2009 Toyota Tundra Review
Popular Tundra Reviews
From Edmunds.com:
The 2009 Toyota Tundra gets it right in terms of performance, functionality and available configurations. It remains a worthy rival to established domestic models in this highly competitive segment.
Pros: Wide range of cab and bed styles, excellent 5.7-liter V8 powertrain, comfortable and spacious cabin, numerous safety and convenience features.
Cons: Far-reach stereo controls, feels bigger than some competitors, relatively rough ride.
From Cars.com:
What We Like: Spacious interior with convenience options; Powerful engine with wide torque band; Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II rating; Full complement of safety equipment; Available 10,000-pound-plus tow rating for every cab/bed configuration; Massive front brakes with excellent stopping power; Advanced features on six-speed automatic transmission
What We Don't: Cold, sterile interior materials; Uninspired exterior styling; CrewMax is huge, but has no rear captain's chairs in luxury model; Long reach for some controls; Stability control alarms distract during intentional hard maneuvers; Instrument gauges sit in deep cylinders in the instrument panel
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2009 Tundra Overview
Entering its third year of production after a 2007 redesign, the 2009 Toyota Tundra continued to receive accolades from the automotive media and pickup drivers alike as more and more people became aware of the value, power and practicality afforded by the revamped platform.
As a result of the Tundra’s sales momentum and acclaim, Toyota decided to keep things relatively status quo in terms of equipment and features for 2009. There were, however, some additions to the Tundra that are definitely worth mentioning. Although both the 2007 and 2008 editions of the full-size truck were offered with a TRD Off-Road package – including all-terrain tires mounted on special 18-inch wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, tow hooks and a skid plate and fog lights – the 2009 Toyota Tundra added two additional TRD options for interested buyers.
Trim Levels
While the standard TRD Off-Road collection of features adds a sliding rear window for the 2009 model year, the TRD Rock Warrior package swaps out the 18-inch wheels for 17’s and installs a unique cloth interior (black only).
The TRD Sport package moves away from the trail driving scene and instead installs 20-inch rims, sporty pedals and a unique shift knob. Both new packages come with their own identifying decals. The original TRD Off-Road package can be had on any SR5 or Limited trim edition of the Tundra, while the TRD Rock Warrior is restricted to four-wheel drive Double Cab (short box) or CrewMax trucks equipped with the optional 5.7-liter V8 engine. The TRD Sport package is exclusively available on Regular Cab and Double Cab (short box) body styles when paired with the same 5.7-liter V8.
Regular Cab editions of the 2009 Toyota Tundra were offered in a single trim level – Tundra Grade – and come with a predictably basic level of features: a cloth bench seat, dual zone air conditioning, a CD player and 18-inch steel wheels. Tundra Grade trucks were also capable of selecting certain options from the next trim level to help personalize the vehicle’s features list somewhat. Cargo bed lengths for this edition of the truck check in at either 6.5-feet or 8.5-feet.
While the Double Cab (extended passenger compartment with seating for up to six and additional rear entry points) and CrewMax (even larger, passenger compartment with four full-size doors) were also available in Tundra Grade trim, they additionally benefited from two higher equipment levels. The SR5 trims adds front bucket seats (with power adjustments for the driver), cruise control, power windows and door locks, a six-speaker stereo system with CD player, telescoping steering adjustment and keyless entry. A console-mounted shifter is also in the cards for SR5 trucks, as are rear heat ducts. CrewMax SR5 Tundras feature a rear seat that can slide front and back as well as recline, in addition to offering a rear window that can slide open. CrewMax editions of the truck are restricted to a 5.5-foot cargo bed, while the Double Cab can be had with the same box length options as the Regular Cab.
Upscale 2009 Toyota Tundra shoppers could also avail themselves of the Limited trim level, which adds heated leather seats (and power adjustments for the passenger), automatic climate control, parking sensors both front and rear to help make it easier to maneuver the full-size truck, and auto-dimming side mirrors. Additional items such as a convenient system of tie-downs and bed rails as well as a 10-speaker (12 in the CrewMax Limited) stereo system and Bluetooth integration are also included with this trim level.
Aside from the TRD packages mentioned above, in terms of stand-alone options the 2009 Toyota Tundra additionally offers 20-inch wheels, a navigation system and backup camera, memory seats and a sunroof for the CrewMax body style. Four-wheel drive was also an option across all versions of the Tundra.
Powertrain Options
The starting point under the hood for all Regular Cab and short box Double Cab versions of the 2009 Toyota Tundra is a 236 horsepower, 4.0-liter V6. Also capable of generating 266 lb-ft of torque, when matched with its standard five-speed automatic transmission this engine returns fuel economy that is rated at 15 miles per gallon around town and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. This makes it the most efficient of the Tundra drivetrains.
A mid-range 4.7-liter V8 can also be ordered as an option for these two body styles – it is included free of charge with the CrewMax and long box Double Cab – and its 271 horsepower and 313 lb-ft of torque are a definite upgrade over the six-cylinder. Compared to the V6, there is only a one mile per gallon penalty to pay at the pump for each respective measure, and the motor maintains the same five-speed automatic transmission.
The ultimate in performance for the 2009 Toyota Tundra comes in the form of its optional 5.7-liter V8. VVT-i variable valve timing help the engine to grind out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, and combined with its six-speed automatic transmission the engine also manages to offer very reasonable fuel economy: 14 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. A Flex Fuel version of the engine also debuted for 2009. Towing capacity for the big V8 is rated at a maximum of 10,800 lbs, compared to 8,500 lbs for the 4.7-liter engine and 5,000 lbs for the V6.