Redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra pickup unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show (Photos)

What’s New & Significant:

It’s the Tundra’s first significant refresh since its last major makeover for the 2007 model year. Toyota’s popular full size pickup receives new chiseled exterior sheetmetal. In addition there’s an all-new, far more sumptuous interior with improved functionality. A segment first is the availability of a Blind Spot Monitor System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert,

Toyota Motor Company unveiled its redesigned 2014 Tundra pickup at a press conference held at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Over the past 12 years Tundra has received a myriad of awards, including the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study for seven years running in the Full-Size Pickup segment. Not willing to rest while the competition brings out a bevy of new truck models, the 2014 Tundra receives a complete redesign, top to bottom, representing the first major change since the launch of the current generation for the 2007 model year.

Though an import brand, the Tundra continues to be a truck with true American roots that was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with its new look penned by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor. Finally, Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, 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 new 2014 Tundra will continue to be offered in three cab styles: 2-door Regular Cab, 4-door Double Cab and 4-door CrewMax; all available in 4x2 and 4x4. Trim levels consist of the more utilitarian SR, volume-leading SR5, luxurious Limited, plus two premium grades: Platinum and an all-new ‘1794 Edition. Each grade will embody a specific theme through distinct designs that go beyond mere badging.

The all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern industrial image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to punctuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for trim level differences and less expensive replacement parts. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance. The grille now has a more pronounced, bolder look visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper.

An all-new bed design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” stamped into the sheet metal, creating a one-piece forged look. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the tail lamps express a tool-like quality to match the appearance of the body. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three, for lower replacement costs.

The all-new interior variations are thematic and cater to a specific customer with a specific budget. Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and climate controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. Overall passenger comfort was improved with an all-new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle.

The redesigned interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with an all-new instrument panel. The meters feature 3-D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax will be available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row.

SR5

The interior of the SR5 features a ‘professional gear’ theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. Most importantly, the all-new design uses premium surface treatments to enhance interior quality and durability.

Limited

The Limited has an ‘active premium’ image with leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch stitched door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited will be available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors. Amenities include eight-way power driver seat, auto climate control, chrome door handles and outer mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels and a deck rail system.

Platinum

The Platinum has been completely redesigned and features perforated black leather-trimmed seats with double-stitched diamond plate leather, door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome seat and console accent badging for an upscale yet urban feel. In addition, the Platinum uses premium leather never before used on a Toyota truck and comes with many standard amenities, including a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Entune™, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

1794 Edition

The new 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch (established 1794) on which the Tundra plant is located on in San Antonio. It reflects a western lifestyle, not unlike Ford’s popular King Ranch theme. The package will include exclusive premium saddle brown leather seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accents the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel.

Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes an array of standard features that includes heated and ventilated front seats, JBL audio and Entune, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Platinum and 1794 Edition come standard with a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and a four-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation, power moonroof (CrewMax only), parking sonar, and Display Audio with Navigation, Entune and JBL.

The SR and SR5 will come standard with 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will sport all-new 20-inch alloy wheels specific to each grade.

Powertrains

The Tundra continues to be offered in three powertrains, which feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

Standard on Regular and Double Cab models is a 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6, produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.

An available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque, in both gasoline and “Flex Fuel” variants. Both V8’s come standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Tundra remains the only full-size pickup in the segment to adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standard. When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab).

Tundras will feature a number of segment firsts, including a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additional standard features include a 3.5-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster.

Safety Features

The 2014 Tundra will be the first pickup in its segment to offer a standard backup camera on all trim levels, and the first truck in its segment to offer a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (available on Platinum and 1794 Edition).

All Tundra models will also feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology.

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

Tundra will be equipped with eight standard airbags including front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System, and the segments only driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags.

Additional safety features include manual headlamp leveling and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (Platinum and 1794 Edition).

The redesigned 2014 Tundra is schedule to arrive in Toyota dealers by September.

2014 TUNDRA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAINS
4.0 Liter V6
270 H.P. @ 5600 RPM
278 lb-ft Torque @4400 RPM
5-Speed Automatic Transmission

4.6 Liter V8
310 H.P. @ 5600 RPM
327 lb-ft Torque @3400 RPM
6-Speed Automatic Transmission.

5.7 Liter V8
381 H.P.@ 5600 RPM
401 lb-ft Torque @ 3400 RPM
6-Speed Automatic Transmission

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall length: 228.7 (Std Bed)

Overall width: 79.9
Overall height: 76.2

Wheelbase: 145.7 (Long Bed)

TRUCK BED DIMENSIONS (inches)
Bed length 78.7 (Std Bed)
Bed width
(between wheel wells): 50.0
Bed width
(wall-to-wall): 65.0
Bed depth: 22.2

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, Fort Worth Auto Examiner

William has been a recognized member of the Texas motoring press since 1994. After many years as a freelance journalist, including time with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he is finally pursuing his lifelong goal of being an ...

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