brakes

The Tundra's brakes are excellent -- standard power assisted, 4 wheel ABS keeps you in control under hard braking - even while cornering or in bad-weather conditions.  Electronic Brake Force Distribution compensates for a heavy load by applying more brake power on the wheels that need it, keeping your truck from twisting and turning as it brakes. Brake Assist helps you quickly step on the brake pedal in panic situations (this is especially helpful while towing a heavy trailer).  13.9 inch diameter ventilated rotors up-front, 13.6 ventilated in the back are larger than most competing vehilces, and even larger than brakes found in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.  Dual piston calipers clamp onto your rotors quickly and firmly. It's a race-car type set-up that makes towing and hauling safer. Tested by Edmunds.com, a 2007 Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited had a 60mph to 0mph stopping distance of 131 feet, nearly 15 feet better than the best selling F150.  top

engines

BREAKING NEWS -- Toyota has confirmed that they will be offering a diesel Tundra in the near future. Our prediction is that Toyota will begin offering a 2010 Tundra Diesel in late 2009. Toyota also announced that they will NOT be developing a hybrid Toyota Tundra, despite many comments to the contrary.

There are three engines to choose from, but only one we think you should buy.  Their is a 4.0L V6, but unless you're buying a simple 2wd regular cab, it's too puny for this big truck.  The 4.7L V8 is adequate, but it's very limited in terms of performance in the mountains and towing, with only 271hp and 313 ft-lbs of torque.  We like the 5.7L V8 -- lots of power, but it has the exact same fuel economy rating as the 4.7L.  How?  Because the standard transmission with the 5.7L is a six-speed, you get an extra tranny gear to make the engine more efficient.  That, and the 5.7L has dual VVT-i for better breathing.  Unless the up-front cost is an issue, get the 5.7L. The extra money spent on this more powerful engine will get you higher resale value when it's time to sell or trade-in.
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transmissions

Only two, and you really don't have a choice here.  The 5spd auto comes standard with the 4.0L V6 and the 4.7L V8.  The superior six-speed is standard and only available with the 5.7L V8.  Both the five speed and the six speed have fairly low gear ratios, due in large part to the aggressive rear differential gearing (4.10 is standard).  The six-speed automatic is definitely the stronger of the two -- it's rated over 2000lbs higher for towing.  Oh yeah, BTW, the max tow rating is 10,800lbs if you have a 5.7L V8 in a 2wd Regular Cab...which sounds like a fast little truck.  Not that we condone racing, but think of the possibilities... top

dimensions and volumes

Dimensions:

The biggest Tundra available, surprisingly, is the Double Cab Long Bed 4x4, which is 248 inches long (a little less than 21 feet), about 80 inches wide, and 76.2 inches tall (about 6' 5"). If your garage will hold a DC Long Box, then you're good to go.  The CrewMAX 4x4 is only 229 inches long (or 19 feet), with the same width and height.  Coincidentally, the Double Cab standard length bed has the same dimensions as the CrewMax.  Bottomline:  For most people, the Tundra will fit in the garage.  If you're not sure, you can always ask to take it home and check first.

Volumes:

The Tundra's fuel tank holds 27 gallons.
The Tundra uses 7 quarts of 0W20 or 5W20 oil.
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4wd system

Toyota's 4wd has always been well-designed.  The new Tundra is no different, offering a two-speed transfer case with ratios of 1:1 (4wd hi) and 2.6:1 (4wd lo).  The transfer case and all associated drivetrain components are backed by a 5 year 60k mile warranty. top

frame

BREAKING NEWS -- The new Toyota Tundra has an issue with "Bed Bounce". Basically, at highway speeds the Tundra's bed is susceptible to a sort of vigorous harmonic bouncing. The best explanation of the problem is to read our Tundra bed bounce post and watch the Tundra bed bounce videos. Toyota has yet to acknowledge the problem or to devise a solution. Having said that, the issue probably effects less than 5% of all Tundra owners. Our advice is to test drive the truck on your local concrete highways to see if it will be an issue for you.

