2014 Tundra – What To Expect
Over the next few months and years, we’ll be adding content to this page about the next major Tundra re-design to debut, projected to be a 2014 model available in 2013. What follows below is projected enhancements, categorized as definite, likely, and possible.
» NOTE: Looking for info on the 2013/2014 Tacoma? Check out this post about Direct Injection in the 2013/2014 Tacoma
Please bookmark this post as it will be updated regularly. Last updated March 25,2012.
Definite Enhancements
1. Larger fuel tank. Based on comments from Toyota engineer Mike Sweers (the man currently in charge of designing and developing the next generation Tundra) in this Wall Street Journal article, we know that the new truck will have a larger fuel tank.
2. More traditional styling. From the same article above, we learn that the truck will have a more traditional and aggressive truck like look. Hopefully, we’ll see a glimpse of this new look in the next year or two on a Toyota concept.
3. More aerodynamics and a lower ride height. One of the easiest ways to improve truck fuel economy is to reduce the ride height a little bit as well as flatten the underside the vehicle. The trick is doing these things without impacting ground clearance.
4. New dash. This is almost a foregone conclusion. While we may still see the over-sized knobs, we’ll definitely see better quality materials, new gauges, and a modified layout.
5. Direct injection. A source has confirmed that the 2014 Tundra will be offered with at least one direct injection engine. It’s unknown as to whether this will be the same direct injection V6 that is added to the 2014 Tacoma or direct injection for the 4.6L & 5.7L. Here’s to hoping it’s all three. Direct gasoline injection is a great way to improve fuel economy – it’s estimated that it can improve gas mileage from 5-10%, depending on the engine. (NOTE: We’ve heard from less reliable sources that Toyota will replace the 4.6L V8 with a smaller turbocharged V6…but this is still very much speculation.)
Likely Enhancements
1. Variable valve lift. Variable valve timing (VVT) is commonplace, but variable valve lift is still a newer feature on most vehicles. Toyota, long a fan of VVT, currently has a couple of engines running a variable-valve lift system. This should make it’s way into all Toyota vehicles in by the middle of the decade.
2. Electric steering. Hydraulic steering pumps are less efficient than electric motors. GM and Ford both plan to move this into their full-size trucks soon, and Toyota will likely follow. In fact, this will be a common feature industry wide.
3. Weight reduction. Toyota will definitely be emphasizing a lower curb weight in the next generation Tundra. However, what they will do to reduce weight is to be determined. It could be that we’ll see a composite pickup bed (similar to the Tacoma), increased use of high-strength steel (which is lighter albeit more expensive), and more expensive sound-deadening materials that dampen road noise without adding weight.
4. New frame design. Between the Tundra frame rust fiasco and complaints about harsh ride and bed bounce, the current Tundra’s frame is a weak spot in many consumer’s eyes. While it’s true that Toyota’s frame is similar in design to heavy-duty trucks offered by GM and Ford, the fact of the matter is that the current frame doesn’t have a good reputation. Look for Toyota to come up with something new.
5. Integrated trailer brake controller. If this feature isn’t already an option, it will be by 2014. Here’s to hoping it comes along sooner.
6. Engine stop-start. This system shuts off the engine at stop lights and then quickly restarts when it’s time to go. It’s a pretty good idea, it saves fuel, and the technology has been around for years. Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive VP in charge of R&D, has been quoted as saying that stop-start will be added to select products. Considering the amount of fuel used during idle by a big V8 – and considering the special allowance for stop-start systems in the most recent set of CAFE regulations – stop-start seems like a logical addition to the Tundra.
7. A new smaller and more efficient V6. Toyota is bringing out a replacement to the 4.0L V6 in the Tundra and Tacoma – the only question is when.
Possible Enhancements
NOTE: These items are based on informed speculation…but speculation none the less.
1. A diesel version of the half-ton Tundra. Once again, rumors of a diesel half-ton Tundra are picking up steam. While we’re highly skeptical, this is added to the list of “possibles.”
2. A Turbocharged V6 to replace the 4.6L V8. Based on the success of the EcoBoost F150 and comments from a handful of Toyota execs, Toyota seems likely to add a turbo-charged engine to the Tundra line-up at some point. Our best guess is that it will be a turbo-charged version of the new direct injection V6 that debuts in the Tundra and Tacoma. But will it be ready for 2014? Probably not. 2016 seems more likely.
3. More configuration options. We’ve been told that Toyota recognizes the Tundra’s limited configurations hamper sales – especially fleet sales. If Toyota allowed customers to pick and choose options, they could probably gain some sales. Initially, this seemed likely to be addressed in the redesign. However, recent conversations indicate that the next generation Tundra will likely have the same number of limited options that the current generation has.
4. A Hybrid Tundra is guaranteed, but it’s unlikely it will debut prior to 2016.
Unlikely Enhancements
1. HD version. An HD Tundra will not debut in 2014 – the future of the HD truck is still very much unknown, in fact, and may never be built.
2. 6.5′ bed on crew cabs. This option has been desired by a few in the comments section, but our source says it’s off the table.
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Sounds good. Can’t wait to see some pics. I almost wonder why it won’t change until late 2013 though. Most change every 5 years but Toyota does 7 when even Lexus does 5.
Looks like a lot of good potential in store. Hopefully the new look is good. Sometimes car companys try for better and just mess up a good thing.
Toyota took to long for the brake controller. I just had to integrate my own
#4 and # 6 very good ideas, but not #3. Frame needs to be re-done to ride more like a 1/2 ton truck with not as much chop on the roads when not pulling anything vs. pushing a 3/4 ton truck even if it means sacrificing say 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
More configuration options are good for me since like Chevy, you can pick and choose pretty much the options I want individually vs. Tundra having stupid overpriced pkgs. that you have to get just so you want only 1 item on the pricey options list. I understand that having less configurations going down the line saves Toyota money, but ticks off the consumer like me thinking all these options you have to get are useless to me in order to just get 1 option I will use and need to drive the tundra.
AS far as electric steering and getting rid of hydraulic pumps, I hate the idea since my 2009 Corolla has electric steering and it sucks big time. The steering wheel has a very vague/wondering feeling going down the hwy. and is harder to control in a straight line, but you can get used to it although it still sucks and would guess a full size truck would be 3 times worse than steering my small Corolla.
They’ve gotta add a 4×4 system like GM’s Auto4x4. I have it on my Sub and I really miss it on my Tundra.
The other thing I miss from the Sub is the awesome remote start that keeps it running when I open the door and let’s me put in the key and go. It’s a must here in sweaty Texas.
TXTee – The delay is due to the dramatic slow down in truck sales in 08′ and 09′. 2014 is just the projected timeline – it could be a 2014 model available very early in 2013.
goofballtech – I hear you. I like the look of the current truck just fine…but maybe a new aggressive look would sell more trucks or something.
mk – I understand your concerns about electric steering, but it’s like fighting the wind. It’s coming whether we like it or not.
texmln – I’ve heard about the automatic 4×4 system many times over the last few years, it’s an interesting idea. To be perfectly honest, it doesn’t make much sense to me. Automatic 4×4 systems engage the transfer case when the rear wheels lose traction, but we have to ask ourselves why the rear wheels are losing traction. If I’m off-road, I need the transfer case to go…but I can just flip the switch. If I’m on a city street and my rear wheels lose traction, it’s probably not a situation where I need more wheels turning. Stability and traction control are a safer option.
Still, having said all that, it’s just computer programming. If Toyota created a “auto” switch, they would make consumers feel better about not having to remember to engage 4×4 while also meeting all the safety requirements. Definitely worth considering.
My Sub also has traction and stability control but the Auto4x4 is nice when the conditions are “in between” like heavy rain or a winter mix where true 4×4 binds on city streets but you hit the occasional icy patch or deep water that can send you sideways. Not having Auto4x4 wasn’t enough to make me buy the Silverado over the Tundra but why not give me ZERO reasons to even consider competing trucks the next time around. Tundra has a rock solid powertrain that I personally believe stomps all competitors. That’s why I bought it. However, to compete for the rest of the truck buying public Tundra will need to win on the little things… some of them admittedly gimmecky.
And besides a better approach and departure angles for a good off road. I locking rear diffs would be nice too. Thanks buddy. God bless all of you.
texmln – Good point – why not?
ignacio – It’s a interesting request. With all of the emphasis on aerodynamics (a requirement of the new federal fuel economy regs), I think we’ll probably see angles of approach and departure get worse…but that’s only a guess. Thanks for the comment.
WHAT ABOUT THE V-8 MOTORS THAT RUN ON 4, 6, 8 CYLINDERS BASED ON POWER REQUIREMENTS. WILL TOYOTA CONSIDER A MOTOR LIKE THAT???
Steve – It’s definitely possible. I haven’t heard anything about that type of engine arrangement, however.
