Toyota is one of the most renowned automakers in the world, and for good reason. Its vehicles are synonymous with reliability and durability. This reputation extends to the Japanese manufacturer's trucks, which have also built a solid reputation. For the third generation of the Tundra, Toyota has gone all out with a dynamic and modern look, cutting-edge technology, and optimal efficiency.
The new generation Toyota Tundra has just hit the market, but it continues to receive numerous improvements. Several new paint options have been added this year. Various individual options, such as towing mirrors for the SR5 version, have also been introduced.
Range and Pricing
The Tundra offers one of the most extensive and comprehensive ranges within the Toyota brand, making it highly competitive. The starting price is $54,401 for the double cab, rear-wheel-drive version, though this is not a great benchmark as it is a model few people buy. However, it is noteworthy that the Japanese manufacturer's truck offers various bed lengths and cab sizes. In total, there are 38 possible configurations. In its ultimate configuration, the Toyota Tundra starts at $93,641 before options. This remains reasonable, considering some of its rivals can cost up to nearly $110,000.
Category and Competition
American manufacturers lead the full-size pickup category, but that doesn't prevent the Tundra from achieving significant success, especially since its recent redesign. The Japanese manufacturer's truck may not offer as extreme capabilities as its rivals, but it can still handle most tasks expected of a pickup. Where the Tundra stands out is in resale value. It tends to depreciate less over the years, as is generally the case for most Toyota vehicles.
Rivals: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, RAM 1500
Design and Technology
Personally, I think the new generation 2024 Toyota Tundra is a design success. The Japanese manufacturer has done an excellent job of offering a truck that looks like a life-sized toy while remaining elegant and modern enough to be taken seriously. In short, the Japanese manufacturer's truck creates an emotional response at first glance. Between you and me, the TRD version is by far the most attractive of the lot.
The interior is a night and day difference compared to the old Tundra model. You still feel like you're in a truck, which is a good thing, but the Japanese manufacturer has raised the bar in terms of finish. The materials are carefully selected, and the dashboard design is meticulously crafted.
In terms of technology, all safety driving aids work very well. The Japanese manufacturer's truck offers numerous off-road driving aids, giving it a significant advantage over most of its competitors. The Tundra comes standard with an 8-inch screen for its multimedia system, but the 14-inch screen found in most versions is much more appealing. The manufacturer has also made significant efforts in navigation and the fluidity of its system, which are more intuitive than ever.
Performance
The 2024 Toyota Tundra offers three mechanical options, starting with a 3.5-liter V6 engine accompanied by two turbochargers. This combination delivers 348 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, which is quite impressive for the truck's base engine. Next is the second turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, offering 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Finally, at the top of the range is another 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, but with hybridization added to the mix, allowing the Tundra to deliver a total of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of the engine you choose, you'll essentially get the same features. All engines use the same 10-speed automatic transmission. The 4x4 drivetrain is standard on most Tundra versions, except for the SR edition, which offers a 4x2 drivetrain. Fuel consumption varies between 11.7 and 12.3 L/100 km, depending on the chosen version. The most significant difference between the Tundra's engine options is in towing capacity. For example, the base engine can tow up to 8,300 pounds. The hybrid version has a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds. Thus, the second engine option offers the best capacity at 11,200 pounds.
Weaknesses
- Lower towing capacity than the competition
- All engines are somewhat fuel-intensive
- New engines and technologies, with unknown long-term reliability
Strengths
- Very comfortable and pleasant to drive
- Turns heads wherever it goes
- Powerful engines
- High-quality interior finish
Signature Element
The Toyota Tundra is the only alternative to the large American pickups, and it's fortunate that it exists. Its popularity has been steadily increasing since its last complete redesign.
Final Word
People typically think of American brands when considering a pickup truck, which is understandable since they specialize in this area. However, Toyota has managed to offer a competitive and very interesting full-size truck. Indeed, there was a time when only brand enthusiasts would consider the Tundra. However, it has built a solid reputation, and it's not uncommon to see someone who has owned American trucks all their life switch to the Tundra.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
