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2014 Toyota Tundra First Drive

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,315
edited September 2014 in Toyota

image2014 Toyota Tundra First Drive

We test-drive the redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4 pickup, which sports new sheet metal and an all-new interior.

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Comments

  • bankerdannybankerdanny Member Posts: 1,021
    Indeed, heaven forbid we should allow Toyota to employ American's to build a produc to sell to Americans. I suspect that Toyota will eventually address the fuel mileage thing via a new transmission. They will likely also make sure that the sales people point out the tow ratings of the higher mileage versions of the competitors vs that of the Tundra. I imagine most buyers are smart enough to figure it out.
  • lvgtilvgti Member Posts: 8
    I prefer amber turn signals on the front and BACK of all cars and trucks. The rear turn signals should NOT be a function of the brake lights.
  • quadricyclequadricycle Member Posts: 827
    Oh goodness, this is what happens when you give children access to computers. This seems like a decent update, especially the interior. I really do give Toyota respect for going with the standardized tow ratings, but as lvgti said, sad about a red turn signal. Its just easier to recognize a flashing amber light as a turn signal.
  • gcsads1gcsads1 Member Posts: 1
    rope2, your racism is showing. I'm sure all the Americans in Texas that build the Tundra would disagree with you about the quality of the product they build. I don't see how all those Americans employed to build the vehicle, as well as, all the Americans that deliver, sell, and maintain these Tundras is hurting the economy. I guess they mail order everything they buy in from Japan. You have the freedom to choose and buy an American truck. Just be thankful for that.
  • touriantourian Member Posts: 5
    I don't like rope2's style of getting his point across, but he does have a point. The only reason Toyota builds Tundras here is because they took tax credits from Texas and Alabama to build the vehicles and their engines in Southern right to work states. How ironic it would have been if this vehicle had been a huge success? We pay a company to come here that otherwise WILL NOT let an American company build a factory on their soil? How crazy is that? I am glad this truck has failed. Long live the D3.
  • jdmjunkyjdmjunky Member Posts: 1
    The cost to build in Japan is too high to justify. Japan also can't used trucks of this size in that state so it's pointless.

    As for fair, there is the chicken tax that was enacted to prevent other countries from selling diesel vehicles in the US without a high premium. You can google "Chicken tax" for more info.
  • gcsads1gcsads1 Member Posts: 1
    I am not a liberal. I'm not trying to stir up [non-permissible content removed] because it is the only response I have. I apologize for calling you racist. It was uncalled for. You are upset because we had a war with them and now they won't buy our products? jdmjunky has a point, they can't use giant american sized trucks in Japan. I doubt they use the Tundra much over there. Why build something there that they can only sell over here. Just because we can't sell them our trucks doesn't mean you have to speak so negatively about the quality of the truck they sell. Again, the Americans in Texas are proud of what they build and don't appreciate you slamming the product they build.
  • noburgersnoburgers Member Posts: 500
    Buyers will decide what they want in a truck, and vote with their $$$. Toyota shines in the smaller (Tacoma) pickup size, but Americans like big American trucks, and competition pushes innovation. Al of the American-brand trucks are very good (is Ram still considered American?). There is plenty of room in the market for full-size Toyotas for those that want them. I see no real threat to the F150 being king of sales.
  • xprojected_xprojected_ Member Posts: 8
    Well, somebody forgot to take their meds today.. what you may not have realized is that the Tundra has the most US-made content of any truck in America, 75%, tied with the F-150. Search for "NHTSA AALA". The engine, transmission, and final assembly are all done here. Number two? The Honda Ridgeline, with 70% US content. So check your preconceived notions at the door, and be grateful for the jobs these companies create. And if you think the Tundra is a threat to Ford, Chevy, or Ram truck sales, no, not even close.
  • joe_scubajoe_scuba Member Posts: 2
    Looks like a Ford
  • joe_scubajoe_scuba Member Posts: 2
    So as you whine about these trucks made in the USA, why aren't you whining about GM/Chevy and Dodge being made in Mexico??? Because you are to ignorant of the facts regarding who makes what and where??
  • themandarinthemandarin Member Posts: 436
    Great TuRD package
  • fortstringfortstring Member Posts: 111
    I find it highly peculiar and contradictory that the same idiots who champion American capitalism and decry government intervention also shout in CAPS for government tariffs and market protectionism. It's the same crowd that calls anything remotely in line with the rest of the civilized world "socialist" and "fascist" within the same breath. Talk about ideologues that completely lack a basic education in economics, let alone any type of schooling whatsoever.
  • agentorangeagentorange Member Posts: 893
    I would not put too much faith in the EPA gas mileage of the Fords, Chevy's and Dodges being so much better than the Toyota when it comes to the real world. For years the big three have been massaging their vehicles to do well in the EPA tests to the detriment of part-throttle driveability. As a result you end up nailing them more and using roughly the same amount of gas as most other 5000lb+ vehicles. Physics trumps the EPA and advertising every time.
  • agentorangeagentorange Member Posts: 893
    @rope The scandal is not that Toyota and Nissan build trucks here, it is that they can build a high quality product and do it profitably where Ford, GM and Chrysler cannot. The US companies have been unwilling to grasp the nettle of their costs in the US
  • agentorangeagentorange Member Posts: 893
    Make that "...Nissan and HONDA.." in my last comment.
  • reminderreminder Member Posts: 383
    I find it amazing the kind of money dealers get for both the Tundra & especially the Tacoma. Even a 5-year-old Tacoma commands significant $. Looks & style are important to many people, but if you truly need a truck to haul equipment or tow a trailer you really can't go wrong anymore. Competition has pushed all manufactures to keep pace or pack it in. The technology in 6 cylinder engines alone has improved by leaps & bounds. Owning a 6 isn't as big a compromise as it used to be.
  • joe_scubajoe_scuba Member Posts: 2
    why do you have posts that you can't read?
  • joe_scubajoe_scuba Member Posts: 2
    Again GM and Chrysler build Trucks in Mexico, so why aren't you whining about that.
    The whole BS of profit going to japan is just BS GM and Chrysler profit goes to top execs that's how they got in trouble in the first place, no money in the bank for rainy days.
    I will take a product that keeps Americans working any day over worrying about where profits go.
    As you would see if you are able GM and Chrysler put much of their profits in their own pockets or in offshore manufacturing.
  • agentorangeagentorange Member Posts: 893
    @joe_scuba The invisible comments thing for certain articles like the Silverado introduction and the Prius wrap-up has been going on for some time. I'm sure I am not the only person to raise a squawk with the editors but nothing has been done to fix it.
  • novadavidcnovadavidc Member Posts: 1
    I'm not shopping pickup trucks but I am in the market for a new car. I appreciate that you noted Toyota's strange decision to switch from amber to red rear turn signals. This ill-advised and literally dangerous fashion trend among auto manufacturers in the US is greatly restricting my choice of new vehicles. I won't buy a car with red rear turn signals, as they are obviously less safe than amber ones. Otherwise, a nice review of a truck.
  • calidcalid Member Posts: 1
    For those upset about foreign car companies building cars on American soil, you should read the Edmunds article on how to buy an American car.

