Toyota introduced a refreshed Tundra set for sale as a 2014 Toyota Tundra model. “Tundra’s new exterior design and 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,” said the automaker. The reception for the mostly cosmetic changes was understandably lukewarm – especially amidst major redesigns by the fiercely competitive Detroit Three. “So, are you calling this the third-generation Toyota Tundra?” We’re asking the nearest marketing guy whilst hiking our thumb in the direction of a spanking-new 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup, specifically a 4×4 CrewMax with the TRD Off-Road package stickers on the bed. There’s a pause, a wry smile and the response: “It’s the new Tundra.” “Yeah, but does that make it the third-generation one?” We’re asking because from certain angles, and especially from the point of view of many technical specifications, it’s hard to tell if the 2014 Toyota Tundra edition of Toyota’s full-size truck is all-new or not. It’s recognizable as a Tundra across the parking lot, but at this distance the differences are hard to pinpoint. All we can say is it looks tougher, more chiseled.
New Suit of Clothes 2014 Toyota Tundra Exterior
A closer look reveals the forward edge of the hood has been hiked up some 1.5 inches. Enlarged headlights melt into the fender along a straighter arc. The more-prominent grille has expanded in all directions, and a handsome new modular three-piece front bumper underlines it all. Chief Engineer Mike Sweers tells us he wanted to counter the impression that the Tundra was too “rounded and bubbly” by going to a more traditional squared-off truck look. The wheel openings have been flattened on top, looking more like the crown of a mushroom than the perfect arc made by a draftsman’s compass. Straight creases above suggest boxed fender flares. But this new 2014 Toyota Tundra looks most different from behind, where more traditional rectangular taillights flank a new tailgate with a spoiler built into its upper lip. All-American red turn signals replace the previous amber ones. And the word “Tundra” is permanently embossed into the metal.
Interior Design 2014 Toyota Tundra
What isn’t different at first glance is the cab and door sheet metal. From the outside at least, the bits in the middle appear unchanged. But that’s not true once we open the door and climb aboard. The interior 2014 Toyota Tundra has also been redesigned and modernized to have a “true truck look,” says the automaker. Continuing that objective, the dash and doors have been restyled with more soft-touch surfaces and the instrument panel upgraded and moved over slightly to improve ergonomics. There is a new, larger center console and with additional power outlets (AUX, USB and 12-volt) above the console tray, and the infotainment system has been updated with Toyota’s latest Entune system. Four-door CrewMax models have also been fitted with a “tip-up” rear seat cushion to improve load capacity and utility. The heroic reach to the 2014 Toyota Tundra’s radio and climate knobs has been remedied by sliding the whole center stack a full 2.6 inches closer to the driver. It’s centered now; last year’s odd asymmetrical cockpit theme has been scrapped for something far more attractive and functional. Structurally, the cab has been beefed up in ways that aren’t visible, and larger side airbags have been fitted to the front seats, which are just as comfortable and supportive as ever. There’s a bit more downward seat travel, and our resident tall guy reports the driving position feels better in the seat’s lowermost position.
Powertrains And Engine 2014 Toyota Tundra
Little has changed 2014 Toyota Tundra under the hood, where the same three engines carry over along with their smooth and well-calibrated six-speed transmissions. None of them has made the switch to direct injection, but they do benefit from independently variable intake and exhaust valve timing. The engines 2014 Toyota Tundra are carried over too. Those who aren’t towing much will likely be content with the 4.0-liter V6 (rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque) and five-speed automatic that are standard equipment on the entry-level model. Most Tundras will arrive with one of two optional V8 engines. The first engine, displacing 4.6 liters, is rated at 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. It’s a nice powerplant, but we’d recommend giving up a couple MPG for the larger 5.7-liter V8, rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Both optional V8s are bolted to a proven six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case that requires the vehicle to be completely stopped and put into neutral to engage low range.
Familiar Chassis on 2014 Toyota Tundra
The exterior of the 2014 Toyota Tundra has lost much of its bubbly appearance in favor of a more “chiseled and masculine truck look,” says Toyota. Most noticeable is the front hood, raised 1.6 inches in height, and the new aggressive front grille (with a “mock-air inlet”) that reaches down to the top of the bumper. The resculpted front bumper is now a three-piece modular design, allowing consumers easier repair if a section is damaged (the bumper improvement is carried over to the rear as well). Other changes include single-bulb headlamps, new quarter panels with integrated fender flares and a new soft-drop tailgate with “TUNDRA” embossed in the sheetmetal. There are also four new wheel designs ranging in diameter from 18 to 20 inches. Underneath, the 2014 Toyota Tundra’s chassis remains largely unchanged. The most significant development is the elimination of the 126.8-inch-wheelbase model and the regular cab/standard bed setup that rode on it. Few changes have been made to the suspension apart from a bit of shock absorber fine-tuning and other tweaks. The ride is smooth and secure, but the rear suspension still makes itself known when bumps and lumps enter the mix.
2014 Toyota Tundra Price And Release Date
Pricing on the 2014 Toyota Tundra has not yet been announced, even though production starts in August and 2014 Tundras will hit showrooms in September. The lack of wholesale mechanical changes leads us to believe base prices won’t move much, even though a newer generation of the Toyota Entune infotainment system has been rolled into the mix. A 5.7-liter CrewMax SR5 4×4 like ours will probably start at $36,500. But the price of the 1794 Edition is anyone’s guess and all-new options like blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and an integrated trailer brake controller will likely push the ultimate fully loaded Tundra price higher than ever. Eventually we find someone who will confirm that the 2014 Toyota Tundra does indeed represent the dawn of the third generation of Toyota’s full-size pickup. The revised sheet metal and revamped interior are welcome sights indeed, and the outright performance of the carryover 5.7-liter V8 does not disappoint. see our picture gallery 2014 Toyota Tundra bellow to look close
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