In our opinion, the only question mark surrounding the new Tundra (other than some polarizing styling ques, like, uh, the tail-lights) would be the frame.  We've read that the frame is basically a beefed up unibody (as opposed to a more traditional body on frame).  It has ladder supports, and the front portion is fully boxed.  We think it will be good enough, but to be honest the domestics still have the edge here. Both Chevy and Ford offer fully boxed frames.  However, since Toyota has made a quality product for the last 30 years, we're inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt here. top

trim levels

The Tundra has three trim levels:  Base (or Tundra grade), SR5, and Limited.  The base level is primarily a work truck yet it still offers A/C and a CD player standard. If you're looking at a double cab or crew, the base model also includes power windows, locks, and keyless entry.  SR5 adds a power driver's seat, 6 disc CD player, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, center and overhead consoles, cruise control, intermittent wipers, and floor carpeting.  The Limited package adds the anti-theft system, alloy 18" wheels (instead of steel), some chrome, heated mirrors, rear tinted glass, deck-rail system, front bucket seats, power lumbar and telescoping steering wheel, leather seats, some extra gauges, and automatic temperature control.  The SR5 is a great value -- if you don't need (or want) leather, get yourself a nice SR5 with the TRD off-road package and call it good. top

cab choices

Regular cab - the work truck special.  It's not too bad though, feels roomy, and there's some good storage behind the seat.  Of course, it only seats three.  Next, the double cab (you may know it as extra-cab, extended-cab, or super-cab, depending upon your truck lineage).  Amazingly, the double cab is nearly as roomy as the front seats, with only six inches less leg room and a couple inches less shoulder room.  If you have children that aren't too big, this would be a good choice.  The double cab is definitely big enough for short trips with adults in the back, but it might be best to go with the CrewMAX if you plan on hauling adults and/or going on long trips.  Like the Dodge crew cab, the Toyota CrewMAX is roomier in the rear than in the front.  Chauffeur duty anyone? top

beds

There are three bed lengths, but really only two choices.  Hold on!  We'll explain.  The Tundra regular cab and double cab both offer 6.5' and 8' beds.  The CrewMAX has only one bed available, a 5.5 footer.  Hence, if you choose the CrewMAX, the bed length is chosen for you.  So...only two choices.  We suggest you avoid the long bed at all costs unless your use demands it.  Typically, long beds depreciate more than regular lengths and they tend to be unwieldy during parking.  Of course, if it's going to be a work truck, neither of those concerns are important. One other advantage to choosing a 6.5' bed is the wider availability of aftermarket products (like tonneau covers). top

fancy, and not so fancy, stuff

You know, like the optional DVD based Navigation system with 12 JBL speakers and BlueTooth.  Or 20" alloy rims.  Or front and rear clearance sonar, which will measure your distance from things while you're parking.  All of these things are nice, and we love them, but they're all things we could live without (only the DVD Nav would be nice if you travel often).  We do think the optional upgraded console that can hold files and a laptop is a no-brainer if you're going to work out of your truck.  We also like the TRD package for the upgraded wheels and suspension, not to mention higher resale value.  The Cold Kit Package also makes a lot of sense for people that live in or near the mountains -- the upgraded battery and starter, windshield de-icing, and enhanced rust protection are all great ideas. Finally, there's the memory package that adds memory to your seat, mirrors, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Nice if you have a couple of drivers in the house. top

exhaust system upgrades

The new Tundra has a lot of power -- especially if you're driving a 5.7L V8. A lot of Tundra owners (indeed, a lot of pickup owners) will replace part of their exhaust system to get more power, better fuel economy, and of course a better sound. We think upgrading the exhaust is a good idea if you're looking for more "cool" factor. As far as adding hp, torque, or improving fuel economy, it's clear that the factory setup is pretty darn good. Read more about 2007 Tundra Exhaust here as well as see a video of a new cat-back system with sound. top

cold air intake kits

Much like adding an exhaust system, adding a cold air intake to your Tundra is as much about "cool" factor as it is about improving your truck's power or fuel economy. Read our post Do Cold Air Intakes Really Work? and you'll see what we're saying. top

slam proof tail-gate

Here's a typical pickup truck owner's experience -- you've loaded something in the bed that sticks out over the tailgate.  You want to unload it with the tailgate down, but you need an extra hand to hold up the load while simultaneously lowering the tailgate.  Often times, the tailgate just drops and slams open.  Toyota designed for this problem by including a gas strut to give the tailgate a soft, slam proof landing when you can't give it one yourself.  Additionally, it also acts as a weight assist, making it easier to raise and lower the tailgate when your hands are full.  Smart.

