 2014 Toyota Tundra. Click image to enlarge |
Preview by Justin Pritchard, photos courtesy Toyota
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2014 Toyota Tundra
The all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are hitting dealer lots later this year, and the market’s other truck brands are reacting preemptively by updating their pickups with new features, styling and value. Toyota is one such brand, and they’re updating and redesigning their full-size Tundra in advance of the arrival of the powerful new competition from GM.
Designed and built in the good ole’ US of A, the 2014 Tundra will boast the first major redesign since this generation launched in 2007.
“Toyota took customer feedback to heart when developing the 2014 Toyota Tundra,” said Larry Hutchinson, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “In fact, the Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were conceived to meet and exceed customer needs and desires for a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics and intuitive technology.”
Beefier, more modern and more athletic-looking than ever, designers focused on integration and enhancement of the Tundra’s numerous design elements to reinforce its character and convey a stronger sense of capability. For instance, the front end now sees the hood and grille integrated with one another for a more industrial and modern look. The fascia is larger and more imposing, and tightened surfaces and character lines reinforce a sophisticated, street-smart look. Wheel wells are squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance, and a new three-piece bumper adds further visual flare and reduces replacement costs if it’s damaged.
   2014 Toyota Tundra. Click image to enlarge |
A new bed design carries the newly defined character lines down the side of the truck, where they terminate in a new tailgate that features a large “TUNDRA” stamp in the sheet metal. New taillamps and a three-piece rear bumper complete the package. The taillamps feature integrated aerodynamic ‘wedges’ that work with the integrated tailgate spoiler to help make Tundra more stable and slippery through the air.
Ultimately, the 2014 Tundra still comes off instantly as a Tundra, just one that appears more alert, upscale and tough. Officials note that various efforts will be applied to differentiate the Tundra’s numerous trim levels on the visual front.
On board, shoppers will be treated to a more ergonomic cabin that retains the large, chunky controls but puts numerous items like the climate system, door switches and audio system within closer reach of the driver. An all-new seat design enhances comfort, and said seats offer more travel, and additional flexibility by way of a new fold-up function for the rear seats on CrewMax models. The new instrument cluster features 3D chrome accents, individualized meters and a centre driver computer display, bringing it more in line with offerings from Dodge, Ford and the upcoming Silverado/Sierra.
   2014 Toyota Tundra. Click image to enlarge |
Toyota officials say they’ve re-trimmed the interior in high-quality, premium materials for a more luxurious feel, too. And, as with the exterior styling, the new Tundra range will work harder to differentiate the cabin environment between its various grade levels.
Under the skin, the 2014 Tundra gets retuned shock absorbers for a more comfortable ride on rough surfaces, and a recalibrated steering system that turns in more steering feel and straight-line stability. Additional sound-absorbing measures have been added to the Tundra, many of which focus on further isolating the cabin from noise and vibrations created by the engine and transmission.
Said engine and transmission offerings remain untouched – meaning shoppers can pick a V8 of 4.7 or 5.7 litres displacement, both of which come with a six-speed automatic. The little V8 makes 310 horses and 327 lb-ft, and the big one cranks out a 381 hp and 401 lb-ft.
An automatic limited-slip rear differential is fitted to all models, and skid-plates are included on all 4×4 models, too. With a heavy duty starter, battery, alternator and transmission cooler on every model, Tundra is standard with many of the goodies other manufacturers charge extra for.
Several ‘segment-firsts’ are applied to the 2014 Tundra range – including a Blind Spot Monitoring System with Cross Traffic Alert. The latter feature can warn drivers of a moving vehicle headed their way as they back into or out of a laneway. Video from the standard backup system is output on a 6.1-inch audio display screen, and Bluetooth is standard, too.
Here’s the lineup at a glance. The base model starts the range, with the volume-leading SR5 taking a place above it. Beyond that is the nicely loaded Limited, which features a list of up-level goodies. Two premium grades are offered to cap the model range – namely the Platinum and an all-new ‘1794 Edition’. The new 1794 Edition references the founding year of the Texas ranch on which the Tundra assembly plant is now located. Letting drivers play out a bit of their own western cowboy fantasy, the Tundra 1794 gets saddle-brown leather seats, special embossed logos, ultra-suede accents and additional feature content.
Tundra is offered in three cab styles – with the two-door Regular Cab and four-door Double Cab available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The four-door CrewMax comes standard with four-wheel drive.
Look for pricing to be announced closer to the 2014 Tundra’s on-sale date, which is set for this September.
