As Big as Texas, the Toyota Tundra is Brawny Everywhere, but Brainy and Comfortable Where It Counts

•More than Four Dozen Configurations Available

•Tried and Tested V8-Only Engine Lineup

•New Standard Power Front Seats for Limited

•Updated Exterior Color Range Includes Quicksand, Inferno, and Barcelona Red Metallic

•Up to 10,500-lb. Towing Capacity with Standard Tow Hitch Receivers

•Assembled Exclusively in San Antonio, Texas

With more than four dozen possible configurations and a towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds, the 2017 Toyota Tundra doesn't do anything in a small way. Such is the case for this full-size pickup truck assembled exclusively in San Antonio, Texas. For 2017, the Texas-bred Tundra's color palette includes Barcelona Red Metallic, Super White, Black, Inferno, and Quicksand. The Limited grade adds two new standard amenities: a 4-way power passenger seat to compliment the 10-way power driver's seat.

The Tundra is powered by a V8-exclusive engine lineup and is offered in three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax. Within those configurations are six model grades: the high-value, hard-working SR; volume-leading SR5; comfort-focused Limited; two premium grades, the luxurious Platinum and unique 1794 Edition; and the off-road-astute TRD Pro.

The Tundra Regular Cab models, popular as work trucks, come exclusively with an 8.1-foot long-bed. Double Cab models, offered with either a 6.5-foot standard-bed or long-bed configurations, use forward-hinged rear doors, and offer 34.7 inches of rear seat legroom.

As its name suggests, the CrewMax prioritizes room for people. Its longer cab, larger rear doors, and shorter 5.5-foot bed make for a limo-like 42.3 inches of rear seat legroom. Limited trim Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding horizontal rear window, while all CrewMax models have a power vertical sliding rear window.

All Tundra beds are 22.2 inches deep and, when properly equipped, offer a payload capacity of up to 2,080 pounds. The lockable easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam and can easily be removed. Carrying larger items is made easy with the available deck rail system and a spray-in bed liner. A potential money-saver down the road, the front and rear bumpers use three-piece construction for reduced repair costs.

Two V8 Choices

The Tundra can be powered by one of two available i-Force V8 engines. The standard 4.6-liter i-Force V8 produces 310 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. It is the 5.7-liter sibling, however, that's the most popular, and ups the horsepower ante to 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. For 2017, 21 of those with the 5.7-liter V8 are certified Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) that can use up to E85 blend fuel (available in select markets).

Both i-Force V8s utilize an aluminum cylinder block, double overhead-cam heads with four valves per cylinder, Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and an Acoustic Control Induction System for a broad torque curve. All Tundra models are equipped with a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

The SR and SR5 grades feature a 26.4-gallon fuel tank, while the Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro models up that capacity to a stout 38 gallons. The 38-gallon tank is also available as part of an upgrade package on SR5 models.

Strength Everywhere

The foundation of Tundra's strength and 10,500-lb. towing capacity (SAE J2807 towing standard compliant) is its TripleTech frame. 'Triple' refers to the wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel beneath the bed for strength, ride quality, and durability.

The double A-arm front suspension uses coil-over spring shock units, and a front-mounted steering rack enhances steering feel and response, while decreasing the overall turning diameter. In the rear suspension, staggered shocks mounted outboard of the trapezoidal-mounted leaf springs help improve dampening efficiency to better control the rear axle. Spring rates are tuned to provide a flat vehicle stance when fully loaded.

The Tundra SR and SR5 grades ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition feature 20-inch alloy wheels, each grade with its own design. Naturally, the Tundra has big braking power. The 4-wheel disc brakes use massive ventilated rotors front and rear: 13.9 inches front with segment-exclusive 4-piston calipers, and 13.6-inch rear rotors.

2WD or 4x4, Traction Galore

On Tundra 2WD models, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates traction control (TRAC) that enhances grip on or off-road. The system also incorporates Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which provides better performance in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces because it doesn't restrict engine power. Compared to a conventional mechanical limited slip differential, the Auto-LSD system is often more responsive and has better wear characteristics, since it utilizes the vehicles brakes to limit wheelspin.

Tundra 4X4 models use the on-demand, electronically controlled 4WDemand part-time 4WD system featuring a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set to provide 4x2, 4x4 Hi, and 4x4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial located on the dash. With 4WDemand, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) operates like Auto-LSD, allowing full, unrestricted engine output, transferring power to the wheel with the most traction on both the front and rear axles.

Tundra puts more control in the driver's hands – or, more accurately, at the driver's fingertips, via the mode selector. In normal mode, VSC and TRAC function to help enable traction and control capability. TRAC Off and Auto-LSD modes activate Auto-LSD to help extricate the Tundra from extreme conditions by allowing full, unrestricted engine output and transferring power to the wheel with the most traction. The VSC Off mode turns off all three systems.

