critical look at the Toyota Tundra’s strengths and weaknesses, fuel economy is at the top of the weaknesses list. When the 5.7L engine debuted nearly 10 years ago, it was at the top of the list for its design and performance. Even though, Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer Mike Sweers says it is still pretty advanced in certain ways, the reality is competition has now caught up from a consumer point of view. Consumers simply don’t care that much how many valves an engine has or how after all of these years it is still on top from an engineering point of view, it is about performance and fuel economy.
These two areas are where the Tundra MUST improve. If it doesn’t, the truck could be regulated as the Honda Ridgeline of the marketplace – an odd duckling with continual diminishing sales.
How does Toyota do it? Put in a new engine completely? A diesel? Nope. Toyota will focus on bringing improvements used on other products and adding them to their existing products. They have historically done this throughout their lineup and you can see this in the Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Tundra and even the Lexus LX 570 sharing technology. For the 2017 Toyota Tundra, they will first implement the “easy” improvements from the Tacoma. These easy improvements will likely include:
Atkinson Cycle – This engine cycle works with the Otto cycle to provide fuel efficiency. Essentially, the truck will use the Otto cycle when towing and hauling. It will automatically switch to Atkinson for day-to-day driving and highway use.
After driving the Tacoma, I can tell you the switch between combustion cycles is hard to distinguish and feels natural. Really, nothing to feel or notice. This change will likely be ignored or minimized by automotive journalists as nothing sexy, however, by improving the engine’s combustion cycle without adding any special equipment like turbochargers or messing with the engine’s operation via cylinder deactivation, is a pretty big deal for long-term reliability.
This improvement will result in a minimal fuel economy improvement.
Improved Transmission – the current sexy trend is to add multi-speed transmissions into all large vehicles in hopes of returning better highway fuel economy performance. We have seen this trend throughout full-size trucks with many consumers now thinking an 8-speed transmission is the new minimum and 6-speed transmissions are outdated. This isn’t quite accurate.
When Toyota launched the new Tacoma, they improved the 6-speed transmission quite a bit via light-weighting and its operation. These improvements helped smooth out the ride quality, yet didn’t really touch the fuel economy.
This same type of improvement could play out with the Tundra. Toyota is really faced with two choices here: improve the current 6-speed by implementing the same improvements on the Tacoma or add the 8-speed found in the Land Cruiser. While the 8-speed is the hands-down favorite for journalists looking for something “new,” it could be just that “new.” Interestingly, I drove the new Land Cruiser in Texas and the new 8-speed transmission didn’t improve fuel economy at all. Instead, engineers set it up to improve shifting patterns when hauling and driving, according to a Toyota rep on site. This was a bit of an eye-opener for me and it should be for Toyota fans as well. Just because a new Tundra could get more transmission speeds doesn’t mean it will have better fuel economy. It is all in how the engineers setup the transmission. They could improve fuel economy OR they could improve ride comfort and towing performance. I think Toyota will go with the latter for the 2017 Tundra.
Light-Weighting via High-Strength Steel – one area that will likely see improvements is the use of high-strength steel throughout the cabin and possibly in the frame. All automakers are looking to drop weight and they are largely doing this by adding in more high-strength steel. This reduction in weight improves ride quality and can slightly improve fuel economy.
Slew of Other Items – there will be a slew of other changes like adding optional safety equipment throughout the trim levels, slight improvements to the Entune system and possibly a Qi wireless charging platform.
What Not to Expect
While it is fun to speculate what will be changed in this mid-cycle refresh, let’s talk about what won’t be changed which is likely more accurate:
No Interior Improvements – with this refresh, I don’t see Toyota adding back in the storage they took out from the 2nd generation nor do I see them changing back to the slide and recline seats. Why? The timing isn’t right for one and the slide and recline rear seat change was Sweers’ idea. I don’t see him changing his mind.
No Diesel – sorry guys, not going to happen. I’m not a believer that Sweers is really sold on the diesel engine in the half-ton and without a massive investment from Toyota (also unlikely), I don’t see where they could build it.
No Significant Fuel Economy Jump – With the improvements above, I could see the Tundra improving fuel economy by 1-2 MPG. Toyota still feels they are competitive when it comes to fuel economy and they don’t see the benefit in adding a bunch of expensive equipment to chase a few MPGs.
What does all of this add up to? Another “calculated” improvement for the Tundra. While I would love to see them really “go all in,” past history and time spent with Sweers, tells me otherwise.
Stay tuned for coverage of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show in early February. This show is where Toyota will reveal changes to the Tundra.