Don’t forget the maintenance… Either relocate that cartridge filter topside or give us a spin-on. Better yet, topside spin-on!
texmln – That’s a great suggestion. I’ll be very curious to see if Toyota does anything to address this situation. Not only do owners find it frustrating, but Toyota dealers are upset by the additional time that a Tundra oil change takes. They do their $29/$39 oil change specials, and spending an extra 5-10 minutes on Tundras adds up in the long run.
If Toyota doesn’t fix this little problem, I think it will indicate that a lot of this talk about “listening” is BS…let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
Electric steering is absolutely awful. Toyota and other manufacturers seem hell bent to stick this awful steering in their cars and trucks. It truly makes the vehicle a chore to drive. Positively dreadful. I wouldnt look forward to anything coming out that has this type of steering. Ruins the whole car or truck.
I have to agree with you Biff. I’ve been looking forward to most of these enhancements on the Tundra but the electric steering is where I draw the line. Electric steering allows for no tactile feedback from the road. I have driven a couple of cars with this type of steering and the steering is wobbly and wierd. Loose and disconnected. I dont know how Toyota expects us to drive vehicles like this. If they put elecric steering in the Tundra I will not be buying another one. I hate to say this but I will lok to another brand that does not use electric steering.
Biff and Carl – Not that I’m arguing, but keep in mind that electric steering will be an industry standard feature in the not-too-distant future. PickupTrucks.com reported on a GM truck prototype with electric steering, and in that story they said that another manufacturer would be using electric steering in the next year or two.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2.....ering.html
I think that it can be OK if it’s tuned correctly, but I understand your reservations. I’d like to reserve judgement until I see what happens with other systems in the next couple of years.
Also, that one is only probable – definitely not confirmed.
Cheap manufacturing cost and slghtly better fuel efficiency conbined with cheaper installation cost is a killer combination of factors that auto manufacturers cannot resist when it comes to electric steering. I guess it’s a solution to making us not want to drive so much. Make cars with numb electric steering that are unengaging to drive. Rather disgusting.
Biff – I understand, and agree that the allure of electric steering is too powerful to ignore (especially on big vehicles). I’m hopeful they can overcome the feel issue with the right programming. Fingers crossed.
I’m not sure how much of it is programming and how much is hardware and how much might be the actual type of electric steering. I do not believe that the variable assist column mounted electric steering thast is used in Corolas has some sort of ability to be infinitely tunable or programmable to behave any sort of way. I think it has serious limitations. I’m sure this is the cheapest type of electric steering and the type that JKtech the Toyota spin off supplier is producing for Toyota cars. Toyota seems to want to stick these cheap column mounted steering systems in all their cars. Hundreds of millions of dollars in additional profits how can they resist. I can certainly resist buying Toyota in the future.
@Carl – I think the electric steering is the way to go. I had an 05 Mazda RX8 with electric steering and that car was very responsive. It is a lot more efficient and safer than a hydraulic.
Biff – I hear you, but I don’t think it’s cheaper. A dependable reliable old hydraulic pump can’t be any more expensive than a computer controlled electric system, especially if you factor in long-term reliability and warranty claims.
I’m not saying this as fact, I’m just going off of what I’ve heard and read elsewhere.
As I understand it, electric steering is about fuel economy. Getting rid of pumps reduces “parasitic losses” and can improve fuel economy as much as 10% (especially on small motors).
Like all things, there are positives and negatives. In this case, I think we’re stuck, but who knows. Maybe Toyota will find a way to improve fuel economy in the next-gen Tundra without going this route.
Carl – Interesting – forgot the RX8 had electric steering. Thanks for the comment!
Toyota: (2014 model)
On the crew cab, make the rear seat area the same as the 2005 crew cab. Do not install an electric steering system.
The frame is fine. The bed on the 2005 crew cab( length )
is also good. Toyota has a good diesel engine that
could be installed according to the power needs of the
buyer. Increse the size of the fuel tank.Fuel economy
could be increas by increasing the gears in the tranmission.
I drive a 2002 Tundra extra cab limited and it is the best
truck I have ever owned,to compare it to a Ford,Dodge or
Chevrolet,Is wrong. Ford is ,fix or repair daily, Dodge is
a rust bucket,no re-sale value. Chevrolet is better than
Ford or Dodge but the Toyota is better in every way. Toyota
also stands by their products. Ihave 108,000 miles on my
2002 truck and it runs like it was still new.
I totally disagree with you on the frame. It’s not fine. If you don’t have a newer Tundra or never driven one then you have no idea what the frame is like. It’s too weak where it goes from the double “C” to the single “C” where the cab and bed starts. It flexes right there on hwy grids. All you have to do is look at your back seat bouncing up and down. I have a 2007 and bought it new. I have 80,000+ and been down many roads from Vegas (where I bought it) to MA where I worked the Irene storm as an Ins adjuster.
I do agree on most of the remainder of your post.
Love my 2000 Tundra (190K). At one time I totally neglected maintaining the poor thing. ~30k between an oil change (don’t crucify me) but kept it at the proper level. Flushed the engine, changed the oil, timing belt, and all coil packs. Runs like brand new. Can’t say that would happen on too many late model vehicles from other manufacturers.
Frankly I’m scared to get rid of it.
I will be in the market for anew Tundra by then!!! By the way, who wants to hear their vehicle start up after ever stoplight??? That will increase the wear and tear on the starter and the battery plus it will burn more gas!!! Just a thought!!
MD says:
August 27, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Carl – I think the electric steering is the way to go. I had an 05 Mazda RX8 with electric steering and that car was very responsive. It is a lot more efficient and safer than a hydraulic.
I disagree. i don’t think cheap column mounted electric steering is the way to go. The Mazda 3 uses an electrically powered hydraulic pump is this what your Mazda RX8 used? Some people confuse electro-hydraulic with variable asssist column mounted electric steering, which is being manufactured because it is cheap to install and gets the CAFE up. The cars with column mounted electric steering don’t even feel like real cars when you drive them. Now the electro-hydraulic seems to handle pretty well. Electro-hydraulic and Variable Assist Column Mounted Electric Steering are two different animals.
MD says:
August 27, 2010 at 11:42 am
@Carl – I think the electric steering is the way to go. I had an 05 Mazda RX8 with electric steering and that car was very responsive. It is a lot more efficient and safer than a hydraulic
It would appear MD that your RX8 was electro-hydraulic. They do perform nicely as well. It does not perform even remotely similar to column mounted electric steering. Toyota wants to use the column mounted electric steering systems because they are major owners in the company that produces them and they are set up to install them easily, especially from all the practice they’ve had in putting them in the prius’s and they want to get the CAFE up, which in itself is a big scam on the consumer. Was that a run on sentence? Oh well. The road handling in cars that have column mounted electric steering is Godawful. I don’t mean sorta bad. I mean loose wobbly feeling steering. You cannot make sharp turns. Basic maneuvering of the car is severely limited. Don’t believe me, go test drive a Corolla and try tyo make some sharp turns.
Biff – Good info. I agree with you that the whole CAFE system is a joke, and I wish it was different. If consumers were allowed to choose vehicles based on what they liked instead of buying what the government allows automakers to build, cars would cost about 20% less and last just as long.
My 2010 Tundra Crewmax is as good as it gets. What would I change? Definitely direct injection: More power with the same displacement and better mileage. Bump displacement a bit to 6 liters. The OHC motor is awesome already. I have no complaints about my frame. All PU’s wiggle when the bed is empty. Fully boxed frames are very very heavy and will jack up the curb weight which will compete with mileage and power gains. Electric steering would help if it has the feel of a mustang. Reduce the turning radius while you’re there! Add a good trailer brake controller and offer this as standard.
How about a panhard rod? That would locate the rear.
The transmission is great already. More HP (420) and torque would be good with a change in shift software. The dash is horrible but I live with it b/c the power train is the best out there.
They should offer heated rear seats and rear passenger adjustable improved heat and a/c. Its too hot and cold back there for my passengers. More interior lighting would help in back. Softer touch materials should be the norm. The hard plastic is 80′s cheap.
I wouldn’t depart too much from the exterior design. I think it looks good as is.
Let’s hope TD will keep up with the changes too. It’s tough to wait for them to offer upgrades in time.
UPDATE – Start-stop has been moved from “possible” to “likely.” Turbochargers have been added to possible.
Turbochargers. When will people learn? Turbos will be dropped by the time the new Tundra hits the streets after the soon-to-be disaster with Ford’s Ecoboost truck.
Can’t wait for the “new turbos are much better than they used to be” crowd to chime in… THEY AREN’T. Turbos are more expensive to buy and maintain and they NEVER hold up. They run like crap in very short order and never recover.
No serious truck buyer would ever buy a turbo, as we will soon see with Ford. With all BS that Toyota has endured regarding the Tundra why would they prove their critics right by throwing in a turbo, thereby snatching the title of Wussy Truck of the Century from Ford’s Ecoboost?
A Tundra with a turbo would tell me that Toyota has given up all hope of winning over domestic truck buyers and will proceed to build the Camry of pickup trucks – yawn.
If I wanted start-stop I would buy a gas golf cart. I drive a Tundra that gets 13mpg. Do I care to save 5 cents of gas at a stoplight? I don’t.
