Pros
- Towing/Hauling (V8s)
- Rear-seat room/comfort (crew cab)
- Interior storage space
Cons
- Fuel economy (V8s)
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Acceleration
7/10
Only 5.7-liter V8 Tundras have been made available for testing. The 5.7 is strong at all speeds. It's the obvious choice for heavy-duty hauling and trailering. A Double Cab with the 5.7 pulled a 10,000-pound test trailer with no inordinate strain.
Fuel Economy
2/10
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD CrewMax models with the 5.7 V8 averaged 15.1-16.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. All engines use regular-grade gas. Certain versions of the 5.7 V8 on 4WD Tundras can run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality
4/10
Heavyweight construction and long wheelbases tamp down most impacts. However, on rippled, bumpy pavement, the available 20-inch wheels cause annoying jounce not evident with the standard 18s. With an empty bed, as with other pickups, Tundra's tail is prone to skitter in fast turns on washboard surfaces. No opportunity yet to test with either the TRD Rock Warrior or Sport package.
Steering/Handling/Braking
4/10
Disappoints with slow, numb steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. These deficits are minimized with the 18-inch wheels vs the 20s.
Quietness
6/10
Both V8s are very smooth and vocal only in full-throttle acceleration. Laudably low wind rush is present in the cabin. Some tire whine is noticeable on coarse surfaces.
Controls
6/10
Tundra's instruments are large and well marked. However, some drivers may find portions obscured by the steering-wheel rim. Most controls are generously sized and logically arranged, though a few audio functions are just out of easy reach for the driver. A dual-zone climate system is standard, which is a comfort plus. The navigation system is easy enough to program.
Details
4/10
In going for a rugged, rather than posh, feel, the overall quality of the interior disappoints, even among large pickups. Switchgear has a cut-rate, thin-plastic feel. Too many cabin panels ring hollow and are hard to the touch.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
7/10
Generous shoulder room. The seats are very comfortable, but are set relatively high so headroom ends up being tight beneath the sunroof housing. The available tilt and telescopic steering column is helpful, but we wish it were standard on all models. Outward visibility is good. The available rearview camera allows the driver alone to line up a trailer hitch. Ride height is little different on 2WD vs 4WD models, and steep enough to make for difficult entry and exit.
Cargo Room
3/10
Cabin storage is a highlight, with a double-tier glovebox and large door map pockets with room for 22-ounce bottles. The center console on models with bucket seats holds a laptop computer or hanging files. Rear seatbacks fold in one motion to create sturdy parcel platforms. The tailgate locks and has handy counterbalance to make for low-effort opening or closing.
Value Within Class
7/10
With Tundra, Toyota is out to appeal to more than just the personal-use truck buyer. This pickup delivers the size, power, and model-configuration options to make it a viable alternative for those who need a big rig for big jobs. Tundra trails the domestic brands for handling, interior materials, and overall refinement. It bests them for power and passenger accommodations, earning it our Recommended nod.
Highlights
The 2010 Toyota Tundra gets slightly freshened styling and a new V8 engine. This large pickup truck offers three cab styles, three wheelbases, three bed lengths, three engines, and two trim levels. The 2-door 3-passenger regular cab comes in Base form. Both the extended Double Cab and longer CrewMax crew cab have 4 conventional doors, seat up to 6, and come in Base and Limited trims.
A 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine is standard in regular and short-bed Double Cabs. Optional on those and standard on long-bed Double Cabs and CrewMax is a new 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, which replaces a 276-horsepower 4.7-liter V8. Optional on all Tundra models is a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. The V6 uses a 5-speed automatic transmission, and all V8s have a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 10,800 pounds. Tundras are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD system does include a low-range gear for off-road use. Certain Tundra models equipped with the 5.7 V8 and 4WD can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Cargo-bed lengths are 6.5 feet on regular and Double Cab short beds, 8.1 on regular and Double Cab long bed, and 5.5 on CrewMax. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. An optional SR5 Package includes cruise control and keyless entry on regular cabs. A Sport Package, which includes specific trim and wheels, is optional on rear-drive models. Tundras with 4WD are available with the Rock Warrior Package, which includes off-road-ready suspension tuning and 17-inch tires. An Off-Road Package for rear- and 4-wheel drive models includes firmer suspension tuning and specific 18-inch tires. The newly available Platinum Package for CrewMax Limiteds includes specific trim, a navigation system, power tilt and telescopic steering column, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.
Our Best Buys are the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra. New or significantly redesigned models in the class include the Dodge Ram 2500/3500 and Toyota Tundra.