Toyota typically redesigns their vehicles on a 5 year cycle, meaning that the next generation Tundra is due out in just a couple of years. We’ve been told that a diesel Tundra isn’t on the to-do list anytime before 2012 (not until the truck market “recovers” – whatever that means), and that hybrid and HD Tundras still seem to be a few years off (think 2015).

Toyota should copy the Ram Box feature on the next-generation Tundra.

Toyota should copy the Ram Box feature on the next-generation Tundra.

However, there are going to be some enhancements in the next-gen truck. We don’t know what all of those enhancements will be, but here are some suggestions for features and changes that Toyota should include in the next-gen Tundra (feel free to comment to add to the list).

1. Integrated trailer brake and “trailer sway control” systems. While this should be optional equipment (not every truck owner will appreciate these features), this is really a no-brainer. Integrating the trailer brake makes life that much easier when towing, and trailer sway control is a smart electronic feature that will manage braking if a sway situation starts to occur.

2. Redesign gauge layout. The current gauges are unreadable in some lighting situations, and awkward the rest of the time. Sometimes it’s OK to copy what everyone else is doing.

3. Flip-up rear seats. The current Tundra’s rear seats flip downward, which means you lose some usable space. Of course, the current Tundra’s rear seats also recline, so maybe it’s just not possible for them to flip up…but it would be nice.

4. Microsoft Sync. This is a simple and popular option that Toyota needs to make available on all future models.

5. A lifetime warranty against frame rust. In light of all the recent negative first-gen Tundra frame rust publicity, it would be a nice sales tool to overcome any concerns and demonstrate Toyota’s commitment.

6. Upgrade the rear suspension to fix the bed bounce problem once and for all. This is an issue that doesn’t come up a lot, but when it does come up, you know it. Toyota needs to do whatever it takes to make this a non-issue.

7. Improve fuel gauge accuracy. Sure it’s not the end of the world that the Tundra’s fuel gauge is 3-6 gallons off…but it sure is annoying on a $30-$45k vehicle. Fix it, would ya?

8. Integrate a cylinder de-activation system into the available engines. Cylinder de-activation seems like a relatively easy way to boost fuel economy…and considering Chevy managed to add it to their old-school 5.3, it should be easy enough for Toyota to pull it off in the high-tech 4.6 and 5.7.

9. Copy the Ram Box. Technically, one could argue that Nissan was the first to integrate storage into the quarter panels in a truck bed, but whatever. This is a cool feature that Toyota could easily (and inexpensively) offer.

10. Basic and inexpensive in-dash computing system. More and more consumers will expect to be able to use their computers wherever they are…even on the road. A cheap touch-screen laptop (with purpose-built software for the navigation and entertainment systems) should be easy enough to integrate into the dash. This could be sold as a “work” feature to the people who use their Tundras on job sites across the country, and anyone who has a mobile office might appreciate it as well. The typical consumer could also be sold the benefit of being able to check email, Facebook, Twitter, and the like from their vehicle without using the small screen on their web-enabled phone.

What do you think – what else should Toyota add or enhance on the next generation truck?

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