Man up, Toyota. If you’re running scared due to CAFE then go balls out and build a BIGGER Tundra that weighs in over 8,500 pounds so it will be exempt from CAFE.
texmln – I have reservations about turbos myself…I think they’re better than they’ve ever been, but are they good enough? Not sure – no way to know.
I think you might have said this in another comment previously, but someone mentioned that a turbo-equipped V6 isn’t going to get better gas mileage than a V8 in the real world…and that makes some sense to me as well.
Unfortunately, the reality is that CAFE rules are the law. All automakers and all vehicles (even over 8500 lbs) are impacted (8500 lbs GVW rules were just changed a month ago). Toyota has to look at every technology.
I’m not sure that Toyota will go the turbo route if they can avoid it (it’s pretty pricey). I’m guessing we’ll see variable valve lift, direct injection, and some additional transmission enhancements on the next truck. However, if the EcoBoost F150 takes off (not saying it will, just saying if it does) you can bet Toyota, GM, and Chrysler-Fiat will copy them. That’s just how things work.
The only thing keeping me from already owning a Tundra is Toyota’s insistance they follow F(ound)O(n)R(oad)D(ead). The designers make the body look like a Ford and now the techs want to make it run like a Ford. That STINKS.
I only hope the new Tundra looks like a Tundra. Not like any of the others.
LennyG – Your criticism that Toyota follows Ford’s designs is interesting. I think design is inherently tough, and I think that game-changing designs (like Dodge’s Ram debut in 91 or 92?) are once in a decade. Here’s to hoping Toyota pulls that off in late 2013.
I’ve owned two Toyota trucks (2002 & 2005), both being the doublecab. I was excited when the crewmax came out and was planning on getting it in 2008. They made the new design doublecab actually smaller, at least in back so that was out. And the new crewmax only came with a 5 1/2 foot bed. I ended up getting a 2008 Dodge MegaCab, bigger cab than the Toyota and a 6 1/2 bed.
I really feel that Toyota needs to give an option for the crewmax for a standard bed and short bed in their new 2014 design. Dodge did change their 1/2 ton crewcab to now a 5 1/2 bed so maybe that’s the trend. I know the MegaCab is available in their HD version. If Toyota doesn’t change their bed sizes, then I am left with no choice and get a ford now, at least you can still get F150 supercrew with a bed larger than 5.5.
If Toyota does that one thing, then I would be back to buy the Tundra again, in a second.
The double cabs for 07 and on are bigger than the CREW cabs from 2006 and before, I owned both. Try again young padawan.
Rick – You aren’t the only one to feel this way, and you’re also correct that Dodge dumped the 6.5′ bed on crew cabs because it didn’t sell well enough to justify the longer wheelbase.
I think that Toyota is probably the least likely half-ton manufacturer to offer a 6.5′ bed on a crew cab, mostly because they like to build fewer configurations and they don’t sell a large volume. Still, you never know.
Texmin – I don’t agree with what you have to say about turbochargers or Toyota. The only thing not beefy enough about the new Tundra is that they DON’T have turbos – turbo diesels. I would buy an Isuzu-sourced or Toyota diesel power plant fitted to the current Tundra setup… in a heartbeat. I’m a construction worker that puts my 5.7 through the wringer nearly everyday and having a solid turbodiesel would make me much more confident in my truck’s longevity – not to mention the efficiency and performance gains.
Alternately, if you are concerned strictly with petrol turbochargers not proving their worth or durability then you simply haven’t been exposed to enough of the foreign auto market. They have been around for as long as the car itself and are as durable as any component on any vehicle. Period. Examples: audi group, saab group, porsche (now owns audi), toyota, etc. etc.
Dudes, we’re lucky to have the power and toughness of full-size pickups in this country. Travel the world and you’ll see small trucks with small engines. Electric steering is coming. Sure, you can fall out to one of the Big Three but just know all trucks will now begin to get watered-down as air quality gets worse and oil production slows. The days of large displacement gasoline engines is over. They are and will continue to be replaced (and rightfully so) by efficient diesels. Texmin, don’t bitch about the Tundra being a puss when GM is pushing out gas/electric hybrid systems for their line.
Now, if the politicians of this country could pull their heads from their ‘holes, stop giving petrol (and their companies) preferential treatment and realize TURBODIESEL engines are what’s next, then we might get to hold on to our 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton trucks.
Lastly, automatic 4WD is the dumbest suggestion on here. Any self-respecting truck driver with the slightest bit of testosterone flowing through his cerebral cortex knows there is nothing better than putting it in two-wheel and f****** around in the snow, mud, gravel, or your neighbors lawn. Boo to auto4WD and boo to the guy that used to drive a “Sub”… and I hope that means Subaru and not Suburban.
Furthermore, cylinder deactivation is a great idea. Start/Stop is a bad one. Cylinder deactivation works: it keeps your engine, cabin, and fluids warm, it saves fuel (albeit minimal) and there are no wear & tear issues to be concerned about when deactivation alternates between banks of cylinders.
I don’t think the dash or cabin sucks at all. I can see why people do but to say it’s any worse than Ford, Chevy, or anything but the latest Rams is complete nonsense. Interior of those trucks suck. I have spent decent amounts of time in each and everyone – Tundra is the most comfortable, ergonomic, and thought-out of all three brands, including SD’s and HD’s.
TOYOTA – If you’re reading: we want small and large displacement diesels attached to an HD chassis in 2013-14.
I like you, Rick. You have good things to say.
Jesse – I share your passion for diesels and your frustrations with our government for making them essentially illegal. I also like hot-dogging in the snow.
I think we’ll see stop-start because the new CAFE rules specifically have rules in place to credit manufacturers for using this system…only I’m on board with cylinder deactivation too.
twin-screw or Eaton supercharger, 40G tank, diesel
Longer warranty
No more fords for me – Toyota will be my next truck. Depending on the upcoming redesign either Tacoma or Tundra.
Is true the future Toyota HD diesel truck named Taiga?
Should I buy a 2012 Rock Warrior crewmax, or wait till 2014? Will they look and be that much better?
RockClamber – I really like the idea of Toyota going with a longer warranty, and I think the success of Hyundai/Kia might just force them to finally make the plunge.
Also, I haven’t heard that name in a while. It makes sense (as you know but others may not, Taiga is a ‘biome’ similar to Tundra, which is also a ‘biome’).
I’ve been told numerous times by numerous people that a diesel Tundra – either light duty or HD – is a long shot. Still, got my fingers crossed.
TO TOYOTA.
I RECENTLY LET MY BELOVED EXTRA CAB TUNDRA TRD FOR A 2006 LONGER BED CREW MAX. WHAT A MISTAKE. THESE BIGER AND NEWR TUNDRAS WILL NEVER BE THE TRUCK THAT WAS. I AM SICK. I TRADED THAT 2006 IN ON A2010 FJ CRUSER AND A WORSE MISTAKE I SOLD IT BACK TO THE DEALER AT A TERABLE LOSS. MY WIFE HAS A MATRIX AND WE BOTH LOVE IT. I GOT THEM TO GIVE ME A RAV 4 LIMITED 2.5 FOR MY EQUITY IN THE FJ AND IT IS FAR MORE A BETTER VEICHEL. THAT 4 LETTER 6 ATE MORE GAS THAN MY 4.7 TUNDRA,I AM STILL CRYING OVER IT. THE RAV4 WOULD BE GREAT WITHOUT THE TIRE HHANGING OFF IT AND A LIFT REAR GATE THAT SPLIT IN THE MIDDLE THAT WOULD LEAVE ONE WITH A TAILGATE TO SIT ON OR CARRY LONGER THINGS. I LOVE TOYOTA BUT FEEL BETRAYED. M.R.M LAKE CITY ARKANSAS 72437.
I just bought a 2011 Tundra Double Cab 5.7l 4WD with standard bed in Barcelona Red. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! The only pet peaves are hard plastics inside and unavailable trailer brake option. I’m glad they at least provide the harness to make it easier to install an aftermarket brake controller. Tow Package should include the trailer brake controller. As for the plastics, my 3 year old son ran his fingers on the inside of one of the rear doos and you can see the scratch marks from his finger nails and he wasn’t even pushing hard. Toyota needs to spend $100 extra per truck to fix this. I would willingly pay for it. More options on the next truck would be awesome as well as better mpgs (small turbo diesel would do the trick in a half ton). I currently average 18.5 mpg on the highway with an empty box and think it could be better. Keep up the good work Jason.
Forgot to say, I sold my 2007 Tacoma Double Cab longbed 4WD so I could by the Tundra. It was an awesome truck and held its value very well. It actually had better interior quality finish than the Tundra, however the Tundra has a quieter ride, better steering feel and the extra power and payload and tow capacity. I actually paid less for my 2011 Tundra than I paid for the Tacoma 4 years ago.
@Jason: Is there a larger aftermarket fuel tank out thare that can replace the Tundra’s tank?
