>Susan Frissell, Editor
Womenwithwheels.com

Still a popular pickup, the Toyota Tundra appears to be aging and not in full step with say, the Ford F-150. However, even with all its worthy competitors, the Tundra still sells well and is a ‘luxury’ truck of immense size.

Toyota’s first attempt at a full-size half-ton truck, the Tundra’s competition is plenty, and includes GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. While the Tundra still sports the 5.7-liter V8 powertrain, the competition has adopted more efficient engines, such as diesel and turbocharged V-6’s. This, of course, affects fuel economy and even at 18 mpg on the highway, the Tundra isn’t measuring up.

But for some, this fact is refreshing. No push-start engine button, no turbocharger whine, or other things that to some, just don’t ‘feel’ like a truck. After all, a truck is supposed to be rugged, but maybe with a few amenities. And, we suppose there are those buyers who wouldn’t buy any truck that isn’t “American.”

Held up against the other trucks out there, the Tundra doesn’t look much different, or dated. A little more simple, perhaps. Frontend updates and some additional safety equipment have been added for 2019.

Modern conveniences such as rear-backup camera w/touchscreen, six airbags, tire pressure monitor, pre-collision system with pedestrian protection, Dynamic Radar cruise control, Lane Departure with Alert, with sway warning system and automatic high beams, abound; along with all the up-to-date safety features.

Our test Tundra, Limited edition, came with leather-trimmed and heated 10-way power-adjusted passenger front bucket seats. The sound system is also up-to-date with Entune Premium Audio with navigation, App Suite, 7.0-touch screen w/backup camera, AM/FM/CD, Phone, Music, Siri Eyes, 3-month free Sirius XM. And, of course, a full tank of gas!

Trim levels consist of the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRDPro and the 1794 edition. Pricing falls between $31,420-$50,430. Oh, and a full—size spare is standard.

We had both the opportunity to drive the Tundra Limited around town as well as the distance from Indy to Chicago. It handled well on the highway, quietly and with little sway, which is more obvious when driving in-town. Getting used to the great-sized mirrors took some time, particularly, when navigating narrow streets. Thanks to the help of backup cameras and rear-parking assist and blind spot monitor available on the optional Limited Premium Package ($1,065).

Last refreshed in 2014, the Tundra was offered in 2018 as Double Cab and the larger CrewMax. Customers had the choice of 5.6-ft., 6.5-ft. or 8.1-ft. cargo bed, 4.6 V8 or 5.7-L V8 engines, 2 or 4-wheel, with 6-speed transmission.

Frissell Fido Four Friendly Rating

I had hoped the truck would be a pleasurable ride for the Fab Four but instead, they cowardly climbed into the rear seats-with help, of course, as none of them could jump that high. We then tried out, or tried to, the bed, again too high for them to navigate the jump alone. Once Lucy (Chihuahua) and Gypsy (Whippet), the two “Wild Childs” were up in the bed, they became afraid-very afraid. Maybe it would just take a little time, but they both wanted off that bed, immediately.

Too bad, I’ve often considered getting a truck, thinking it would suit them-dogs-just fine. Guess I’ll be rethinking that idea. Too much work for me. A simple command for my dogs isn’t going to get them to jump up into a truck! Spoiled??

The horizontal rear window is power with privacy glass. So the pups can watch the road-backwards.

If you’re wondering about room, though, the rear seats offer plenty of space for dogs, even four! My pups are small and medium, but any dog would fit. And it’s a comfortable ride. Room in the rear seating is generous, with a 60/40 split seat. The front seating is a 40/20/40 split-fold down front bench.

Although it’s never a good idea to ride in a truck with dogs in the bed, people do it. It’s dangerous, even if they are crated. And, some breeds may be better suited for bed riding; think Labs or Aussies. The 6.5-ft. double-walled bed has rail caps and is sturdy and accommodating for other cargo. A deck rail system is equipped with four adjustable tie-down cleats to hold things in place.

SPECS

MSRP: $43,735; delivery, $1,395
Total vehicle price: $48,610
Options: Running boards ($345); Limited Premium Package ($1,065 includes front/rear parking assist, Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, rear Cross traffic Alert (upgrades in color-keyed rear bumper), Power Windows with Driver and Front Passenger Auto up/down, Anti-Theft system with alarm, Glass Breakage sensor, Engine immobilizer); TRD Off-Road Package ($70, includes upgrades standard wheels to 18 split 5-spoke TRD off-road package alloy wheels and P275/65R18 tires, includes Trail Tuned Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Engine skid plate, front tow hooks (4×2 models), standard on 4×4 models. LED headlights, LED fog lights (on 5RS and Limited models and 1794 edition models), TRD Off-road floor mats(on 5RS and Limited Models), and Bedside TRD Off-Road Decals).
Pricing: $31,420-$50,430
Engine: 5.7-liter V8, dual-independent VVT, 381 hp., 401 lb.ft. torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic w/sequential shift 4-WD Demand, Part-time 4WD w/Electronic Controlled Transfer Case, A-TRAC and Auto LSD
Wheelbase: 145.7 in.
Height: 76.0 in.
Length: 228.9 in.
Width: 79.9 in.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 38 gal. (larger fuel tank)
EPA fuel economy: 13/15/18
Bed Length: 78.7 in.
Bed depth: 22.2 in.
Tires: P275/55R20
Wheels: 20-inch alloy
Curb Weight: 5,240 lbs
Tow rate: 10,500 lbs.