Ruling:
With a large truck bed, multiple cab configurations, and strong powertrain options, the 2011 Toyota Tundra is a great all-around truck that exceeds expectations. While the Tundra has not seen a major update since 2007, its competitors have moved forward with better performance, fuel economy, and standard features.
Toyota has given the Tundra a few minor updates for the 2011 model year. The 4.0 liter V6 engine gets dual variable timing, which increases fuel economy and power. Toyota also added more standard safety features: brake override technology and trailer-sway control. The Tundra is available in Regular, Double and CrewMax models.
Powerplant choices included a standard 236 hp 4.0L V6, an optional 271 hp 4.7L V8 or an all-new 5.7L DOHC V8, built in Toyota’s Alabama engine plant, that produced 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 and 4.7L V8 deliver their power through a 5-speed automatic transmission while the 5.7L V8 was mated to an all-new electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission.
An all-new 2007 Tundra was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007 and was available in three cab styles: Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab, and the super-sized four-door CrewMax. This new Tundra was larger and more powerful than its predecessor and was able to tow more than 10,000 pounds.
Ruling: Diesel or no, the Tundra is 100 percent American and 100 percent for real.
The Tundra is a few thousand dollars more than its competitors, and given this is Toyota's first foray into the full-size market, there may be cause for hesitation. Does the Tundra have solid enough value to justify the price? Of course. It's a rock solid truck with amentities and quality that domestics could only dream of having. But it depends on what you value. The i-Force is no doubt a terrific engine that can hold its own and still get good gas mileage, but diesels have proven themselves time and again the best for heavy duty use. Until Toyota offers a diesel in the Tundra, they may find themselves struggling to outsell the Big Three, not to mention being referenced in a Top-40 Country tune.