Cephus – Yes – check this out: http://www.tundraheadquarters......uel-tanks/
UPDATE – The new, smaller V6 isn’t as likely to be available in 2014 as we originally thought. Sources tell us that the 4.0L is a low priority.
I bought my rock warrior crew about 2 months ago, I absolutely love it! I’ve had it in 2 foot flood water, and lots of steep rocky roads, it is awesome! I can’t get into and out of a gas station without someone commenting! The only things I would change: The basic radio package really sucks, I’ll get aftermarket, another $1500….and the plastic on the doors seems cheap, other than that….perfect!!!
Love my 2007 Tundra Crew Max. Have a 47 gallon fuel tank on it from Transfer Flow, makes a big differance when towing a camper. Toyota needs a HD Tundra Crew Max Diesel Long bed for those who need to tow larger campers (5th wheels). If they go Diesel I will be trading mine in.
Thanks Jason. I looked at that tank but its a little pricey for me. I was hoping to find something that will give me about 35 gallons. Guess I will have to call them and see how much they will charge for a custom sized 35 gal. tank. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Cephus – You bet!
toyota needs to put a 7.0L gas engine in the tundra with a turbocharger in their trucks to compete with GM. I hear that’s what their doin in 2013.
chuck – Haven’t heard of a new motor, but I have read that turbos are coming…just not in time for the 3rd gen Tundra’s 2013 debut.
Jason
They also need to get cummins or power stroke to build them a mini turbocharged diesel like Nissan is also doing in 2013. I wouldn’t put an ecoboost in a tundra, it wouldnt make any sense if the they made the 5.7 a 5.2 and also made a new 6.2L engine.
Chuck – Haven’t heard about a new bigger V8 for the Tundra. The GM 6.2L is going HD only in 2014 (at least if the rumors from PickupTrucks.com are correct). As for a diesel, Toyota has one ready to go, but the powers that be aren’t convinced it will be a money maker.
Jason,
I heard something about the 6.2 only going HD too. GM also needs to come up with a better v6 or just drop it all together.
After reading your fortune telling it sounds many people are hoping for a big car instead of a truck. Composite bed…give us all a break. As far as the present frame there is nothing wrong with it. It is very strong and I love the C-channel. When I pull a large tractor the Tundra feels heavy and strong back there, I am talking 14000 lb tractor. If you got rust on your frame in areas I suggest one get off his butt and take care of it. I live in the Chicago area and it sits weeks with salt when I am on the road in my rig and I treat the frame with a spray of my choice and I still don’t have any rust on my 2008. Why don’t you talk to people who tow often or have goosenecks and ask them how many times their c-channel bent or broke. I have seen five trucks with bent frames in my million miles plus on the road and they where all boxed frames. I just love the internet you can get such great information for the future. Have a great day and use the truck like it was designed to use and it will pay you back nicely.
The tundra was not designed to pull huge tracktors or gooseneck trailers. It was designed to pull anything under 11,000 lbs.
I did the launch of this truck and I have personally driven this work across the united states several times! This is hands down one of the best trucks out there and it’s freaking tough! Still don’t believe me our trucks ran 7 days a week and for usually 8 hours or more a day. The two Crew Max trucks also took turns dragging a 10,000 lb trailer from one side of the US and back. Good luck taking any other 1/2 ton truck up the California Grape Vine with a 10,000 lb trailer and being able to to 60-65 mph with no hesitation. The 5.7 v-8 is a beast and pulls like a raped ape! No need for a bigger motor if you want more TQ or HP install a TRD Super Charger and have 504HP and 481 ft lbs of TQ!!!!
I have had several farmers come up to me and tell me that this truck will pull 15,000 lbs with no issues.
The frame is perfect and anyone that says they need a pull boxed frame you sir are an idiot and have no idea what you are talking about. Frames need to flex in certain areas look at race cars and anything else. This frame is perfect and is built on 3/4 ton specs. The triple tech frame with reinforced box on the engine and then reinforced c-channel on the cab and then going to full open c-channel on the bed.
If you are all bitching about mpg then you need to sell your truck and buy a car. 90% of the truck owners use them as a form of pure transportation and not what the truck was designed to do.
Is Toyota perfect No! But they are a great company that went way out of their way to find out what real truck owners wanted in a truck.
Toyota makes an amazing diesel engine that is used around the world and works flawlessly. Toyota would bring it here if the Gov’t would ease up on emission and all the hoops they have to jump through. It’s a joke the entire world runs on Diesel yet the US hates it.
Im totally excited for the new design of the Tundra hopefully it looks like the new 4Runner.
I have personally drove this truck across the United States Twice! Including a Toyota Sequoia with a 5.7 and a trailer.
Logan
Totally agree with you about the U.S not liking something that we could not live without. Also agree with you on guys complaining about gas mileage, there freaking full-size trucks with 5.7L v-8s. Screw gas milage.
For me all I want to see them change is the back seats. If they had rear seats that folded up like the F150s I would be driving a Tundra right now not a F150. For my situation we really needed that extra storage area. It works perfect because we can leave the one seat down for the baby seat fold the other 2 up for the dogs, and then put everything else we need in the bed. The double cabs seats fold up like that, but it just wasn’t enough room. Seems like it would be easy for them to do since they already have it in one of their trucks.
sink
I woundered the same thing. The chevys have it (at least in the 2500), the fords have it. That seems to always happen Toyota won’t have something that ford and chevy have in the interior.
I don’t know about the interior leg room being much more so in the chevy crewcab vs. the tundra double cab. I owned several chevy crew cabs and can honestly state you do not gain over 1 inch of rear seat legroom vs. a tundra DC. 1-2 dogs with the 60 part of the back seat folded up and a child seat in the 40 part down is good design. I also agree 100% with Biff and Rick. Biff saying electric power steering for example in my former 09′ corolla is not very good at all. Very vague feeling and wanders all over the road, not very precise feel and harder to control steering. Agree 110%, but I got used to it and dealt with it for 2 years. At first, I hated it, but learned to deal with it. I sure hope in late 2013, model 2014 tundra, they get it right and somehow pull a rabbit out of their hat and make it feel responsive and not vague feeling because a sloppy monster tundra will be a bear to drive without precise handling/steering – cross your fingers because my guess is they will screw it up like the present corolla. Rick states the need for a crewmax tundra with a full sized 6 1/2′ bed. Couldn’t agree more. I would sell in a heartbeat my 2010 tundra DC for one of these perfect sized trucks that would serve the majority of truck owners needs. It would be the best selling tundra if toyota would ever listen to us customers. I have emailed several times the past few years with suggestions via email to toyota corp. on their website and please, EVERYONE needs to email them this suggestion for it will be the king of the market for sure!!! Get er’ done!
Mk couldn’t agree more with you about the 61/2 foot box. Toyota had it on the ’00-’06 tundras but when they redasined in 2007 they made the double cab smaller and added a crew max with a 5.5 box. They also totally cut the acces cab wich was the greatest decision ever. I really wish that for the 2014 model they would make the hd vesion crewman with an 8-foot box.
@ mk
I have both an 08′ Silverado 1500 crew and an 08′ TRD DC supplied by work and you are correct about not being much difference in rear seat space between the two. The GM crew is not a huge cab. It’s ok but there really is little diffrerence from DC rear seat space.
General comments; after only buying domestics the Tundra’s as work trucks have proven themselves well beyond my expectations. My 08′ TRD has 170,000km’s of work use and has been flawless. By flawless, I mean NO PARTS have been replaced other than wear items like tires, wipers etc. All we do is follow the service schedule then drive it.
The earlier comments about long lasting brakes are true in my case. Outside of the first set wearing out from Fort MacMurray oilsands dust (which destroys wear commponents on anything) the truck has about 130,000km’s on the new set. It was moved from that site to another site a couple months after and still have plenty of life left.
I can write a page of things I don’t like about it but I can do that with my Chevy or any other truck. Bottom line is these trucks are durable and I have first hand proof. I never would’ve bought one and didn’t when I had the chance but there’s no doubt these are tough, reliable trucks.
Haters will keep hating but who cares? What I used to think was normal maintanence/cost to run my trucks when I was contracting has been trown out the window based on the Tundra. If being made fun by “domestic” owners is the price we pay for extra reliability and actually having some value at resale time, let it be! lol
It’s not perfect and deffinately needs an interior update but when we have several of Tundras that have never caused problems how can we switch? I’m not a “fanboi” or “koolaid drinker” etc., just an impressed user of these trucks with real world Tundra experience coming from real world domestic experience. I can compare the Tundra to the rest.
Most critisism is from non-owners and I would classify as that guy before I got my mits on one lol.
Cheers!
Dave
Which engine do tou have in your trd?
Don – Fair enough. Trucks are definitely slowly becoming more car-like, but a lot of the changes have to do with saving weight. The new fuel economy rules are strict, and manufacturers have to reduce total weight to get under the target fuel economy ratings as stipulated by Uncle Sam.
Also, I stand by my comments about the current frame. I think performance is fine (I’d guess I talk to more Tundra owners than you do, btw). However, the average consumer has heard a lot of scuttlebut about the frame. Toyota will do something to change perceptions.
Logan – I’m a fan too. I think anyone who judges a frame purely on the basis of C-Channel vs. fully boxed is missing the boat…material, thickness, etc. are all factors. I still believe, however, that Toyota has some frame and chassis issues to address. Our extensive coverage of bed bounce demonstrates that – at the very least – tweaking is in order. Or at least that’s my opinion.
Chuck – I think a lot of truck owners feel the same way you do. However, it’s the government that’s forcing these changes…not consumers.
mk – I met with a bunch of Toyota engineers once upon a time (back in my Ford dealership days) and we talked about the 6.5′ bed on a crew…I just don’t think it’s gonna happen. However, I hope I’m wrong.
Dave – Good comments and agree completely. They’re good pickups, and they’re not the only option in town. Today’s truck – whether from Ford or GM or Toyota or Ram – is excellent in terms of quality and capability. In my opinion, the biggest differences now are in aesthetics, configuration, cost, and safety. The Tundra wins the cost debate with industry-leading resale, and it places at the top of the pack for safety (#1 or #2 if IIHS and NHTSA are to be believed). SO, it really comes down to aesthetics and configuration. If you like the way the Tundra looks and you like the options and features, you’ve found a winner. At least that’s how I look at it.
Good comment – thank you.
Jason
The only other difference is tow campacitie, ford is at 11,000lbs tops. Dodge is at 8400lbs tops Toyota is at 11,000 tops and GM is at 9500 tops. So it ranges 3,000lbs,which is a big diference to me. As you you can see Toyota and Ford are tied at the top.
Bigger fuel tank? WTF. I’ve read all the complaint about the current Tundra and no one that I know of ever complaint about their fuel tank. It just goes to show that the people Toyota put in charge of the Tundra program does not really want it to succeed. Just look at the current Tundra – 1: with GM and Ford already came out with beautiful dash, the tundra people decided to come with a weird looking one. Knowing that the Tacoma became the #1 small size truck for cause of its soft Camry like ride, the tundra people opted for their frame design that really bumpy on certain model and certain road section…the list just go on and on…
I wish these tundra people could read and scan the forum here to find out what people really want in the next tundra.
Well I posted back in January about the 6.5′ bed. I ended up getting rid of the Dodge megacab due to 10mpg and high gas prices and due to Ford being the only one out there making a bigger bed in a crew, I gave in (since Toyota hasn’t done anything) and got a F150 SuperCrew King Ranch with the 6.5′ bed, completely loaded. Would rather have the Tundra but was left no choice….
Gas mileage is better, got the 5.0L and getting 50%+ better. It will be 2014-2015 before I am looking at replacing this Ford so I am crossing my fingers that Toyota makes changes.
trz – I agree with you that Toyota’s Tundra development team doesn’t seem to be listening. It took them three years to correct the bed bounce problem that we started publicizing in early 07′.
Rick – Cool truck man – those King Ranch pickups are NICE. Congrats.
Rick
Awesome truck, the interior must be amazing.
Trz
Totatoly agree with you about the desingn team to. The 2014 model has to have some kind of traditional styling to it. It would also be nice if they put more Crome on the sr5 models like GM does with the lt/sle trim levels. The 6.5 bed is the biggest thing to me though.
Regarding turbos on the new Tundra: I test drove the Ford F-150 with EcoBoost V6. It definitely had lag from a dead start, and slight hesitation when mashing the throttle from a steady cruising speed. It has V8 power for sure when the turbo comes on, but the turbos have that lag. A friend who has this truck told me his mileage is way down due to the fact that he constantly has to get into the throttle to get the turbo spooled. He wishes he had gotten the 5.0L motor from the Mustang or the 6.2L. The Tundra 5.7 makes so much power, as does the Ford 5.0 DOHC. The OHC just breathes and makes power! To satisfy the naysayers, bump displacement (via stroke) to 6.0L & this motor will just scream. Torque is always good on a truck. GM’s 6.0+L cam-in-block motors can’t match power cube for cube. This is why I traded my Chevy & went to the Tundra. I’m cautious about any 6cyl turbos and they need to be discussed! As for styling, don’t change to GM & Ford’s ‘cinderblock’ approach. Ford ruined the F-150 and the F-250 is even worse (overdue for restyle). GM’s are too square. The Tundra is awesome IMO.
Rick does the 5.0 pull as much as the the ecoboost? I heard the ecoboost can do 11,000lbs.
Any of tou guys seen the GM 1500 facelift yet?
Rick – Interesting note from your friend with an Ecoboost…I wonder if that rumor will get around.
I have a 2007 4Runner that I purchased new and I love it! As everyone has said about Toyotas, “Just do the maint and drive it”. I recently purchased a 2011 F150 ecoboost FX4 over the tundra simply because of the wonky asymetrical interior of the tundra. I love the exterior of the Tundra but I just couldn’t stand the interior. I don’t care for the look and shifting the radio and AC and heating controls 4″+ further away just didn’t make sense to me. I do like how the entire rear window goes down on the tundra though.
With my Ecoboost 4×4 with 3.73 rear end I can pull 11,300 pounds. I regularly pull a trailer with ATVs and such and running 80 mph I get 14.5 mpgs. Off the line there is a slight turbo lag BUT at 1,500 rpms the ecoboost has 90% of it’s torque on tap! No other truck manufacturer does that.
If Toyota changed the interior to a symetrical design and added either or both a turbo V6 or a diesel, my next truck will be a Tundra.
I am interested in buying a newer vehicle, either a Tundra
or the Silverado 1500. Unfortunately, the other day on the
news, it was reported that Chevy’s Onstar is reporting info
about the vehicle driven, back to US Govt, and insurance
companies, even when the driver elected not to have Onstar
coverage. They can report that the owner was driving above
speed limits in certain areas, or just running at a higher
rate of speed than normal. This settled it for me no new
GM products. I never drive above speed limits, but don’t
want the govt or insurance companies knowing my every move.
Jason: I’ve heard even more negative about the Ford Ecoboost being a gas guzzler in blogs. Real world MPG with its curb weight overwhelms the motor. IF I were to go F-150, it’ll be with a 5.0, then jack it up. Those heads from the new Mustang 5.0 breathe! The V6 Ecoboost would be better suited to the Explorer or Edge.
MY Tundra’s 5.7 can be had with a stroker kit (regular gas) or from TRD, the supercharger (premium fuel).
Unrelated complaint regarding my Tundra: I backed into a stanchion (enclosed garage) very slightly on RR, felt a bump, thought nothing of it. Later, my tail gate would not open! Bumper bent back into the rear quarter, significantly buckling it, AND popped the tailgate off it’s mount! I was shocked & angry. Huge amount of damage that looking at it, came from a non, end-supported bumper that collapsed easily on a TRUCK! I was livid. No truck I had prior had a soft, unsupported bumper issue. The cost if I RR the quarter & include a new bumper will be in the thousands. Heard the bumper is lousy on blogs & over 1k to replace. I can see it on a sedan, but the Tundra is not durable.
Lastly: I replaced my bald original BF Goodrich Rugged Trails (34k miles). Went to Discount Tire Direct for their 20″ wheels and 305 Prada Specs. Absolutely transformed the Tundra. Handles & brakes better. No bone jarring ride, no marsh-mallowing. Truck feels less jiggly. Goodrich’s were comfortable but out of their league. Bill was @$1,500 total, a great deal.
Bruce
Didn’t here about that. I new that was bound to happen one day with all this on star. I would have gone with the tundra anyway their both cool trucks.
Craig – I’ve heard more than once that the next Tundra will be a little less revolutionary in the style department. I think you might like it.
Bruce – I respect your position, but I think it’s inevitable that cars will taddle on their owners…it’s the way things are headed. If we can get cars to report people driving at excessive speeds, people who drive recklessly, drunk drivers, etc. the safety benefits would be enormous. I’d guess that you’ll always be able to disable these taddling features, but you would do so at a hefty penalty. At least that’s my prediction…
Rick – Thanks for the update. I agree that a minor incident shouldn’t cause that much damage.
Looks like the turbo chargers are coming., since ford upted there turbo productions.
I’d like to see a standard cab option half the size of the current double cab, with the shortest bed that is now only available on the full size 4 door model. In other words a shorter more rugged look, sitting tall and wide. Something to make that ford raptor look like a “Girly Truck” Tundra let’s get you “All Pumped up”…
I love the mid size pick ups, but they lack power.. I want a strong V 6 in a mid size.. I don’t want or need the full size body of a Tundra or F150..
I need strong pulling power in a 4×4 that will get 22 mpg on the highway..
I believe there is a HUGE potential market out there for a quality built Tacoma offering 300+ HP
My request is for Toyota to open up the codes so we can get tuners and use an electric engine fan. It helps with mpg and hp.
Leaveb3sbehind – Second. I’d love to see Toyota open up the engine control unit so the after-market could work their magic…but I don’t think they’ll do it. They like to keep the ECU locked down, because that makes it harder for independent repair shops to work on Toyota products. Makes the dealers (and Toyota’s parts resale division) more money to leave it locked down. And that sucks.
I’m sorry y’all, but I’ve totally switched to ford. They just have way more to offer than Toyota. They have way more packages and engine choices. In 2014 when Toyota redesigns the tundra maybe I’ll consider going back, but they have to have more engine choices and packages. They will also need to mke their interior and exterior much more durable.
I would but a truck because I need a truck not because I want one. If I buy a truck I want a strong stump pulling V-8 not some pansy ass V-6 that cant pull anything and actually gets poor mpgs. Most of you truck owners are typical mall crawlers and never use your truck to
Its actual potential. If you dont like the mileage then buy a smaller truck or car!
—- Half of you Tundra owners have never used your truck to its actual potential.
—-Try pulling 10,000 lbs up the California Grape Vine with your Ford Ecoboost!
HAHA YEAH RIGHT Towing 11,000 lbs with your ecoboost!!! I smell bs
Also when you ad 4WD your towing goes down buy about 1500 lbs.
The Tundra produces 85% of its torque at 1500 rpms! And 3.73 rear end ratio is horrible for larger tires and or max tq pulling at slow speeds.
Good luck on not blowing up that over priced Ford
LOGAN,
AS YOU OR SOMEONE MENTIONED 90 PERCENT OF PEOPLE DON’T USE THE TRUCKS AS INTENDED AND YOU KEEP CALLING THEM NAMES SAYING GO BUY A CAR. I AGREE THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE INCLUDING MYSELF DON’T USE THE TRUCK AS INTENDED BUT I LOVE DRIVING AND OWNING A TRUCK AS I EXPECT THE OTHER 90 PERCENT LIKE ME DOES. THAT SAID IF IT WASN’T FOR US YOU WOULD NOT HAVE THE TRUCK MARKET YOU HAVE NOW. TOYOTA IS GOING TO DO WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MAKES THEM DO AND WHAT US MAJORITY WANT SO THEY CAN KEEP SELLING THE TRUCKS. I WANT BETTER GAS MILAGE, NICER INTERIOR, WORK ON THE FRAME FOR BED BOUNCE AND IF NOTHING ELSE BUT TO CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF THE FRAMES ISSUES, AND AGGRESSIVE STYLING. THE 90 PERCENT HAVE SPOKEN.
James,
I totally agree with you on the nicer interior and better framing. The reason I moved to ford was exactly because of the c-channel in the tundra and interior and packages.
I have a double cab sr5 trd tundra with the 5.7L V8, and I’ve run with 6.2 Chevys and Escalades and my truck still runs neck and neck with them. However, I’d love to see a 6.2L V8 in the next Tundra…maybe even a diesel!
I am a Toyota dealer tech (MDT) by trade and have been waiting for the diesel truck to show up. Spoke to a factory rep, they said back burner. They kept doing the back burner. I needed a heavy tow rig, so ended up getting me a brand new RAM 2500 with the Cummins diesel, and a 6 spd manual tranny, integrated brake controller. Love the truck, just wish is was a Toyota.
I might add, its a crew cab, long bed with the 3.42 axle ratio (positraction) and I get 15.4 in rural driving, and 18.2 on the highway empty. This truck is HUGE, great mileage. With me and a full tank of fuel (35 gallon tank), weighs 7,990 lbs.
I was told they already had their european division certify a diesel in 08ish. You have the Hino diesel engines. How about a diesel hybrid?
Which brings to mind, 1/2 ton diesels would be perfect and the Yaris with a 3 cylinder diesel hybrid would net one over 60 MPG with ease!
Integrated brakes
S.Alford,
Wouldn’t it be great to see the Hino 8.0 and the 6.2 both offered as diesels?
I have a 2011 Rock Warrior Crew Max and I absolutely love it! The issues I have are minimal. I’d like to see better interior offered, I had them put leather in! I’d like better fuel milage with the same power…LOL! The stereo and Bluetooth both suck!! I wish it was offered with another foot on the bed! That’s about it, I love it and maybe when I’m ready to buy again in a few years I have many more options to choose from! But in reality….I could be happy with this baby or 10-15 years probably:)
Deric – Cool. Congrats!
I would like to see what Toyota comes out with but I am really sold on the current looks of my color-matched RCSB with the TRD charger. I will never get tired of the performance. Other than being new, I doubt any redesign will have me going to the sales lot…at least, not for the first year or so.
Addition of H.I.D headlights, led running lights, and a option to increase truck ground clearance with push of a button for off road road driving.
POST UPDATED – Based on recent conversations with a couple of Toyota sources, we’ve upgraded direct injection to ‘likely’ and included an ‘unlikely’ section too. Check it out
I am a very happy owner of a 2007 Tundra double cab. I have owned a Ford, a Dodge, several GMC’s and three Chevrolets. The Tundra has hauled a 25′ travel trailer across the country and back 7 times. Currently it has over 100,000 miles on it,and unlike all the other trucks I have owned, I have never had ANY trouble with it. Sure there are things I would like on my next truck that are still unavailable with Toyota, but the 5.7 V8 soldiers on. The gas mileage is 16-20 not towing (much better than any other truck I’ve owned) and the brakes, which were replaced at 20,000 miles and again at 40,000 on the Chevy (mostly because of rust problems) are only worn 20% on the Toyota with over 100,000 miles on it. The biggest error I made in purchasing the Toyota is that I bought the extended warranty, it was a waste of money as nothing went wrong in the first 100,000 miles. I’m planning to buy the next generation Tundra, the current ones look and drive just like the one I have. This truck has surpassed any and all expectations I have had over my 30 year pickup truck ownership, including both half-tons and 3/4 ton trucks. This is the best!
Well guy’s thanks for the great blog! I have a 2001 Access Cab 4×4 and love it. It’s getting about time replace it and I am on the fence over the F150 or Tundra.
One thing is for certain; the Ford has the Tundra hands down on the interior. Please Toyota get rid of the cheap plastic, big knobs, and give me a 10-way passenger seat like my wife’s Land Cruiser.
My neighbor has a 2008 Crew Max with 80k on it and has zero issues. My 01 has 130k and has been remarkable. I had to replace the rack and pinion under warranty at 20k and nothing since.
I would like to go with another Toyota and since it’s a family vehicle as well for those long road trips, I’ll have to look very hard at the competition.
Definitely go all out and buy a ford, it’s just the right thing to do.
It maybe to late to commet on this but what the heck,I had a explore sport trac with the all-wheel drive and hated it every time it engaged it sounded like the front end was going to come out of it that why I don’t like it…also what about doing something like jeep did where the truck raises and lowers its self on highway and off-road…I think someone already said that…
And bring back the SR5 what was wrong with it?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I say that in jest, because of course I would love to see improvements but damn…this truck is amazing. I love my Tundra and it tows my 9000# toy hauler like a dream. I regularly pass broken down fords, dodges and chevy’s on the highway and it is absolutely unbelievable how smooth the ride is towing my full load. Granted, when driving around town if feels like I am driving a cinderblock on wheels, but I only use it for towing and trips to CA. If I had to tow more than 10k I would get a diesel 1 ton but at this point I wouldn’t swap out my Tundra for anything other than a new Tundra with a diesel or Ecotec style turbo 6. Also, its a tanks…some lady with a death wish blew a red light once and turned right in front of me when I was going 40mph. I sent her car into a 360 through the intersection and nearly took her entire trunk off…the damage to my truck was so minimal it didn’t even break my headlight and it felt like a drove over a speed bump.
to bad Toyota wont consider 6.5′ft bed on crew max only thing keeping me from buying one.hate to but might just have to go to Ford.Can’t keep waiting for Toyota to give customers what they really want.
Man I was really hoping for an hd vesion of the tundra. No one really cares about the hybrid no one buys it
They got rid of the sr5
If Toyota continues to build the Tundra CrewMax in a soccer mom stlye vehicle and not a real truck( no 6.5′ bed) I’ll definitely be buying a Ford F150.
[...] this link on one of Mendonsy's links 2014 Tundra – What To Expect | Tundra Headquarters Who knows how true this stuff is __________________ 2007 Toyota Tundra RCSB 2WD 5.7 V8 TRD [...]
It would be nice to see a dual clutch transmission. There are less parasitic losses than an automatic transmission so there is would be improvement in mpg and usable power. These transmissions also tend to be more durable, since they are manuals. Toyota should get on it before another company does. I like their current transmissions, but there is always room for improvement.
Mike P – Interesting idea. Haven’t heard anything about it, but it would be nice to see.
I hope Tundra will have six passenger seating arrangements with all the available option like Dodge and Ford.,for me with wife and four kids it is deal braking dessicion.
Also, is there any chance we could see the design within the next couple months?
The problem Toyota runs into is economies of scale.
If they were selling 3-400k units a year, you could have multiple configurations, like the domestics. If it sold like the domestics, they could expand the range like domestics.
I think the best way for Toyota to separate itself from the field is a LD Diesel. There is a large demand, but no product. This is a major opportunity, and whoever fills the void will take a bigger share in the market…….
BD
Vladz – Don’t they have that now?
Mike P – I don’t know. If we do, it will by a spy photo.
BlackDynamite – Agreed on all counts. Especially like to see the LD diesel, but the Toyota/Ford hybrid powertrain development deal would seem to be a strong indicator that Toyota is going the hybrid route rather than the diesel…
Unless they go with a hybrid diesel! Which would make a ton of sense and help explain Ford’s involvement…
please dont make us wait so long for a bigger gas tank and a hd model. i am in a 2010 tudra sr5 crew max and had a 2007 double cab before this. really need hd also better paint and clear coat- truck scratches way to easy
[...] for the ostrich skin seats, $1,000 – $1,100 installation included! Also, just found this info: 2014 Tundra – What To Expect | Tundra Headquarters __________________ 2008 Tundra CrewMax 4×4 Blue Streak Metallic / Black Interior – 3 / 1.5 [...]
Toyota should stay with the basics on ’14. I love my ’10 Tundra’s exterior as it is, it’s a great looking truck too. The huge, reclining rear seats in my CrewMax are second to none, but wish they were heated for my guests who say it’s cold back there!
Even though the dash is odd, I still put up with it because the truck is so good! I love the ride, it’s firm & compliant, has the big center console for storage & arm comfort, and the console shifter. The radio is lousy & far away, but steering wheel bluetooth helps. It connects to my phone every time and I can hear callers easily. How about a standard leather steering wheel with optional heat?
I never complained about the ‘C’ channel frame. Trucks bounce a bit, its a given and the Tundra is controlled. If Toyota fully boxes the frame, I hope they curtail or negate the weight gain. My new tires reduced the “shimmy” over bumps.
Direct injection is a given for improvement. The 5.7 is already the best DOHC engine ahead of the 5.0 FORD, which is a great motor. Bring down the weight a bit and give me a few more MPG’s highway please. My 15 MPG city is tough on $3.50/gal gas going higher. I don’t beat on it. Transmission is good, if not an 8 spd, then upgrade existing 6 spd to lighter, stronger.
With the Tundra prices going north of $35K, I believe the windows should ALL be one-touch up AND down. My wife’s $23k, ’10 VW Jetta TDI has this! Gimme a break Toyota. I don’t need radar cruise, or glitchy FORD MyTouch with its software issues. I hope Toyota does research and comes to a common sense solution that does include up to date basics like a 30g HD for radio, a modern NAV system with remote & motion override, etc.
Since Toyota is NON union (hooray!), can they price the truck competitively? If the ’14 is the right mix, I will trade up. However, i’m keeping an eye on competitors who offer a 500lb.ft+. diesel on their non-HD pickups! Toyota would clean up with a diesel as no domestic is there yet.
Summary: Tundra needs a vastly upgraded interior to match it’s lofty price like the ’09 Ram pickups got. It’s not expensive to add more courtesy lights, and better materials while retaining what buyers were attracted to initially!
Rick – I’m with you on the diesel light duty truck, and I also really like your idea of one touch up/one touch down windows…seems like an easy, obvious improvement.
I also agree the interior could be nicer. Toyota has been de-contenting to save money over the last few years, and it’s time they reverse that trend.
Don’t rule out an 8 speed transmission. Remember, Toyota was the first to create an 8 speed. The current 6 speed in the Tundra is the same transmission in the LS, minus 2 additional forward gears. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an 8 speed soon. Sources indicate the Akio is not playing games and really wants to get Toyota back on track.
TRDSmokedU – An interesting point.
An 8spd makes all the sense in the world. Although Toyota was first with a 6 spd in Tundra and would be first again with 8spd, bean counters at Lexus eschewed an 8spd in the new GS350. If that’s any indication & with Tundra sales down, the ’14 might be a slight evolutionary ‘redesign’ that just cleans up some details, like changes to the nose & tail. I can’t see them doing a lot when they are recovering here from the recession & in Japan from the tsunami while gas is predicted to go to $4 by May. I hope they change their mind!
Rick – I’m inclined to agree, but I’m hopeful that Toyota understands the importance of bragging rights in the truck world…having a clear disadvantage won’t help Toyota conquest sales from Ford, Ram, or G.M., regardless of any other features.
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Jason – I agree. The 8spd alone could drop the 4:30 rear to a 3:42 – with no drop in towing cap, gain 2mpg hwy & to your point, renewed bragging rights in its truck segment. It’s a great truck made even better. Come on Toyota!
I think leather seats should be an option to the double cab versions that offer the long 8 foot bed. Also I think they should table a Navigation system to the double cab 8 foot bed models. I’ve been holding out on buying a Tundra for the next couple of years to see if those options would be available on the 2013, 2014, 2015 models.
Just another thought…I think Toyota should make a 3/4 ton truck as well to compete with the F-250 and the 2500.
We have a 2000 Tundra and it has been a great truck. Only complaint is paint is starting to fail but then I guess it is 12 years old. We have been waiting for the next generation and hope it is not so Ram like. Also a better quality dash would be great. I agree with alot of the previous coments and can’t wait to see the 2014. One thing nobody seems to care about are the colors. Maybe this is a girl thing but how about a nice silver blue grey color. The blues in the past years have been horrible. Chevy & GM have had a few nice blue colors. It’s not a deal breaker but when your spending that much money it would be nice to have more choices than white, grey, red & black.
I’m very disappointed that the long bed is off the table. I think a crew cab with a short bed looks ridiculous. I would buy a Tundra crew cab with a long bed.
Hey Jason, I have owened three 2000,2002 and 2005 and I would buy a new one today if they would make the smaller truck again and the Tucoma is too small and has no V8.If I wanted a big truck that won’t fit it parking decks I would have bought a Ram.Any chance of a smaller version of a Tundra?
I have had my ’07 Crewmax 5.7L/SR5 4×4 since May ’06 and absolutely love this truck (now 75K miles). Power is great, wouldn’t change that. I’ve had no warranty needs, or major service issues, except a radio replaced early on.
I drove the Eco-Boost Ford and can’t say I would trade. Ford does ride better, but storage is less, door skin really flexes when closing, would hate to miss the “soft down” tailgate feature on the Tundra. Just can’t get used to the 6-cyl sound on a truck!
A few “get it right the next time” items (minor) w/b 1) Come up w/ a better tailgate latch handle (replaced twice already-too cheaply built), 2)find a way that the rear seat belt buckles don’t have to be stored in the holder manually to avoid the rattle in the back 3) better radio/cd sound 4) a little less low end quality plastic, scratches too easy
I have an ’08 Tacoma. I love it, but I drive my .98 Jeep more. I need a full-sixed truck because I farm and I pull trailers. I’d like a ’13 Tundra but if there isn’t a diesel I’m going to a Chevy 2500 HD. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and here you don’t buy a vehicle – you buy a dealership. The Toyota Dealership – which now has the Chevy franchise is the only place to buy a car.
@ Pete my dad has an 06′ and says the same thing about the current model. I like the fact that it is egquivelant to the others though. The first gen looks to much like the t 100. It would be nice if they added that to the line up as a new model a little bigger than the mid size with a smaller v8
To Guy With A Stupid German Name:
Guess your name goes with your comments, a tad harsh there. I do agree to a point that a 5.5′ bed is worthless but every truck owner is different. For me as I posted earlier, I gave up on Toyota when they made their CrewMax with only a 5.5′ bed. I need the four doors and interior space for my family (when needed) and to have more than 1 client that I may take out to lunch/dinner.
I ended up switching to a Dodge MegaCab in 2008 because it provided a 6.5′ bed. And now I have a F-150 SuperCrew because they are the only 1/2 ton truck crew that still offers a 6.5′ bed.
There is no 1/2 ton crew truck that offers an 8′ bed unless you go with a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup truck (I know Ford you can get one). So that doesn’t even compete with Toyota. And those trucks are diesel so they are going to get over 20mpg.
I have a 2010 Tundra Limited with 31,000 miles and not one single problem. I owned GM for 50 years and thought the problems I had were normal for everyone. Wrong, the Toyota is a better truck. I love the 5.7 motor and the mileage is the same as the 5.3 Chevy but much more power and a very smooth shifting 6 speed transmission.
Hey guys, thanks for all the comments. I have an 07 Tundra with a 4.7 v8 and use it all the time on my farm pulling a 17 ft enclosed trailer and a 12′ dump box trailer. However its all it can do. Really like the Toyota product, but would like more juice to pull my 18 ft 3 axle trailer that I need to use for work. Will the 5.7 do the job? or do I need to get into a F250 or 2500 HD? The idea of Toyota coming out with a diesel is interesting as well. THX
Get the Ford. I have to buy Toyotas and I have a new 5.7 Tundra which pulls my 18′ equipment trailer with no problem – but that’s because when you live on an island you buy the dealership, not the brand.