Built to Tow

Towing claims can vary in the pickup truck realm. Yet one towing standard certification – called the SAE J2807 – stands out among the rest. The Toyota Tundra was the first to adopt this standard in 2011. With its standard Tow Hitch Receiver (new for 2017) and Tow Package (available on all grades), the 5.7-liter V8 Tundra offers a maximum certified tow capacity of up to 10,500 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab).

So equipped, the Tundra uses a one-piece towing receiver that utilizes 12 high-strength bolts, integrating it into the frame. The 5.7-liter's Tow Package upgrades Tundra's cooling and electrical systems as well. Integrated engine and transmission oil coolers, in conjunction with an added heavy-duty battery and alternator, help the powertrain handle the strenuous demands of towing under a full load. The 7- and 4-pin towing hitch connectors sit above the hitch to help avoid damage during high-departure-angle driving.

The Tow Package's selectable TOW/HAUL mode adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission shift control, favoring and holding lower gears when accelerating or decelerating to help enhance control and safety.

A function of Vehicle Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control can counteract handling forces that can cause trailer sway to help make towing safe. The Tundra also comes with an integrated Trailer Brake Controller, and the driver can view its status on the multi-information display screen.

All Tundra models come standard with a backup camera (viewed from the Entune™ Audio display screen or available navigation screen). On select 5.7-liter models, heated and power outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators and manual-extend feature are available.

Big and Tough, and Soft Where It Counts

Even with all of its inherent toughness, the Tundra treats its occupants with the sort of smooth ride and quite cabin that is most often associated with luxury sedans, not full-size pickup trucks, thanks in part to extensive noise-control measures. Soft-touch surfaces, high-granulated paint on the center cluster, and unique seat stitching enhance interior quality and durability. Standard High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass helps to filter out solar heat and UV light energy that could potentially damage cabin materials'.

Gauges are grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design, and there's a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The dash's large knobs can be operated while wearing gloves, and the console offers multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics.

Double Cab and CrewMax models are available with bench or bucket seats for the front row, and rear seats in both cab styles can be folded up for additional cargo carrying resourcefulness. All Tundra models come with standard Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming. All have a standard windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear mudguards, power windows and door locks, and heated and power outside mirrors.

The Limited grade adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces in Black, Sand Beige, or Graphite, with matching soft-touch door and console surfaces and wood-style interior trim. Amenities include dual zone air conditioning, a 10-way power driver seat and, new for 2017, 4-way power passenger seat, and available power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade (CrewMax only). The exterior wears chrome door handles and side mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a versatile deck rail system.

1794 Edition: Celebrating Texas Heritage

Two premium grades blending luxury and versatility sit above Limited. Called Platinum and 1794 Edition, it is the latter of the top-of-the-line duo that has a special story behind its name. All the way back in 1794, a sprawling ranch was founded in the exact location where Toyota's Tundra plant now sits in San Antonio, Texas.

Given this mixing of new and old Texas, the 1794 Edition reflects a western lifestyle theme with its exclusive saddle brown premium leather-trimmed seating featuring embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accent the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel. LED daytime running lights (DRLs) add a touch of elegance to the Platinum and 1794 Edition.

Standard luxuries for both luxury grades include a 12-way power driver's seat with memory and a 4-way power passenger's seat, both with heat and ventilation; a 12-speaker touch-screen Entune Premium JBL Audio system with Navigation and App Suite; power moonroof; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and front and rear parking sonar; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; and a HomeLink® universal transceiver.

TRD Pro: The Connoisseur of Off-Road

Taking full advantage of the Tundra's rugged construction and highly proficient traction control technologies is the most off-road-astute grade, TRD Pro. The TRD Pro, available in Double Cab and Crew Max models, conveys its love for dirt-filled adventure with a unique front grille having a heritage-inspired 'TOYOTA' logo, TRD Pro bed panel stamping, aluminum skid plate, matte black badges, and black headlight bezels.

The Tundra TRD Pro is ready for any terrain with a complete TRD suspension upgrade that raises the front of the vehicle two inches for a level ride height and extends wheel travel at all four corners. Larger diameter TRD-tuned Bilstein High-Performance shocks feature 3-stage compression dampening, internal hydraulic bump stops, and piggyback external reservoirs. Eighteen-inch TRD black alloy wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires.

The Tundra TRD Pro is powered by Toyota's venerated i-Force 5.7-liter V8, which has TRD's growling dual exhaust and more than 400 ft.-lb. of torque. For 2017, this extra-bold Tundra is available in Cement (new for 2017), Barcelona Red Metallic, and Super White, all of which replace Super White, Magnetic Gray, and Quicksand. Inside, the black leather-trimmed seating features red stitching and TRD Pro embroidered logos.

