Geared for work
London, Ontario - In Toyota's half-ton Tundra lineup, three models are really up to the task. While you shouldn't expect them to do everything, their standard equipment and available engines will cater quite well to the needs of most traditional pickup buyers.
Will they break through this time around? Judging by their competitive and attractive standard features, I would say yes -- regardless of the model or the trim. They're built to last and hard-working. Their powertrain is flexible and powerful at the same time. They also have unique assets, like the braking system and the tailgate, that will have to be matched by rivals. But in order to succeed, Toyota must set competitive prices (they won't be announced until February).
Storage and comfort
American manufacturers have gotten us used to convenient and practical environments for entrepreneurs. The new Tundra will satisfy their needs with its many storage compartments located behind the seats as well as its cupholders. It even adds a couple of unique elements, such as the Hanging File Folder System inside the center console and the integrated storage bins in the front armrests.
Access to the front and rear seats is made much more easier by the well-positioned door handles as well as the 80-degree opening angle of the rear doors. All models feature comfortable seats; those of the base luxury model (covered in cloth) are also extremely supportive. Already quiet, the cabin becomes dead silent in Limited trim.
Finally, a friendly tailgate
Too often, I find myself swearing because of the weight of today's pickup tailgates. With my hands full or wet, they often slip and drop when I try to close or open them. That's no longer the case thanks to the 2007 Tundra: the tailgate features robust dampers on the hinges. I found it quite easy and light to manipulate.
Spirited engines
My day-long road test allowed me to get a good appreciation of the 4.7-liter V8. I tried a 2WD Regular Cab model with an 8.1-feet long
cargo bed. This base Tundra was powered by the 4.7-liter V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. With an empty bed, I managed to reach 100 kph in 8.69 seconds on a wet track.
Passing performance is good, though it's interesting to note that using the third gear allows a one-second reduction from 80 to 120 kph: 6.12 seconds instead of 7.44. When driving the 4WD 5.7-liter CrewMax Tundra, there is no difference between automatic and manual modes: accelerating from 80 to 120 kph only takes 6.2 seconds, which is excellent for such a big pickup truck.
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Will they break through this time around? Judging by their competitive and attractive standard features, I would say yes -- regardless of the model or the trim. They're built to last and hard-working. Their powertrain is flexible and powerful at the same time. They also have unique assets, like the braking system and the tailgate, that will have to be matched by rivals. But in order to succeed, Toyota must set competitive prices (they won't be announced until February).
Storage and comfort
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| The aforementioned Hanging File Folder System |
Access to the front and rear seats is made much more easier by the well-positioned door handles as well as the 80-degree opening angle of the rear doors. All models feature comfortable seats; those of the base luxury model (covered in cloth) are also extremely supportive. Already quiet, the cabin becomes dead silent in Limited trim.
Finally, a friendly tailgate
Too often, I find myself swearing because of the weight of today's pickup tailgates. With my hands full or wet, they often slip and drop when I try to close or open them. That's no longer the case thanks to the 2007 Tundra: the tailgate features robust dampers on the hinges. I found it quite easy and light to manipulate.
Spirited engines
My day-long road test allowed me to get a good appreciation of the 4.7-liter V8. I tried a 2WD Regular Cab model with an 8.1-feet long
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| The 5.7-liter V8 |
Passing performance is good, though it's interesting to note that using the third gear allows a one-second reduction from 80 to 120 kph: 6.12 seconds instead of 7.44. When driving the 4WD 5.7-liter CrewMax Tundra, there is no difference between automatic and manual modes: accelerating from 80 to 120 kph only takes 6.2 seconds, which is excellent for such a big pickup truck.