If I have a problem, the Toyota dealer handles it. The Ford dealer, not so much.
I have 2008 5.7 Limited. Here is my 5 cents.
1. Engine hood has round edge and reflects the sun from the all front directions. It is very annoying. Can they cover it with rubber or do something about it?
2. Navigation system should be better!
3. Steering should be easier (like a RAM 1500 for instance)
4. Rear view camera would be better.
Generally it is a great truck! I love it.
@dr.tom
You actually have to buy the dealer or just thief is only one dealer on the island?
All that new stuff for 2014 is fine and dandy, but the only real concern I have is GAS MILEAGE! Ave of 15-16 ain’t gonna cut it if gas is $5-6 per gal by then. Let’s hope it’s not at that price. I’m just trying to be real. I would also like to see more than 1 coat of clear on the paint. These paint jobs (not just the Toyota’a) are hella thin.
My main concern is better gas mileage. At least 23-24 on the hwy with a 5.7
I will say that my 2007 Tundy w/ the 5.7 pulled my 31′
5th wheel from Denver to MA r/t with no problems at all last year gettin 8-9 mpg ave. That..I can’t complain about!
The crewmax with a 6.5′ bed, that a great idea,so…why take that off the table? It should be an option. Some guys like myself just need more room for loading longer and larger equipment.
Yeah, I don’t know what they are thinking dropping the 6.5′ bed. Your right, it should be an option. Doesn’t the Tacoma have that option?
Also, GM & Chysler has some of their V-8′s to when your on a straight or flat Hy-way the engine drops to 8-6-4 cyl which save gas. Why couldn’t they have the same type of technology to where they don’t infringe on any trademarks.
just puzzles my mind.
The Turbo Charged V-6 is a great idea for the normal everyday driver but probably won’t have enough torque to haul heavy equipment or 5th wheels.
I dont think so either. I don’t like the idea at all. It’s just not truck like .
Am I glad with these fuel prices that I am not driving a Tundra. If these prices keep going up which hopefully they do, there will be a lot of cheap trucks for sale. Maybe then this will separate the people that really need a truck and the people that bought a large 4 door car with a little gay box on the back. It would make the highways a lot better for us car drivers. Hey I am not against pickups, but its all the CITIODS that drive them. Hey when I go north to work in the mines I get to drive big trucks. Like how about a 250 ton Hitachi. I would love to bring it to the city and make onion skins out of all you Citiods who need a truck with a box of air in it, like a hole in your heads.
Thanks Zeke. Oooh this ought to give some of you’s RABIES!
Hey Zeke, in four years when get your drivers permit, let me know how fun it is to drive a Prius! Go hug a tree!
Buy the way just bought a used ’11 GMC Yukon denali with a 80,000 miles on it.
Chuck, if I were to buy anything other than a Tundra it would be a GMC Yukon Denali diesel…that’s only if I had the money to spend on Diesel gas.
Secondary to my 07 super duty
@chuckd they don’t make a yukon Denali diesel but they make Sierra diesel Denali though
No crewmax 6.5 ft bed= sorry Toyota, no Tundra!!
Mike – Tundra is really sad to see you go but understands.
Gm killin of da avalanche in 2014 prolly the escalade version too.
IMO, the Avalanche is an ugly and worthless truck. The Escalade is a beautiful SUV but way too expensive.
Chuck – News to me. Thanks for commenting.
@chuckD
Yeah they’ll prolly keep the escalade version cause rich people actually buy it. For 2013 they’re adding a ” black diomond edition” and making the avalanche cheaper by adding some features that the lt had to the ls and features that the ltz had to the lt.
Guess they are doing whatever they can to attract more buyers.
Like anyone would buy it.
Jason,
I’m seeing all of these Chevy spy shots and really wondering whether they will make the actual new tundra.i mean we havent even heard any official info have?
Chuck – It’s official, but there aren’t any spy photos yet because Toyota is damn good at keeping secrets. But there are multiple instances of Toyota execs talking about the new Tundra, not to mention what I’m hearing from my contacts.
Oh good I was really wondering their for a while with the spy shots of the silverodo and unveiling of the 2013 ram
I have a 2010 Tundra Crewmax Limited…put an ARE “Z” cap on the back which made it more aerodynamic. Fuel burn rate, still not great. Tire wear still not great. However, it is still a very nice rig.
I wish Toyota would consider a 3/4 ton for heavy towing but they probably do not want to compete with the other three builders.
On that note, I’m probably going to head over to the F350 or even 450 KingRanch, diesel , big, bad and beautiful.
Do the 450 just sounds better but not that much more than the 350. If you really want something big wait until the ram 5500 long hauler comes out soon. It has a 170 gallon fuel compacity. And has the nicest interior you could ever dream about.
The Ram just fired a shot coupling the new 8spd and new 6cyl. They’re promising to mate the 8spd to the Hemi (but no DI though – not good!) at yrs end. That’s just good common sense marketing. Ram also improved their already nice interior which imo is best out there.
Toyota needs DI and an 8spd that will bump HP to a reasonable 420 with those good OVC heads. Mpg should improve to 21 hwy and city gains 1-2 mpg. Go with hwy rear gear (3.42 and 3.73 for opt towing – no 4.30!). This improvement alone would return the Tundra as power train segment leader. Bump wrnty to 100k miles.
The rest of the truck can get by with smart tweaking.
Interior:
New Nav (it’s horrible – See Chrysler), 80g HD, new luminescent instrument cluster (same gages – copy Lexus’ clarity), one-touch express up/dn windows, improve plastics, more ports for plug ins, better audio system (see Chrysler), bigger central screen (8″ min), new 4″ info center in mid of gage cluster (see Ford, Audi or VW), Better bolstering on leather seats (especially in back), push start keyless ignition (why not be first?), under seat/floor storage (RAM), better footwell lighting, more interior lights- (especially CrewMax – it’s dark in there), rear seat heating (CrewMax), rear seat audio control, rear climate control (reasonable for a $50k truck), opt. two tone leather with better colors (i’m sick of standard ‘Toyota grey’ or cream – see VW Touareg), bring radio closer to driver.
Leave console (size) & shifter (position) alone. Leave big sunroof alone but move switches to dash for better access and visibility. Illuminate the side view mirror switches. Bring all switches closer to driver. Freshen up ext design, stay to original theme with chrome (not plastic) bumpers.
Mechanical: Bigger alternator, opt double battery, auto locking rear diff, integrated trailer brake cntrl, lighter stock rotors (improve fade and glitchy antilock), redesign heavy 16″ TRD rotor – go to two piece slotted (non drilled) with same caliper, improve hood opening lever.
Exterior:
6.5ft. bed on CrewMax, better rear camera (see BMW X5), LED lighting front & rear, more paint colors, key-activated window up-dn (convenience – had this on my ’98 A4!).
Numerous small conveniences mean a lot in a big truck and Toyota already has them in other car divisions, so easy to swap it in for segment exclusivity. Let them all follow the Tundra!
Sounds like a luxury truck. That’s what Toyota needs. They already have luxury prices all we need now is the actual truck!
Need a larger fuel tank and a rear locker. This is what has me hung up on the Tundra vs F150 comparo. A-Trac is great but it can’t beat a truely locked diff. Toyota has been putting e-lockers in smaller trucks for years, time to put one in the Tundra. Ford and Nissan have one, dodge has them in the power wagon.
If the current Tundra could be ordered with a rear elocker and would have a 30+ gallon fuel tank on it I’d have a Limited CrewMax in my driveway now.
Love my 2008 tundra inside and out. I have a 5.7 with TRD Supercharger, 22 inch E load tires rear sway bar a exhaust. I haul a large 5th wheel. It’s the baddest half tun out there. I work a Toyota dealer and people are buying these things because others don’t stack up. Toyota please don’t screw this up. Work on what you have don’t go backwards.. If you do you will drive people to the other brands. For the people that want a big car go buy a big car.
Who did the install on your supercharger? Have you had any issues yet? Can you run it on 87 oct? I pulled a 5 th wheel with my diesel, wondered how the SC Tundra compares. Not aware of anyone who makes big brakes for the New Tundra besides TRD. They’re rotors are too heavy, & i’m told pads wear easily. Price is ok tho.
Forgot: Did u upgrade brakes for towing? See above.
I absolutely love my 2008 double cab SR5 trd. I am so looking forward to the release of the 2014 tundra so I can place my order. I was a GM loyal customer until 2008. I have since replaced both my vehicles. Two toyota’s sit in my driveway now. In my opinion Toyota does it right!
Yeah my dad just totalled his ’06 tundra yesterday night. He’s devastated that he has to buy a new tundra
The other problem is he’s saying that he hates the look of the current tundra and thinks the 2014 will look more like the ’06 but can’t wait a year or two to get one
They also need to address the intermittant wipers…. it needs more adjustment than just 4 settings.
you never seem to be able to get the right speed for the level of rain…. causing wiper squeal… very annoying.
6.5′ bed in crew cab would be nice.last 3 fords have been.only reason haven’t looked at the Toyota’s