Standard Entune® Multimedia

The Tundra's quiet cabin is an ideal setting for enjoying the sound quality of the standard and available Entune™ Audio systems. The SR grade comes with Entune™ Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen display; AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA playback capability; aux jack; USB 2.0 port with increased charging capability and iPod® connectivity and control; hands-free phone capability; Siri® Eyes Free; advanced voice recognition, plus phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth.

The SR5 steps up to Entune™ Audio Plus with the Connected Navigation Scout® GPS Link App and includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle with hi-res 7.0-inch touch-screen display; HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging and HD Radio™ Traffic and Weather (metro areas only), and SiriusXM® satellite radio (3 month complimentary trial).

Standard on the Limited and TRD Pro grades, and available on the SR5, is Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite that uses a paired smartphone to provide access to apps including Slacker, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, Open Table®, Pandora®, Yelp and Facebook Places, as well as real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks – all through the Tundra's touch screen.

The Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax models get the works: the Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Navigation and Entune App Suite. This package is optional for the Limited CrewMax.

Toyota's STAR Safety System and Available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The standard Toyota Star Safety System™ includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology.

The eight standard airbags include driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags, driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System, and the segment's first standard driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.

A Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (available SR5 and Limited; standard on Platinum and 1794 Edition) is designed to detect vehicles in the Tundra's blind spot. The Cross Traffic Alert feature warns drivers of cross traffic via indicator lights in the side-view mirrors, along with an audible warning buzzer.

American Roots

The current-generation Toyota Tundra was primarily designed by Toyota's Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich., with some engineering by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Antonio, Tex. Its V8 engines are assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc., and transmissions for the 5.7-liter V8 are manufactured in North Carolina.

Limited Warranty and Toyota Care

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. Tundra also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

by Toyota

Introduced at the beginning of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra featured a refined V8 engine and Toyota's distinct reputation for durability and reliability. Originally going into production in 1999 as a 2000 year model, the Tundra had an all-American look and feet and came with something that the T100 never had; a fierce V8 engine underneath choice. Enthusiasts believed that the Tundra was the first import-brand full-size pickup that could face off against the Big Three's pickups. Nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award, the Tundra was also named as Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. As of the 2007 model year, the Tundra carried 17% of the 1/2 ton full-size pickup market and single handedly beat the GMC Sierra in monthly sales. Today, the Tundra is assembled in San Antonio, Texas and Princeton, Indiana.

Strangely enough though, the first-generation Tundra was more popular with recreational pickup buyers than actual hard-core users. The Tundra was aimed more at those seeking an easy-to-drive commuter or customers tat wanted a utility vehicle that was capable of handling weekend trips to the local home depot. Not quite full-size in dimensions or work capacity, independent contractors or people with heavy trailers or boats to pull, were not interested in the original Tundra's limited body configurations, lower tow ratings and smaller size.

Sharing many similarities with the unpopular Toyota T100, the first generation Tundra was also quite similar to the more popular Toyota Tacoma. Though the Tundra was slightly larger than the T100, it unfortunately was perceived as being too small and ‘car-like' and wasn't any threat at all to other domestic pickup trucks.

One of the largest similarities was the utilization of the 3.4 liter V6 engine, which had been the top of the line engine in both the T100 and the Tacoma and was the base engine in the Tundra. Available engine choices for the Tundra included a 24V 3.4 liter V6 engine that produced 190 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque and a 32 valve 4.7 liter V8 engine that produced 245 hp and 315 lb/ft of torque. Sales of the Tundra were 120,000, more than double the rate of the T100. The Tundra also had the largest initial vehicle sales for Toyota in its entire history at the time.

Already available at the time was a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) derived supercharger engine for the 3.4 liter V6 that bumped the horsepower up to 260 hp and achieved 260 lb/ft of torque. The TRD also introduced a supercharger for the V8 engine near the end of the second year of production for the Tundra that pushed the V8 numbers to the mid 300 hp range and torque to the 400 lb/ft range. The V6 supercharger is still widely available, but the V8 supercharger is becoming more and more rare due to TRD ending production of the device because of issues regarding its compatibility with the engine.

Tundra prototypes and 'show trucks' were originally known as T150's but Ford and automotive enthusiasts discouraged the name as it seemed too close to the market-leader F-150. A lawsuit ensued and the production truck was dubbed the Tundra Ebay Boulay Strikes Again.

For 2003 the grille on the Tundra was updated and the Double Cab version joined the lineup in the 2004 model year. A genuine crew cab with four normal doors, the Double Cab featured interior and exterior details that were copied from the Toyota Sequoia. The bed of the Double Cab was almost 5 inches longer than the competing Ford F-150 or Nissan Titan and was also 13 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the Regular and Access cab versions.

