Preview: 2014 Toyota Tundra

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.

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