After nearly six years on the market, the Toyota Tundra is finally receiving a refresh for 2014. With updated technology, new safety features, and tweaked styling, Toyota's not giving up on the truck U.S. truck market.
We've always found the second-generation Tundra's design overwrought, and borderline cartoonishly brawny. For 2014 Toyota's give the Tundra a taller chrome grille, for a bolder look. The front and rear bumpers now feature three-piece designs, which will make repairs cheaper and easier. The rear tailgate now features a spoiler that helps with aerodynamics, and will likely help fuel efficiency. And to let those following you know that this isn't just a Toyota, the rear tailgate now has TUNDRA stamped into the steel.
Inside the Tundra appears to have upgraded materials, and Toyota's moved the audio and climate controls 2.6 inches closer to the driver for easier access. The knobs are large, making it easier to use when wearing gloves, and the front seats have additional travel. Rear seats in the CrewMax model can now be folded up, which provides additional cargo capacity inside the cab. The console still features multiple storage cubbies, and both the Double Cab and CrewMax models will be available with bench or bucket seats in the front row.
Under the hood of the Tundra buyers continue to have three engine options. The base model is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. There's also an available 4.6-liter V-8 engine rated at 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. If you need to tow often, the powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine, rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, may be your best option. While the V-6 engine still uses a five-speed automatic transmission, both V-8 engines are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2014 the Tundra receives new shock-absorber valve tuning for an improved ride quality, and the steering system has received tweaks to help improve straight line stability.
Pulling power continues to be a focus and strength; the Tundra is the only full-size pickup truck to adhere to the new SAE J2807 towing standards, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 10,400 pounds in 4X2 regular cab trim with the tow package. A new manual headlight leveling system with daytime LED running lights will also make it easier to see when towing large loads.
Safety-wise, the Tundra steps up its game with eight-standard airbags, including front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear roll-sensing side-curtain airbags, along with driver and passenger knee airbags. The Tundra also features a backup camera and Bluetooth on all models, and a new blind-spot monitoring system with cross traffic alert is available on the Platinum and 1794 Editions.
The SR, SR5, Limited, and Platinum models all return for 2014, but a new 1794 Edition joins the lineup as the range topping trim. The 1794 Edition is a tribute model to the ranch founded in 1794, on which the current Tundra plant resides. The 2014 Tundra is the latest Toyota model to receive the brand's Entune infotainment system, including the available 6.1-inch color touch screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, Pandora app, and navigation. There's also a new 3.5-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster for trip-computer functions.
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