A truck that's styled in California, engineered in Michigan and assembled in Texas sounds as North American as any pickup on the road.
The fact that the 2014 Tundra wears a Toyota badge should be of little consequence in the global scheme of things. Ultimately all that really matters is if it can competently and reliably do the job. Although Toyota is a major player in the mid-size pickup category, it has had a tougher time gaining traction in the full-size arena, where brand loyalty runs deep. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler continue to make major improvements in their respective haulers, in styling appeal, increased brute strength and lower operating costs through improved fuel economy. And don't forget that their heavy-duty truck counterparts have no direct competition. That level of brand intensity has pretty much relegated Toyota to the rear of the pickup pack. Still the Tundra has earned plenty of respect for its overall superior build quality and towing/hauling competency and has been staunchly supported by Toyota loyalists since its 2007 model-year launch.
Those folks in particular should find plenty to like about the 2014 Tundra's facelift and general updating. Visually the grille is more aggressively styled and conveys an obvious sense of power. Other changes include a new hood along with three-piece front and rear bumpers (said to reduce replacement costs in the event of a crash) and squared-off fenders and wheel openings. The 22.2-inch-deep (56 centimetres) cargo bed is also new as is the lockable tailgate with integrated spoiler.
Toyota has installed a new instrument panel with easierto- read gauges and an improved multi-information screen. The audio and ventilation workglove-friendly control knobs are now within closer proximity to the driver's reach.
Toyota's designers reshaped the front and fold-up rear seats for greater comfort and improved ventilation. More sound-deadening materials have been added for a quieter cabin. Additionally, either bench or bucket seats can be had in both extended-cab and CrewMax models. A bench seat is standard with regular-cab Tundras.
Toyota has updated the suspension for a more compliant ride and has also tinkered with the steering for improved straightline stability.
Almost unchanged for 2014 are the Tundra's two powertrains. The 4x2 and 4x4 SR Double Cab models come with a 310-horsepower 4.6-litre V8.
With a 14.2 l/100 km rating in the city and 10.5 on the highway (4x2 versions), the 4.6 is likely the most economical choice.
Available on the SR Double Cab 4x4 and standard on all other Tundras, including the 4x2 and 4x4 SR regular-cab long bed, 4x4 SR5 and Limited Double Cab and four-door CrewMax trucks, is a 5.7-litre V8 that's rated at 381 horsepower and 401 poundfeet of torque. The 5.7 is also standard with the CrewMax Platinum and new 1794 Edition CrewMax. A six-speed automatic transmission is installed on all Tundras. Base SR regular-cab models, priced at $28,600, come with air conditioning, a 6.1-inch (15.5-centimetre) touch-screen display with Bluetooth wireless networking and a backup camera. Adding more doors to the cab automatically gets you more, although many of those standard features can be added to regular-cab models by choosing the SR5 or Limited Packages.
The Platinum includes perforated diamond-pleated leather seats and a 12-speaker touchscreen audio/navigation system. The 1794 Edition -named for the Texas ranch where the Tundra plant is located, which was founded in that year -adds saddle-brown leather seats with suede inserts and more shine.
Ultimately, it won't be an easy ride for Toyota's full-size pickup in gaining ground on the competition. But the Tundra's reputation for strength and bulletproof reliability should continue tempting buyers looking for something that's literally outside the traditional box.
No comments:
Post a Comment