Filed Under: Tundra News
Tim,
I’ll bet you a 6 pack there is no changes at all. I hope your right but I’ll believe it when I see it.
maybe I’ll go this year as I am thinking new truck next year.
BB,
I’ll take that bet. 🙂
-Tim
According to NHTSA, contract #DTNH22-12-D-00258
is only good until 2017. Any changes after that will need a brand new released contract. Therefore production is set to change on 2018 models. Production cycle ends 2017.
Cant wait to see changes in 2018.only 2 years to go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jobGtNH7hY
Rating Applicable to the 2015 Tundra CrewMax and until then end of this production cycle.
*An updated result from the 2014MY.
Tim,
Thanks for the write-up, there is really no info out there on the 2017’s, and nothing from Toyota.
Honestly if you’re on the right track, which I think you are, it may be another conservative move and subsequent disappointment from Toyota.
For starters, they need to improve the MPG bottom line. Every reviewer of the Tundra knocks it for that.
Secondly, the Atkinson and new transmission in the Tacoma (besides having disappointing HP/Torque #’s) have not increased real world MPG, in fact if you read the Tacoma World forums it barely keeps up with the old drivetrain MPG and the worst part is all I’ve heard is that the new 6 speed hunts for gears constantly, a big knock.
Sales will continue to decline for the Tundra until some serious updates are made, everyone has passed the HP/Torque numbers that the 5.7 once ruled. And in addition, advertised mileage is much higher on their engines. Real world mpg’s may be a different story but it’s all about perception (see Ford’s eco-boost)
Not sure why Sweers doesn’t want to look hard at diesel option, consumers want it. All I can figure is Toyota isn’t giving him the budget to do so (why not Hino with tweaks here?).
Consumers want a better riding, more advanced, more powerful, and better mpg Truck, that’s what Toyota has to deliver to be competitive.
One more thing, 10-years into this platform and Toyota is doing another refresh and not redesign, that shows a lack of commitment/investment into the fullsize market.
If they don’t offer a 6.5ft bed and a better engine line up then they might as well pack it in. Nissan is going to fill in Toyotas gaps and will steal their remaining market share.
What I see is, sweers is building a truck for himself and not the consumer. If he thinks he is building what the consumer wants, I’m not sure who his consumers are anymore.
Tim,
Thanks for the write up. I think you have a reasonable rendition of what will be the 2017 Tundra.
I have owned the other trucks, lots of them. There is already tons of bad news for owners of the latest and greatest gadgets and engine technology that simply cannot deliver as promised. No reason to review that here.
I will definitely take my 2014 Tundra over what is offered by the completion for 2016. The MPGs are close enough to the same it is simply a non-issue. But the mere fact I do not have to spend my entire life in a dealership for constant repairs is something the other trucks makers simply cannot do, it’s not even close.
Sure there are 4 or 5 things I wish my truck had, like a load flat floor with storage. But I will gladly give that up for having a reliable truck that can be driven every single day of the week.
In Texas the supply of Tundra’s and Tacoma’s are almost zero and both plants are at full tilt, with maximum shifts to be in place by this summer. As volatile as the world economies are, that is an excellent position for Toyota to be in.
I realize that other buyers are completely swooned by “technology and stuff” or Turbos that barf down on water and can’t get the carbon out. That is “not” the type of customer Toyota wants nor the type of product they want to build.
Tim,
I just took delivery of my new 2016 Crewmax Limited. I have had it three weeks and very satisfied so far. I had to order it to get the options I wanted and debated on waiting to get a 2017 with possible improvements, but knowing Toyota’s history I decided to go ahead and get the 2016 and know for sure what I would be getting.
As Randy said, there are several things I wish the truck had and I actually gave up a few options that my were on my 07 Silverado. But my new Tundra also gave me some new options and tows my atvs and all my hunting gear like a dream!
Travis,
Very nice! Enjoy the truck!!
-Tim
Rather disappointing news Tim. I think the Tundra will stay where it is until sales start falling or Sweers is replaced; till then changes will be…very slow to come.
I expect there to be a couple cosmetic changes like they did in 2010. Possibly reshape the tail lights, and come up with a slightly different grille.
Have you ever asked Sweers why they don’t stretch the Crewmax bed just a little? Even a 6′ bed would seem like a big improvement for hauling a load of stuff.
