Toyota dropped the V-6 choice in favor of standard V-8 power across the board and adding a new TRD Pro model with special off-road suspension and an available spray-in bed liner. The lineup also includes the SR, SR5 and Limited, and two premium grades — Platinum and the 1794 Edition named for the Texas ranch where the Tundra plant is located.
along the sides of the vehicle.
Three cab styles
Tundra is available in three cab styles: two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and the super-sized four door CrewMax. Tundra Regular Cab models come with a long bed (8.1-foot) configuration. Double Cab models are available in both standard bed (6.5-foot) or long bed (8.1-foot) configurations and include Rear Under Seat Tray Storage on the SR5 and Limited grades. The CrewMax comes with a 5.5-foot bed and all beds are 22.2-inches deep.
Under the hood
The Tundra comes standard with the 4.6-liter i-Force that gets 310 hp at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. The most popular Tundra engine, still one of the most capable and advanced in the full-size pickup segment, is the 5.7-liter i-Force V-8, a workhorse that generates 381 hp at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.7-liter is offered in both gasoline and Flex Fuel variants.
Both V-8s have an aluminum cylinder block and double overhead-cam heads with four valves per cylinder, Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Acoustic Control Induction System. Both V-8s are teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with 4WD optional.
The foundation for Tundra’s strength and up to 10,500-pound towing capacity is its advanced TripleTech frame — 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.
Design
The Tundra design is sophisticated in function and has such design elements as patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins on the taillight lenses and mirror bases to help reduce air turbulence along the vehicle’s sides. The “Aero-Fins” also help enhance straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and when towing. The front and rear bumpers — new in the 2014 redesign — use three piece construction for lower replacement costs.
The easy-lower-and-lift tailgate lowers slowly with no slam, can easily be removed when necessary and comes standard with a lock feature to help prevent theft. Limited trim Double Cab models come standard with a power sliding horizontal rear window, while CrewMax models have a power vertical sliding rear window.
Price
The MSRP on the 2015 Toyota Tundra SR5 is $39,612.
[author image=”http://www.communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grant-Miller-4-C.jpg” ]Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.[/author]