For the 2005 model year, a brand new engine was introduced that was a 4.0 liter V6 rated at 236 ft/lb of torque. The 4.7 liter V8 was updated with Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing technology that was rated at 271 hp and 313 lb/ft of torque. The 5-speed manual eventually morphed into a 6speed manual and a 5-speed automatic replaced the 4-speed. The Double Cab featured a towing capacity of about 6,800 lbs, and the Access Cabs and Regular Cabs came with a 7,100 pounds towing capacity.

The current version however was redesigned and was aimed at attracting only serious pickup buyers. With true full-size proportions, the Tundra was an American-built half-ton truck. The second generation came in three cab sizes; regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax, with three different bed lengths and a choice of three engines. The Regular Cab and the shorter-bed Double Cab featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine as standard, and was rated at 236 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque. Optional on these models and standard on all other Tundra's was a 4.7-liter V8 engine that achieved 271 horsepower and 313 lb/ft of torque. All Tundra's featured an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine that achieved 381 hp and 401 lb/ft of torque. The smaller V8 and the V6 came teamed to a five-speed automatic transmission while the larger V8 was joined to a six-speed automatic. All of these versions were available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Double Cab is basically a larger extended cab with four forward-hinged doors and the Tundra CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab. The regular cab came in just a basic Grade trim level only. Both the Double Cab and Crewmax are available in more upscale SR5 and Limited trim levels. Both the regular and Tundra Double Cabs came with a available bed length of a 6.5-foot or an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax came strictly with a 5.5-foot bed. The Tundra was now on equal or higher standing with other competing half-ton pickups.

The Toyota Tundra is now equipped even easier for a variety of possible configurations as either a work vehicle or a family hauler. The Double Cab was medium-sized and was the extended-cab version of the Tundra and was just as large as many of the competitors' crew cabs. The huge Tundra CrewMax came with the roomiest four-door cab in the full-size segment. Inside, the current Tundra features extraordinary interior room with plenty of handy features and great road handling.

Introduced at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show; a larger Tundra was introduced with a variety of enhancements that included a towing capacity of up to 10,000+ lb and a payload capacity of over 2,000lbs, along with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This was the second generation of the Toyota Tundra and 3 engines were now available, a new 5.7 liter V8 that produced 381 horsepower and 401 lb/ft of torque, a 4.7 liter V8 rated at 276 hp and 313 lb/ft of torque and a newly introduced 4.0 liter V6 that was rated at 236 hp and 266 lb/ft of torque.

The newest, second generation Tundra was introduced in February of 2007 and was available in 31 configurations that consisted of 3 bed lengths, 4 wheel-bases, 3 cab configurations, and 2 transmissions. The previous generations Access Cab was replaced with the new Double Cab. The previous generations Double Cab was also replaced with a brand new Crew Max; which was built to compete with the Dodge Ram Mega Cab. The Double Cab came with the available option of either an 6 and a half foot bed, a regular bed, or an 8 foot long bed. The Crew Max was only offered with a 5 and a half foot short bed.

A new 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode was standard with the 5.7 liter engine and gave it a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. It also featured a quarter mile time of 14.7 seconds. Built to deliver power and fuel economy, the 5.7 liter is a VVT-i engine. The Toyota Tundra's 5.7 liter 4x2 engine was rated to deliver an estimated 20 miles to the gallon on the highway.

The newest generation of the Tundra was very popularly aimed at construction workers, because it included extra large door handles, headrests that could accommodate a worker with his hard hat on, a deck rail system and an integrated tow hitch. This newest model, as a standard model, also came with an automatic limited slip differential vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, traction control antilock brakes, brake assist and tailgate assist. Unfortunately the Toyota Tundra was priced at the extravagant MSRP of $22,290, which was priced more than the Chevy Silverado Work Truck and the base Ford F-150.

Other updates for 2007 included optional tow mirrors, a 27 US gallon fuel tank and the option of 22 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, large center console, backup camera, extra-large disc brakes and 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.

This newest model of the Tundra is built in two different locations, both of them located inside the U.S. The 2008 Tundra model added 13 variations, bringing the grand total up to 44 model variants. This newest model featured even more additional features at an even lower price. A new 'Tundra Grade' trim was available, and was lower than the SR5 trim and was aimed at trades-folk, rather than the price conscious customer.

For 2009 the Toyota Tundra received an E85 fuel capability that was now standard and was equipped with the 5.7L V8 in very select regions. The TRD Sport package was also updated by Toyota this year and a TRD Rock Warrior Package was also introduced. Compared to the year previously, the Toyota Tundra's prices are estimated to rise 0.4%.

by Jessican Donaldson