I can answer this one for you as I have talked with Sweers about this subject. simply put they need another frame, that’s 45 million dollars investment to make that happen which is why you haven’t seen it. with looming Café requirements stepping in by 2020 I believe Toyota is still holding a poker hand that we will likely see in the next few years. only time will tell.
I will openly say on this forum hoping it will get some attention that Sweers said it would take every Toyota dealer (roughly 1260) in the lower 48 selling at minimum 20 diesels per year in order for it to make financial sense…………. I say bring it I believe they are out there! Heres to hoping they believe it to.
I never heard that he said that but I would guarantee my Toyota dealer in a town of 150k would easily sell 20 and probably have a waiting list.
When he said it I let him know that I would have no problems selling 20 a year myself! lol supposedly he’s been trying to make the case and was losing the battle.
That is an interesting tidbit.
While we’ve all done some Sweers bashing regarding the Tundra and Tacoma shortfalls and subsequent excuses. I eluded above to Sweers not getting the budget/support/investment from Corporate to make major changes.
Perhaps with limited upward sales possibility and limited vehicle profits Toyota doesn’t see the full-size segment worth the investment. And therefore Sweers is stuck putting lipstick on a pig and selling it!
I can understand a lack of budget and Toyota not wanting to move forward but Sweers proved himself to be a liar when he spoke about how the Tundra Owners didn’t want storage or the rear reclining seats.
Its one thing to tow the company line but he lied to our faces. I can’t believe or respect anything from the man after that.
Scott,
He didn’t “lie,” his idea just wasn’t well received. We joke about it from time to time. Sweers thought he had this great idea for folding seats instead of reclining seats, yet reviewers and customers have told him otherwise. He has been right on many things and wrong on others. It happens with anyone. Calling him a liar for being wrong is too harsh.
-Tim
here is what I think will happen
Chicago Auto Show = absolutely nothing will be announced.
September 2016 = info will be release on 2017 model tundra and very very minimal if any changes will be included, maybe changing colors or something.
Remember, in Sweers mind the tundra was all new in 2014, has a more advanced engine than the others, and is competitive in the real world on MPG. Toyota will not invest in LEDs, projector lights, storage or other things like the taco since the taco is a lifestyle truck and the customer base is different, same BS reason Sweers gave for no locker etc in the tundra while the taco comes with one.
That’s my bet, crickets at the chicago auto show and then more disappointment in Sept.
BB,
I’ll email you my address for the 6-pack you will be sending. 🙂
-Tim
no problem, first they have to do something that matters, not a paint code or grill change
You’re setting the bar pretty high. 🙂
-Tim
hey Tim,
can I meet you at the auto show for my 6 pack since there will be no tundra changes as the big truck deal is another tacoma edition?
🙂
BB,
Send me your address. I’ll send out a 6-pack right away. 😉
-Tim
What Randy said +1 big time. Its a truck.
I fall on the side of no changes at all will be made. Sweers already lest us in on what they are doing with the tundra, they are gearing it toward the Luxury SUV market.
I’ve passed on the Tundra since the 2014 “redesign” and I’ll continue to pass.
Ever since I’ve gotten my license, I’ve own toyota’s. I’m looking at the titan xd as my next vehicle, so I may finally jump ship. The tundra is simply just outclassed in just about every retrospect and with the way sweers thinks, the tundra will continue to fall back.
I am right there with you. I’ve owned several Toyota vehicles and as of now I just purchased a 14 Titan. I still love Toyota but don’t understand why they don’t give us a truck like they did in 2007. Toyota has the biggest R&D budget of any manufacture and I believe if they wanted to overtake the truck market like they did the car market they could. But, while resale and reliability sells well, it’s not enough the lure buyers. Most people look for the gadgets, new technology, more gears with the transmission etc.
Buy any truck but the Titan if you care about reliability. It has horrible reliability ratings.
Leave it alone ! I have have a 2012 Tundra TRD SR5 6 speed prrrs like a kitten don’t need a 8 speed its a no brainer. the sales are what they are, they make there money on cars{ even if they have the best truck}
Tim as a writer you have a tough job trying to keep us informed of what the tundra factory is doing looking into the future. Mr. Sweers has a much tougher job, running an engineering department doing what is best for all of us tundra fans and still making money for Toyota. I think that we have come to a cross roads for the tundra. Diesel is out for sure. The amount of capital and training required to pull off diesel at the dealership level is too much to over come. Just watch Nisson put the capital together and find out the costs will be tough to over come.
