COMPELLING TUNDRA TOUTS HUGE CABIN, IMPRESSIVE TOWING

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com
It is a given that the domestic automakers rule the pickup market, especially Ford with its F-150, but credit Toyota for staying on the mark and continuing to evolve with the Tundra. Ensconced on a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame, the 2024 4X4 TRD PRO full-size pickup offers a composed ride while absorbing the bumps of rough surfaces with skill and sure-footedness.
The powerful i-FORCE MAX 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid engine is paired with a bell-housing electric motor/generator. The 288V nickel-metal hydride battery sits under the rear seat. The result is a massive 437 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 583 pounds-feet of torque at 2400 rpm while mated to a 10-speed auto gearbox. The front gets a TRD PRO off-road suspension with monotube Bilstein shock absorbers while the rear is equipped with a multilink and coil springs. Fear not about coming to a stop in the massive truck as 13.9-inch ventilated front and 13.6-inch rear disc brakes are quite capable of doing the job. The electric power rack-and-pinion steering has a solid and communicative feel, making the pickup easy to place at sharp curves. Tow capacity is an incredible 11,175 pounds.
A massive Toyota grille with LED light bar stares at your face upfront. That this is a veteran of off-road trails is evident from the TRD PRO emblems on both front sides, hood, aluminum skid plate, wheels, exhaust tips and rear badging in big caps. Step inside and further evidence of its hardcore traces can be found on the steering wheel, shifter knob, starter button and front seat backrests. Space is abundant starting with eight-way power driver and two-way front-passenger, cooled/heated synthetic upholstery seats. Red stitching on the black seats looks elegant. The enormous 14-inch infotainment display sits atop the center stack while Toyota buffs will love the traditional volume button for the audio. It stays! Clear digital gauges for speedometer, tachometer, tow gauges, fuel readings will be appreciated by any driver. voltmeter, coolant temperature, fuel and engine oil pressure are easy to read. A dial on the dash offers the option of 2WD, 4X2Hi and 4X4Lo. There also is an adjustable tie-down cleat 5.5-foot-long bed that can haul 4-by-8 plywood sheets. Other niceties include dual auto a/c, head-up display, power panoramic moonroof, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 fold-up rear seat, rear door sunshades, easy lower-and-lift tailgate and overhead console.
Dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability, traction and trailer sway controls, blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, rearview camera, smart-stop technology, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system come at no cost. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 includes a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.
Though sales figures are nowhere close to the F-150, this no-frills pickup from Toyota boasts a powerful performance, imposing tow capacity and a cavernous cabin. But gas mileage, especially in the city, is a downer.
TUNDRA (4X4 TRD PRO)
Tires: P285/65R18
Wheelbase: 145.7 inches
Length: 233.6 inches
Width: 81.6 inches
Height: 78 inches
Weight: 6,095 pounds
Fuel capacity: 32.2 gallons
City: 18 mpg
Highway: 20 mpg
Base price: $72,130
Price as tested: $74,270
Web site: www.toyota.com