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2014 Toyota Tundra: Spacious new workhorse

Michael James

Redesigned for the first time in seven years, the 2014 Toyota Tundra features an integrated hood, tightened surfaces and new overall lines to further enhance the full-size pick-up’s pulling power and wide stance.

The 2014 Tundra will be offered in a new five-grade strategy: the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades: Platinum and “1794 Edition.” Three cab styles, two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all available in 4×2 and 4×4. Each grade is well-equipped with key standard features.

Showcased at a recent regional media gathering at Cle Elum, Wa., the 2014 Toyota Tundra lineup will range from $25,920 for the SR grade 4×2 Regular Cab, 4.0-liter V6 to $47,320 for the Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax 4×4 grades equipped with a 5.7-liter V8.

The newly redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra
The newly redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra. Images © James Raia/2013

Based on comparisons between the new grade strategy for 2014  models and 2013 models with comparable equipment levels, the MSRP’s reflect an overall average decrease of $263, or 0.7 percent.

The Weekly Driver drove the CrewMax 4×4 Limited for a 30-minute test through several small Northwest cities and compiled a brief, quick list of observations:

Likes:

Superior interior space, particularly the rear seat where’s plenty of room for three adults.

Big truck, small turning radius.

Big truck, drives smaller (it’s a compliment).

Smooth, carlike ride.

Dislikes:

Small navigation screen for a large truck.

The Entune technology system includes the app for Yelp, the small business review. Yelp? It just seems like a bad idea.

The Tundra has a huge amount of power, but it’s not that aggressively quick.

The 2014 Tundra is the only full-size pickup with available Blind Spot Monitor with RearCross Traffic Alert (available on Limited CrewMax, Platinum and 1794 Edition only). All Tundra models feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™ that 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 (SST) brake override technology.

The front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for lower replacement costs.  In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance. A new exterior design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” embossed into the sheet metal, creating a one-piece forged look. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three, for lower replacement costs.

A 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab SR models and produces 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 foot-pounds of peak torque at 4,400 rpm.  It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. The 4.6-liter, DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 327 foot-pounds of peak torque at 3,400rpm.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation.

Article Last Updated: November 10, 2013.

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