First Impressions

America’s love affair with the full-size pickup truck hasn’t slowed, even at a time when fuel economy and comfort are top priorities. And though domestic brands rule the segment, Toyota’s Tundra has a respectable number of loyal followers, and it’s undergoing a fairly extensive rework for 2014.

Strong character lines and bulging accents beef up this new Tundra, further enforcing its all-business reputation. The hood is raised for new grille work and a more imposing front fascia. New three-piece bumpers cut repair costs in both front and rear. And a tailgate spoiler improves efficiency. And just in case you forgot what you were driving, Toyota has “Tundra” branded into the tailgate in lieu of wimpy badging.

On the other hand, the interior is more inviting with greater use of soft-touch materials, a revamped center-stack, and new gauges surrounding an LCD info screen. A new ultra-premium trim package, “The 1794 Edition”, tops out the Tundra range with saddle leather and suede accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and a high-zoot audio/nav system.

The Tundra’s redesign is not total, however, since powertrains are carryover. A V6 and two V8’s with the 381-horsepower 5.7-liter boasting a 10,400 pound max trailer tow rating.

GREG CARLOSS: The thing I find interesting about the new Tundra, is the fact that Toyota isn’t buying into the things that other manufacturers are buying into with their full-size pickups; such as the small displacement turbocharged V6’s, or electric power steering. The new Tundra only has hydraulic assisted power steering, and that’s becoming a rarity, even in the full-size truck market. 

JOHN DAVIS: Changes do come, though, to Tundra’s ride quality. While the chassis is also largely unchanged, suspension and steering have been overhauled to increase comfort and capability. A backup camera is standard and Tundra offers segment exclusive blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems.

Available in September, the 2014 Toyota Tundra will roll off dealer lots in three cab sizes and five trim levels, starting price is around $26,000.