2014 Toyota Tundra | Heels on Wheels Preview

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE TUNDRA VEHICLE
Introduced in 1999, the Tundra grew into a true full-sized half-ton pickup truck eight years later and has sharpened its exterior looks and refined the interior for 2014. Gone are the bubbly corners, replaced by a more chiseled and traditional shape with the Tundra logo embossed on tailgate. The premium interior also means the Tundra has adopted an appreciation of the finer things.

I drove several 2014 Toyota Tundra trucks at a recent media preview in Cle Elm, Washington – a woodsy backdrop to capture the vehicle’s rugged heritage. The Tundra is offered in five trim grades – the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition – and three engines: a 270-horsepower 4-liter V6; 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8; and the popular 5.7-liter with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Bother V8’s come with a six-speed automatic transmission and the V6 features a five-speed. Four- or two-wheel drive is available for all.

Consumers have said Tundra powertrains did the job, but styling left something to be desired. Seeing that the segment is finally picking up, changes to the Tundra are in hopes for the brand to create a truck that can answer a variety of needs, whether you are getting out of the SUV or need it for work-related reasons. Main competitors are the Dodge 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Nissan Titian.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: Technical changes include a center stack that has been moved away from driver position by 2.6-inches and a more streamlined multi-information display (a gauge has been dropped). The rear seat slider dropped and the backseats now tip up. Standard highlights for the base Tundra SR trim include a rearview camera, 6.1-inch touchscreen and Entune. The popular SR5 with the 5.7-liter V8 features more exterior chrome, a seven-inch touchscreen, more Entune features, satellite radio, the choice between two cab configurations, and the second available V8. The Limited steps up to twenty-inch wheels, a unique grille, more exterior chrome, leather and heated seats, an even more premium Entune fatures with navigation. The Platinum adds premium ventilated leather heated seats, an upgraded JBL audio and navigation system. Finally, the1794 Edition has a western-themed interior cast in premium brown wood and leather upholstery.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Both The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not yet tested the 2014 Toyota Tundra.

Cost Issues: The base Tundra SR starts at $25,920 with both the Platinum and 1794 Edition beginning at $47,320. The most popular trim, the SR5 with the 5.7-liter V8 is roughly $34,015.

Activity & Performance Ability: We took the Tundra on a few minor off roads to check suspension, which absorbed all rocks, pits and other abrasions well. It features a more generous approach angle than competitors and has a comfortable turning radius, well-tuned brakes, and confident steering response. Road noise is minimal on the highway and the transition is extremely smooth. The Tundra hauls more than 2,000 pounds and tows more than 10,000 pounds, plus is the only full-sized pickup that is J2807 compliant with the 5.7-liter which gets the most performance technology.

The Green Concern: This engine debunks the myth of competitor’s V6 engines, with Toyota claiming it gets same fuel economy of the Tundra’s V8 without all the strain. The 4-liter V6 gets 16-city and 20-highway for a combined 17 miles-per-gallon combined; the 4.6-liter V8 with four-wheel drive gets 16-combined; and the 5.7-liter V8 with four-wheel drive gets 15-combined.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
Toyota wants the 2014 Toyota Tundra is be an emotional, functional and technical choice for today’s truck user; the half-ton crew cab in the SR5 trim with the 5.7-liter engine meets this criteria best.

©2013 Katrina Ramser