    It is an interesting read and shows the real world reality of world economics and car manufacturing. The American car you have may not have been manufactured here at all.
  • alex38alex38 Member Posts: 30
    i liked the previous tundra personally. they've cheapened the look to match the new Camry and that extra bling-esque chrome above the grill looks out of place. I expect to be overwhelmed by Toyota these days so this is par for the course..
  • billbuckheadbillbuckhead Member Posts: 3
    Toyota raises the white flag on the fullsize truck market. A little less ugly but still an eyesore. Wonder it the bed still bounces and if you can use the tailgate for load platform on this restyle. Ironic that Toyota has the worst gas mileage beside the other JapanInc entry the even worse Titan. The Tundra was a well known gas pig before the Detroit 3 substantially upped their game. One pundit a couple of years ago put it best, "buying Tundra is like going to France or Italy and ordering Chinese room service food". Today's Ford, Ram and GM trucks are truly marvels that Americans should be proud of and the Tundra and Titan are truly also rans
  • billbuckheadbillbuckhead Member Posts: 3
    4th rate truck
  • ashronashron Member Posts: 0
    I just purchased a 2014 Tundra Limited. (My 4th Tundra).
    The primary reason I purchased a Tundra over the big three was Reliability! That said, there are a few disappointing things with the 2014 Tundra.
    1. The power steering has absolutely no "On-Center" feel to it. Its easy to meander out of a lane at freeway speeds when taking your eyes off the road to look at the Nav, operate the radio, etc. It gets worse in winding roads since there is no feedback from the steering, making it easy to exceed the truck's limits and lose control. I am not saying it's unsafe. just that one has to pay extra attention! I thought this was one of the major issues Toyota was going to improve on, with the new 2014 Tundra.
    2. The Nav default screen is split into either 2 or 3 sections. (Nav, Radio and Favorite Contacts) You can select all 3 or Nav + one of the other two. But there is no option for setting the default screen to "Nav Only". (The most common setup most people use).
    3. Wind and cabin noise. My 2007 SR5 Tundra with 120,00+ miles on it rides quieter than my new 2014 Tundra Limited. At freeway speeds there is a constant hum from the engine, wind noise (and probably some tire noise). Disappointing for a "Limited" version.

    Wish List:
    1. There are no handles to grab when getting in on the driver's side. I find this "Cheap!" There is an $800 or so option for "Step Bumpers" which I find un-practical. Charge me and extra few bucks and put 2 grab handles on each side! (One on the A-pillar and the other above the window)
    2. Dual visors. My 2003 and 2005 Tundra (and my current 2010 Lexus LX-570) have dual visors. A minor extra cost that make a huge difference. I think it should be mandatory for all cars to have them. But especially larger vehicles like pickup trucks.
    3. The steering wheel is too thick (except the top portion, which is thinner)
    4. There is no "Change" compartment. Add one.
    5. The center console should have a small compartment at it's top portion for small items. All you have is one large compartment.

    Observations/Concerns:
    When I picked up the car from the dealer, it had a full tank of gas. The trip computer stated I had 420 miles to empty (or so).
    My 2007 Tundra SR5 with the 5.7 liter engine had a realistic range of about 260-280 miles. (I couldn't make it from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a single tank, and its about 310 miles). If the new Tundra has the same engine, transmission and fuel tank size, are 420 miles on a tank realistic? (24.6 Gal tank x 15 miles/gal = 369 miles)
    I appreciate the "Distance to Empty" information, but make it realistic!

    I noticed that the 2014 Tundra felt less "Torquey" (I hope that's how you spell it) when starting from a stop compared to my 2007 Tundra. I know both have the same engine and transmission. Did the calibration change to allow for better fuel economy? (Not a big deal, just something I noticed)

    Bottom line - Overall the truck is very nice. As to the issues above, I wish Toyota would have addressed them in their updated truck. That said, no truck is perfect and I will still trust Toyota over the big 3 any time.
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