The 5.7 is a solid engine. Toyota is 3 years away from redesigning a new truck. If you look at Ram, F150, even the Silverado they all beat up the tundra on MPG but not really in my opinion with performance with the 5.7 and the 6 speed. Are the inefficiencies too high to over come with the solid motor and drive train due to there over built stature? I see the Ram as the closest duplicate to the Tundra yet they pull 2 mpg better. Why is that?
All of us Tundra fans agree we would rather give up 1-2 mpg over taking my truck in for repair. I drive a Tacoma with 168k a and have never took it in for any repair. We all drive Toyota due to reliability but there comes a point to where Mr. Sweers needs to do what’s best for the product line and customer while getting the margins Toyota requires. The plant should be paid off by now and it’s time give the customer what we need. I tottally get using technology that is proven and not cutting edge, it keeps warranty costs down. The big three continue to come up with new technology that is tested in the field and not fully tested in the factory. That is why they all need to charge 10-15k more, so they have margin built in to pay for warranty.
So Tim, since you are closer than I to Mike Sweers, please forward our letters and ideas to Mike. We all believe the Tundra is a the best truck in the market. I am a converted GM guy but see the big 3 have varies MPG and performance improvements that put the Tundra behind.
Mike get this truck back to the consumer reports most recommended list for 2017. The Tundra is a much better truck than the big 3 can manufacture. Let’s turn it up a notch and get back to being the leader that you are in the market.
It’s time..
Brian,
Trust me, I share with Sweers the various frustrations I hear on this site. I don’t think it is all on him though. Organizationally, Toyota doesn’t have the same full-size truck focus as other automakers. They simply don’t depend on these trucks as other OEMs do. It is a different mentality and approach that drives Tundra fans nuts, however, it does result in a better product since they don’t have the same “rush to market” mentality.
So here I am with a 2008. I tow often and I have a Jayco Octane 29 toyhauler. I average close to 14mpg towing this trailer. The tongue weight goes off the charts with 100 gallons of water and things we haul but never once has the Tundra cared. But living in the salt belt and towing between the midwest & fl the truck has aged a bit. Some of the reports I hear about diesels or motor changes tell me one thing only. Toyota has no intention changing much on this truck. They have access to diesels but elect to ignore this by saying they have no room to build them etc or are freaked out because of impending fed regulations coming. That is BS. They don’t even have enough foresight to build a gas 2500 Tundra. All their big ads and articles from 2007 have led them to this point in time which is what exactly?? Because I dont see any reason to buy a new Tundra to replace mine. There is just not enough there for me to start payments….I am not getting anything in return. The biggest car company in the world still has no idea how to compete in the American truck market. Nissan woke up didn’t they!!
Sure they do. It’s just the midsize segment. 🙂
Here’s the problem with Sweers’ diesel mindset: no planning and thinking on a micro scale. There should be two diesels, one for the Tacoma and the second for
the Tundra. With the two there would be cost sharing, thereby reducing entry into the market.
Second, GM is pressing for a global emissions standards. Here’s the article from a credible source: http://www.autonews.com/article/20151113/CO
PY01/311139983/gm-powertrain-boss-to-press-for-global-emissions-harmonization
Toyota should jump on that train with GM to increase the chances of it happening, especially in the wake of the cheating Germans. With a global plan, diesel engine technology would have the largest market possible. It’s an opportunity for crying out loud!
Granted it would take a couple years for the latter to take root, but this delay may be moot as Toyota has new diesel engine technology that is cleaner.
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/0.....ght-clean/
So, what the hell is going on with Toyota’s trucks? Not much and that’s not good in a market as competitive and profitable as this one.
What I don’t understand is doesn’t the Tacoma already have a diesel in the form of the Hilux? I feel like it is probably a lot more costly to design and build an engine than just expanding production capacity of the engine. If you already have the engine technology, experience, and patents, is it that much harder to size it up for a Tundra and get the machinery to make it?
It may seem like common sense to just pull a diesel from your global lineup of vehicles and stick it in, but it doesn’t quite work that way from a product planning and development perspective. It can be more costly to retrofit it for your vehicle needs. For example, Nissan could have put one of their global diesels, but instead went with Cummins because the Cummins engine was a better fit.
-Tim
Toyota is best car company in world. For caving fuel i suggest to use Toyota Car.
U can get more tips about fuel saving car.
My 2012 Tundra has been a very good truck. I was lookin forward to a diesel or new engine option but looks like its not going to happen. Looks like I might be moving up to a f250 6.7.
