Toyota Tundra Expert Review Edward A. Sanchez

New for 2017

Receiving a major refresh in 2014, the 2017 Toyota Tundra is largely carryover from the 2016 model. The off-road oriented TRD Pro model was new for the 2015 model year, and includes 18-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels, trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, engine skid plates, fuel tank skid plates, front tow hooks on rear-drive variants, and a TRD Off-Road decal. The 4.0-liter V-6 was dropped from the Tundra line starting with the 2014 model, making the Tundra an all-V-8 lineup. The base 4.6-liter V-8 makes 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6-liter engine is standard on the SR and SR5 trims.

The only major changes on the 2017 Tundra are changes in paint color availability, with Radiant Red discontinued, and the availability of Inferno and Quicksand on the SR5 and Limited models. Barcelona Red Metallic, Super White, and Black are now available on SR models. Also, a tow hitch is now standard on every Tundra.

Available on all Tundra trims, and standard on the Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum and 1794 Edition trucks is a 5.7-liter V-8 producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a mandatory six-speed automatic transmission. All Tundras with the 5.7-liter V-8 come standard with the integrated trailer brake controller. For 2016, the 1794 edition gained an optional Off-Road package, which added 18-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels, trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, engine skid plates, fuel tank skid plates, front tow hooks on rear-drive variants, and a TRD Off-Road decal.

Limited and TRD Pro Tundras come with a Toyota premium audio system and an app suite together with the Entune infotainment system. The Platinum and 1794 Edition variants come standard with a JBL premium audio system. Blind spot warning now part of the Limited Premium package and comes standard on the 1794 Edition and Platinum grades. The Limited trim receives standard power front bucket seats for 2017.

Vehicle Summary

The 2017 Toyota Tundra is a fullsize half-ton truck aimed at domestic brand competitors such as the Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, and the Ford F-150. It is Toyota's second best-selling truck behind the midsize Tacoma, and is offered in three cab styles, three bed lengths, and two or four-wheel-drive.

Overview

The 2017 Tundra offers two engines that carry over from 2016 -- a 4.6-liter V-8 rated at 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter V-8 is essentially unchanged from when the second-generation Tundra was introduced in 2007. The 4.6-liter V-8 replaced the 4.7-liter V-8 for the 2010 model year. Both engines are mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the Tundra is near the bottom of its class in terms of fuel economy. For 2016 models, EPA ratings of the base 4.6-liter V-8 in the rear-drive model is 15/19 mpg city/highway, while the 5.7-liter V-8 in the four-wheel-drive model is rated at 13/17 mpg; the EPA has yet to test 2017 models. When properly equipped, the Tundra with the Tow package can tow up to 10,500 pounds.

Safety

The 2017 Toyota Tundra comes with dual front, side-front, and side curtain airbags as well as standard knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. The 2017 Tundra has received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a four-star rating in the Frontal Crash category, and a five-star rating in the Side Crash test. The 2016 Tundra was given the top rating of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the Moderate Front Overlap, Side and Head Restrains & Seats categories, an Acceptable in Roof Strength, and a Marginal rating in the small overlap front test. Blind spot warning is available as part of the Limited Premium package and standard on the 1794 Edition and the Platinum trim.

Trims, Packages, and What's Standard

The entry-level SR trim is offered with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seats, cloth upholstery, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, the Entune infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SR5 trim adds a larger seven-inch touchscreen, navigation, 60/40 fold-up rear seat cushions, rear under-seat storage, and a matte black lower front bumper.

The Limited trim adds automatic headlights with manual level control, a deck rail system with four tie-downs, chrome heated power side mirrors, the Entune mobile phone app suites, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power rear horizontal window with a privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. New for 2017, the Limited now also includes power front bucket seats with a four-way power front passenger seat.

The Platinum and 1794 Edition models add a JBL premium audio system, perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, 12-way power adjustable driver's seats, a power vertical sliding rear window with a rear privacy glass, and blind spot warning. Tundra TRD Pro models are the off-road performance variants and come with the larger 5.7-liter V-8 and four-wheel drive. Standard performance features on the TRD Pro include front and rear Bilstein shocks, a TRD dual exhaust system, TRD-logo front skid plates with an oil drain access panel, and 18-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels.

What We Think

In our 2014 First Drive review, we noted that although the interior and dash are well designed from a functionality standpoint, the quality of the interior plastics was disappointing, especially compared to competitors. Ride and handling, on the other hand, are secure on- and off-road with the seats providing ample support. We also noted in a 2014 First Test of 1794 Edition model that the cabin is noisier than other trucks in its class, while the exterior design subjectively lagged its more recently redesigned competitors. Even though the 5.7-liter V-8 isn't underpowered, the truck isn't as quick as some competitors that use more advanced powertrains. Interior space, on the other hand is generous, especially the huge rear seats in the CrewMax models. For those seeking maximum off-road performance in a fullsize truck, we said in our 2015 First Drive review that the specially-tuned off-road suspension helps the Tundra TRD Pro feel better the faster it goes, with excellent steering response and suspension tuning that can cope with high-speed off-roading.

Cool Fact

A 2007 Tundra recently went over one million miles, and was purchased by Toyota Motors U.S.A. so the automaker can perform an engineering analysis to help guide durability/reliability development of future trucks .

Key Competitors: