Toyota is providing choices, it emphasized in its October press release, which announced the introduction of its 2015 full-sized Tundra pickup. There are, in fact, 10 different models of Toyota Tundra with enough trim options to create 25 different configurations. “Choice” might be an understatement.
First, there is the 4×2 regular cab SR long bed powered by a 5.7-litre V-8, which has a base MSRP of $27,225. This model delivers a 10,500 pound (4,760 kilogram) towing capacity plus an 8.1-foot bed. You can upgrade things with the SR5 options package, which adds a larger, seven-inch display for the audio system, XM Satellite Radio, advanced voice recognition, upgraded interior trim, and other goodies.
The other two-wheel drive model is the double cab SR5 with a 4.6-litre engine and a starting MSRP of $32,875. You get passenger room for six, but the trade off is a lower tow rating of 6,800 pounds (3,080 kilograms).
The eight other Tundra models are four-wheel drive versions that make use of the same two engines, although load and trailer towing ratings vary a bit between models. At the high end of the price range is the 4×4 CrewMax Platinum with the 5.7-litre engine. Starting MSRP is a hefty $54,805.
The CrewMax Platinum offers up a 9,490 pound (4,305 kilogram) towing capacity behind a 5.5-foot bed and room for five in the cab.
The entire standard features list is long and includes a premium 12-speaker JBL audio system with 7-inch display screen, advanced voice recognition, AVN premium navigation, dual zone automatic climate control, power windows, including a power vertical sliding rear window, privacy glass, blind spot monitor system, rear cross traffic alert, a power moon roof, spray-in bed liner, and on and on it goes.
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If price is no object, order the CrewMax Platinum as a 1794 Edition. The 1794 is an “ultra-luxurious” model. The name, 1794, is the year the Texas ranch that once occupied the site of the current assembly plant was established.
The two available Tundra engines, the 5.7- and 4.6-litre i-FORCE V8s, crank out some decent performance numbers. The 5.7 kicks out 381 peak horsepower and up to 401 pound feet of torque. The 4.6 delivers 310 horsepower and 327 pound feet. Both engines mate up to a six-speed Super ECT transmission with Sequential Shift Mode, which is designed to provide smooth shifts.
The 4×2 models get standard traction control and an auto limited-slip rear differential. The 4×4 drivetrain includes active traction control, an auto limited-slip rear differential, and one-touch four-wheel drive to seamlessly switch into and out of 4WD mode.