Tim,
Thank you for this insightful release. I sell Toyotas and I see passionate Tundra fans every week. I think most truck consumers who approach Toyota with an open mind are able to understand its design philosophy and comparative advantages. I do hear a lot from them that they wish the “big numbers” were competitive again – horsepower, torque, fuel economy, payload, etc. It’s a beautiful drive train, but if the marketing strategies are any indication, a lot of the pride of ownership in the truck market is bragging rights. It’s compelling to explain thoughtful engineering or tout the product’s legendary reliability (or you know, get them in the driver’s seat and the truck will speak for itself!), but just as brevity is the soul of wit, so too is it the ace of information.
I think SpringDrive makes some valid points..and yes it is all about braggining rights and perception for the big three. It is also about perception when these so called truck experts test the vehicles. It is amazing how many conclusions can be drawn from one tow up the mountain or one week of driving and then they spread their information like it is the Gospel of the best truck. I have been critical of Toyotas vision of the Tundra many times since 2007.
It is very short sighted for a very very good truck. The Tundra or at least mine is a great truck. It has done everything thing I have asked including pulling weight you wouldnt believe unless I showed you. Unfortunately its commitment to the Hilux and other units they place diesels in and bypass the US could cause continued flat sales. Ram trucks announced they are going to try to meet the needs of the Aussies and other countries with their full size truck. Here is another tip for Toyota…..stay away from those snakes at Ford.
I love Toyota’s because I cherish their reliability but if Toyota doesn’t significantly update it’s Tundra with regard to fuel economy there’s just no way I’m going to get one when it’s possible to pick up a powerful enough V6 Silverado or F150 which gets 25% better mpg. Toyota doesn’t even sell their V-6’s anymore.
To be honest I’m just not comfortable driving a gas guzzler with global warming on pace to smack the human race a good one in the coming decades.
With the amount I drive I’ll save more than enough in gas costs to cover the more repairs those trucks will require.
I hate to say it but the wonderful Tundra is fast becoming a dinosaur.
Four months ago I sold my 2012 F150 Lariat Supercrew 4×4 with a 5.0L, and bought a ’16 Tundra CM TRD Pro. I love the Tundra despite the following: poor mpg (12.7 combined), no e-locker, no 120v outlet, no boxed frame, no flat load floor, no rear seat storage, 60’s era radio, very limited system data, no power folding mirrors, no automatic AWH, no heated/AC seats, no leather wrapped steering wheel, no auto headlights and no 20 mpg highway. So why did I give up all these amenities? Two words: performance and reliability. This TRD Pro is a muscle truck with an attitude, and a fit and finish that smokes the problem riddled F150. My “carbon offset” vehicle is a ’13 Honda Civic. TOYOTA Tundra’s can be great again!
Why would you want a fully boxed frame? Having a trapezoid open-c rear with toe-out leaf springs is much better for rugged terrain stability, flexibility and towing. It’s just a different design philosophy from the more highway-suited trucks of the competition.
Tim, I have had three Tundras, 2007,2008,2016 .In between I have had three Tacomas , 2011,2013 ,2014 . I decided to go from the 2014 Tacoma to the 2016 Tundra because price was about the same and MPG was close and you get more truck for the money.I bought the Limited and would have moved up but the lack of a longer bed stopped me . The 5.5 bed makes the Tundra an “SUV with an open trunk” ,worthless as a working truck. I am satisfied with the 2016 Limited with three exceptions. First, the grab handle on the drivers side was missing ,some of us are short and the Tundra sits up high and we need help getting in . Next ,window switch on the drivers side is not lighted for the rear windows ,and third and the most aggravating is the omission of daytime dash lights without turning on parking or headlights . Yes ,one can see the large gauges ,but some of the smaller gauges especially the engine oil pressure gauge is so dark most of the time you cannot read it. I used to keep my light switch on auto which gave DRLs, daytime dash lights and headlights at dark without having to change the setting . I do not see any cost savings on any of these three changes but the lack of them would have changed my mind on the 2016 Limited if I had known about them before I purchased it. Toyota is supposed to add features ,not take them away !Whoever made these changes ,especially the grab handle and the dash lights should not be designing the Tundra. Sometimes little things mean a lot !!
Tom,
Wait a minute. You have had 6 Toyota trucks in how many years?!?
I hear you on the grab handle. I made a big stink about it. Also, the sun glare issue is a big one for the Tundra’s dash. They addressed this with the new Tacoma and I expect the same treatment on a refreshed Tundra (whenever that comes). The window switch illumination is likely just an oversight. I mean, the wiring is already there, I’d be surprised if this isn’t addressed.
