Pickup Trucks Part 1: The New Toyota Tundra

2014 Toyota Tundra

Pickup Trucks

In January, Americans purchased 142,877 pick-up trucks, according to theWall Steet Journal. With gas prices hovering around the $4.00 mark. Why do Americans love them so much?
 

There are many different opinions about this subject. One, is that we buy them because we have so many people who work on in the construction and service industry. Those people need a vehicle to haul various tools and equipment. The second, is that we love outdoor activities so, we need a vehicle capable of pulling trailers or hauling dirt bikes.

I take a different view. Yes, there are people who need them in order to work. People whom use them for work generally purchase the base line or one up from the baseline. The majority of people  that purchase the top-shelf versions never really do activities that require a truck. All they want is the image that they do something.

 For the 2014 and 2015 model years, you will see new and improved pickup trucks leaving showrooms.

The Toyota Tundra

First, on the chopping block is the  2014 Toyota Tundra. This, in my opinion, is just re-designed because the only thing brand new about this truck is the body, and interior. The current power trains will carry over to the new model.

The current Tundra and its successor are the only true American Toyotas. The Tundra is engineered in Michigan. Designed in California, and is built in San Antonio, Texas.

“Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a perfect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology, giving customers more of what they want instead, in addition to what they need.”

The Exterior

2014 Toyota Tundra Front

I never really cared for the look of the current Tunrda. I felt it was too sculpted and looked like a semi-truck that shrunk in the wash.

The new design, however, I actually like. Surprising since I am not a fan of Toyota’s current design language.

For the exterior, designers increased the size of the front fascia. They tightened up the surface and character lines. This, in turn removed the massive bulge in the middle of the hood. The new chrome grill is taller is connected visually to the air-intake in the lower bumper.

Should you ever have a head-on collision the bumper is a three pieces to reduce the cost of replacement parts. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells are now squared-off for a muscular stance.

The Interior

Like most of the new trucks, the Tundra receives upgrades to its ergonomic. Designers reduced the distance drivers will have to reach for the climate and radio controls. The large knobs from the last generation will carry over. The large knobs make it easier to grip the controls with or without work gloves.

If you are one of those people who only want the image of the truck, you will want to know about range topping Platinum and 1794 Editions.

Standard features for the Platinum and 1794 Editions include:

Interior 2014 Toyota Tundra

 • Lexus grade leather seats
• Automatic Climate Control
• 12-Speaker JBL audio system
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Navigation
• Blind spot monitoring (BLISS)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCT)

Interior choices for the Platinum are limited to black. If you want your interior in color, you will need to go with the Limited variation, which means you will pay more for the features that come standard on the Platinum.

The other option is to pay more for the 1794 edition with its western theme and saddle brown leather seats. Personally, I am imaging an interior designed by Roy Rodgers.

Safety

The 2014 Tundra will be the first truck to feature a standard backup camera across all ranges. BLISS and RCT will be standard on the range-toppers.

All models will feature 8-airbags, including the segment exclusive knee airbag for driver and front passenger.

In light of the unintended acceleration fiasco, the new Tundra will feature what Toyota is calling smart stop technology..

Smart Stop Technology is designed to reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time, helping the driver to stop the vehicle.

The Verdict

Although for my tastes, the Toyota is much improved, it still has not swayed from the GMC Sierra, my favorite truck. We will examine the GM twins in part two of this series.

 For more information about the re-designed Tundra read the press release.