Toyota Tundra, 2012: Simplified technology, more variety

The 2012 Toyota Tundra features simplified option package selections as well as enhancements throughout the lineup, including a standard back-up camera available in the Limited and TRD Rock Warrior editions.

The Tundra offers three engine choices, a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 and the 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower. For 2012, all Tundras have standard heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer, daytime running lights (DRL), front and rear mudguards, and heated, power, outside mirrors.

All Tundra grade models feature standard styled steel wheels for 2012. The Tundra DoubleCab and CrewMax models offer an optional Chrome Package that includes chromed exhaust top, side mirrors, door handles and chrome-clad 18-inch steel wheels.

The 2012 Tundra is offered in two grades (Tundra and Limited), three cab styles (Regular, Double Cab and Crew Max), three wheelbase lengths (126.8, 145.7 and 164.6 inches, depending on model and configuration) and three bed lengths (78.7, 97.6 and for CrewMax only, 66.7-inches).

Tundra grade Double Cab and CrewMax models now offer four streamlined packages: Convenience Package, Convenience Package with Bucket Seats, Upgrade Package and SR5 Package. Regular Cab offers four redesigned packages: SR5 Package, SR5 Upgrade Package, TRD Off-Road Package, and Color-Keyed Bumper Package.

A Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers or customers who need a tough, no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The package features heavy-duty vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, and heavy-duty all-weather flooring; it is available in Regular and Double Cab configurations with any of the Tundra’s three engine choices. The Platinum Package available for the Tundra CrewMax Limited model offers numerous luxury features, such as heated and ventilated front bucket seats with embroidered headrests, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, and wood-grain-style interior trim.

_Performance

The 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 engine with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) standard in Tundra Regular and Double Cab models produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.

The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

Both i-Force V8 engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. A warming unit quickly brings the transmission fluid up to operating temperature to optimize cold-weather performance. Both V8 engines meet Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II) emissions certification requirements.

Capability, Handling and Ride

The Tundra is equipped with standard 18-inch styled steel wheels with P255/70 R18 tires. Limited grade models get standard 18-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with wider P275/65 R18 tires and optional 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with P275/55 R20 tires. An optional TRD Off-Road Package combines off-road tuned suspension featuring Bilstein gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers, P275/65 R18 BFGoodrich® off-road tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, fuel tank skid plates and TRD Off-Road graphics.

Safety

All Tundra models feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™. The system includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology. Smart Stop Technology is designed to automatically reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time under certain conditions, helping the driver bring the vehicle to a stop.

Tundra features standard front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, as well as three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests for all seating positions. The front seatbelts include pretensioners and force limiters. All models are equipped with driver and front outboard passenger Advanced Airbag System, and driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.

Comprehensive Towing Package

An available Tow Package on all V8 model helps increase towing capacity up to 10,400 pounds, depending on the model and drivetrain. A one-piece towing receiver is integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. The structure runs nearly two feet down the length of the frame and attaches to each side around the rear spring shackles' cross-member with 12 bolts. Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.

Electrical upgrades include an under-dash connector pre-wire for a third-party trailer brake controller, both seven- and four-pin trailer brake connectors near the hitch, and an up-rated alternator. On 5.7-liter models, heated, power, outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature are available.

Exterior Design

Tundra offers three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax with the segment's leading rear-seat legroom. Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models are offered in standard bed (78.7-inch) or long bed (97.6-inch) configurations, while the CrewMax comes with a 66.7-inch bed; all beds are 22.2-in. deep. The Tundra's lockable all-steel, easy lower and lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam and can easily be removed.

On Double Cab and CrewMax models, the standard power rear windows retract completely into the doors. Regular and Double Cab models offer an optional horizontal sliding rear window. A power vertical sliding rear window is standard on CrewMax.

A standard cargo lamp illuminates the bed at night, and a Deck Rail System with four adjustable tie-down cleats is standard on Limited grade models and available on all others. Featuring four adjustable tie-down cleats connected to the rails of the all-steel bed, the rail system can be used to secure many types of loads, with a 220-lb. rating per attachment.

Interior Design

Tundra’s U-shaped “command and control” center provides an unobstructed view of the road and gauges, while keeping all controls within easy reach. The large door handles and easy-to-turn control knobs can be operated even while wearing work gloves. The 3.4-liter upper glove box can hold a standard Thermos™ bottle, with additional space available in the 9.5-liter lower glovebox.

The center console in bucket-seat models can hold a laptop computer or hanging file folder storage, which was a pickup truck first. There are two 12-volt DC power outlets, one on the dash and one in the center console. CrewMax models add a third outlet at the rear of the console; outlets remain live for up to two hours after the ignition is switched off.

The Tundra Regular Cab offers generous behind-the-seat storage, and the Double Cab features front-hinged rear doors that open up to 80 degrees. Double Cab models provide a roomy rear seat with a 22-degree backrest angle and 34.7 inches of rear legroom, which is on par with some midsize sedans.

Tundra-grade models come with a standard AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers (four in Regular Cab), SiriusXM® Satellite Radio compatible (additional hardware & subscription required) and auxiliary audio jack.

Limited models come standard with a JBL AM/FM six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, 12 speakers including subwoofer (10 in Double Cab), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

Text source: Toyota