Thanks for the comment!
-Tim
Tim- Six Toyotas -yes,I put about 25000 miles a year on a truck and have found that if I sell or trade before I hit the 36000 mile point I get a better price or trade-in on a new one.
But go back to my first comment .Dash glare isn’t my problem ;it’s the lack of daytime dash lights in the off/DRL mode and the auto mode. In other words ,I have to turn on the parking lights or headlights in the daytime to get dash lights. The auto mode should turn on the dash lights in the daytime and all other lights at night but the 2014-2016 Tundra auto mode does nothing in the daytime. Why,I have no idea,the wiring is there ,all that is needed is the proper stalk ,perhaps the stalk from a 2013 Tundra . Can you check on that for me and all of the others that are asking the same question?
Tom,
I’ll be chatting with Sweers, the chief engineer, next month in Chicago. I’ll make every effort to remember to ask him about it.
-Tim
10.4 on the driver side grab handle.
That decesion was clearly revenue driven with safety not considered.Rookie move by some engineer who would be standing in front of my desk if I was in charge.
** No Changes ** 😉
Hey Tim,
you can share this with sweers too, the tundra just got walked by everyone else.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2.....wdown.html
Look at the GMC 6.2 8 speed, WOW.. smoked everyone and got WAY better MPG doing it.
please ask sweers to do somehting about those dash lights, they need to be backlight, and also the headlight output since the 2014 re-design if awful from everythign you read on TT.
BB,
I’ve driven that setup in the GMC and I would agree it is really good. Surprising really with its big displacement and yet returns pretty good fuel economy.
-Tim
Tim – Some of the complaints that you are hearing like the dash lights ,grab handle could be fixed now with a simple modification . I don’t want to wait until 2017 or later ;I hope to drive my 2016 for a while. Toyota should step up to the plate and satisfy their loyal customers. The best way to keep a customer is to listen to them and take care of their concerns.
Tom,
Do you have a link to the modifications you speak of? Would be nice to share with our readers. Thanks!
-Tim
Read this thread re: installation of the driver’s side handle http://www.tundratalk.net/foru.....andle.html
As a current owner of a 2014 CM and a previous 2008 CM, I was remarkably disappointed at the changes that were made to the 2014. Loss of driver’s grab handle, dual glove compartments, smaller central storage, loss of sliding and reclining rear seats – basically every bit of convenience and storage the previous version had. They added folding rear seats that do fold; however, they also added a massive “bump” with foam insert that fills up any under seat storage you could have had. If they had cut the full size sliding rear window I would have bolted and chosen a competitor. The only useful improvements have been reducing/eliminating the previous model’s bed bounce issue, adding a standard backup camera, and adjustable headlight angles.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Tundra, but honestly, if they ever expect me to buy another they need to reconsider adding the things in that made the Tundra nice to drive and a pleasure to own.
Jar,
Trust me, Toyota has heard a bunch about the “improvements” in the rear seats and the loss of storage. How do I know that? I’ve been giving Sweers an earful for years! LOL.
-Tim
I’m not seeing much 2017tundra talk for the Chicago show…still think Toyota will reveal a tundra improvement or redesign?
No. They unveiled the Tacoma.
-Tim
So what’s the next event where they could reveal a tundra change?…Jan 2017 Detorit Auto show?
2017 Chicago Auto Show.
-Tim
I won’t be getting another Tundra unless they get a Diesel, Plus a bigger bed with the crew max. I will be going back to a Ford.
My 2016 Tundra CM TRD Pro is a nice, simple truck. I didn’t come from another Tundra, I came from a 2012 Ford Lariat Supercrew short bed 4×4 with a 5.0 V8. The more I drive the Tundra, the more I miss a lot of features that Toyota has not caught up on yet. The mileage is 12.5 city vs. 15 to 16 city, not exactly a feature, but a reminder of what older trucks back in the 70’s would get. Here are a few things that I miss: a beautiful gauge cluster with great back lighting, auto AWD, e-locker, electric folding mirrors with puddle lights, push button unlocki/lock pad on door, flat load floor in rear seating area, storage under the rear seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, dual zone AC/heat controls, heated/cooled seats, memory seats, good sound system, solid frame from front to rear, more payload capacity, and a 110v outlet. That’s a lot of stuff! Is less more? Toyota seems think so. I will be back in a Ford someday, except the next one will have the HD pkg with a 6.5 ft. Bed.
I had a F350, power foldng mirrows, back up sensors, larger bed, I miss that truck, I will be getting another Ford