THERE IS A DOWNSIDE to this system - specifically, you can't drive around with your tailgate down - at least not without putting some weight or bed extender on it. top

back-up camera

Only one word for it.  Genius.  Integrated into the tailgate handle, this camera will show you where your hitch is in relation to your trailer.  Makes hooking up a cinch.  It's only $695 and the dealer can install it on any truck. Make sure you get a quote in writing on this first...we've heard some stories of dealers charging more than the factory price for these. top

TRD off-road package

Few phrases have the reputation for off-road performance like TRD.  Short for Toyota Racing Development, the TRD package on a new Toyota Tundra includes 18" off-road alloy wheels, 275/65 BF Goodrich AT tires, engine skid plate, front tow hook, and off-road tuned suspension.  Some people say this package makes the truck ride rougher than a regular Tundra, but we think these people are spoiled.  The TRD Tundra still rides better than a lot of it's competitors, and it gives you the confidence on the trail or on the job-site that you can go anywhere.  It's also a huge boost in resale value to have this option -- we suggest you strongly consider it. top

17mpg...really

We know what you're going to say -- my last truck said it got 17mpg on the window too.  Well, we're pretty sure you're not going to be disappointed this time.  Because Toyota is committed to fuel economy, and because their engines use VVT-i technology to improve engine efficiency, this truck really does get 17mpg.  We took a brand new one for a test drive and managed to get about 16mpg, and that was before the engine had a chance to break-in.  Good stuff. top

Tundra warranty

Toyota quality is second to none, and they prove it by offering a solid warranty.  You get three warranties with every new truck.  3yr/36k mile bumper to bumper coverage, plus a 5yr/60k mile warranty on the powertrain (that's the engine, transmission, differentials, t-case, etc.), and a 5yr/unlimited mileage warranty against corrosion.  On top of those, Toyota warranties all of it's accessories for 12 months OR the remainder of the 3/36k mile warranty, whichever is greater.  Now you don't have any more excuses -- get that back-up camera installed!

However, when you compare Toyota's warranty to those offered by their competitors, they're a little behind the curve. In our recent comparison of truck warranties, Toyota finished last. top

safety ratings

The 2007 Tundra regular cab and double cab both received four star ratings in head-on crash tests.  The CrewMAX has yet to be tested.  No government side impact tests have been published.  The IIHS gave the Tundra an overall rating of "good" in it's well-regarded crash tests, including side impacts. The biggest advantage that the new Tundra has over a lot of its competitors is the standard vehicle stability control system, which you can read more about below.

Find the latest government crash test ratings.
See the latest IIHS crash test ratings.
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V.S.C.

VSC, short for Vehicle Stability Control, is a complicated network of sensors and a computer program that reads the results of these sensors to help keep the vehicle on the road.  In essence, the system measures yaw, pitch, and roll of the vehicle while also measuring wheel spin, steering angle, and overall speed.  Using all of this information, the computer can determine if and when to apply brake to help maintain vehicle stability.  VSC has been shown to reduce the likelihood of a single vehicle accident by 30% (NHTSA).  Very useful feature for inclement weather driving -- this will be standard equipment on every car by 2012 (like seatbelts -- it's that helpful). top

Toyota Tundra Monthly Sales Figures

2007
January 07: 6,321
February 07: 9,669
March 07: 13,196
April 07: 14,200
May 07: 17,727
June 07: 21,727
July 07: 23,150
August 07: 18,919
September 07: 19,571
October 07: 17,868
November 07: 14,988
December 07: 19,219

2008
January 08: 12,073
February 08: 14,400
March 08: 14,311
April 08: 13,350
May 08: 12,144
June 08: 10,238
July 08: 13,413
August 08: 17,401
September 08: 7,696
October 08: 6,425
November 08: 6,607
December 08: 9,191

2009
January 09: 7,076
February 09: 5,726
March 09: 5,547
April 09: 6,156
May 09: 6,414
June 09: 5,187
July 09: 6,313
August 09: 7,872
September 09: 6,308
October 09: 7,537
November 09:
December 09:

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Tundra Annual Sales Figures

2000MY: 100,445 units
2001MY: 108,863 units
2002MY: 99,333 units
2003MY: 101,316 units
2004MY: 112,484 units
2005MY: 126,529 units
2006MY: 124,508 units
2007MY: 196,555 units
2008MY: 137,249 units
2009MY: 64,136 units YTD - 80,000 units projected

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