The experts at TheCarConnection.com consulted with a wide range of sources to produce this definitive review of the 2008 Toyota Tundra. In order to make it as useful as possible, TheCarConnection.com's editors include in this review their firsthand impressions from driving the 2008 Toyota Tundra.
Likes
iForce and six-speed automatic are excellent combo
Plenty of storage spaces inside--including huge center console
More standard safety features than other pickups
CrewMax is unmatched for backseat roominess
Dislikes
Instrument-panel design is unduly complicated
Fuel economy is unimpressive
High ride height obscures visibility
Formerly more sensibly sized, it's now another monstrosity
After being completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the Toyota Tundra returns for 2008 with only a few minor changes. While the previous Tundra had been slightly smaller than full-size best-sellers such as the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, the new Tundra grew significantly and gained more assertive styling, including the very prominent upright grille, more detailed headlamps, and flared wheel wells. And going along with the new, bigger packaging, it's now made in Texas.
Engines range from a 236-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 up to a new 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter iForce V-8. In the middle, there's a 4.7-liter V-8 making 271 horsepower. The iForce comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, but other engines get a five-speed auto. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds.
Just like its Detroit competitors, the Tundra now comes in a wide range of body configurations, with Regular, Double Cab, and CrewMax cabs and three different bed lengths. The Double Cab has small rear doors and enough seating space for children, with a folding seat bottom when it's not in use, but the CrewMax has full-size back doors and enough space in the backseat to compare with the second row of full-size SUVs.
Inside, the cabin has big, supportive seats, controls designed to be used with gloves, and a huge center console that can hold a laptop. All models have a tilt/telescope steering wheel.
Ride quality varies greatly on pickups depending on towing- and payload-related options, but in general, the Tundra handles surprisingly well for such a long, heavy, and cumbersome vehicle. The Tundra has a special rear suspension design that can keep the ride height, whether with a full load or unladen.
The top-of-the-range Limited includes quite a few standard features that could be referring to a luxury SUV, such as a powerful JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control, and heated power front seats. All models have a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Major options include a screen-based navigation system with rearview camera and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road Package is also offered.
The Tundra was given four stars in federal government frontal and side-impact crash tests, but it earned the top Good rating in all of the insurance industry tests; it was named a 2008 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The 2008 Toyota Tundra certainly has more standard safety features than most of its competitors. Front-seat side airbags and roll-sensing side-curtain airbags are standard across the line, along with anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control.
The Bottom Line: The 2008 Tundra takes on the Big Three, matches them in capability, and beats them in safety.
Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Toyota Tundra, also consider:
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Ram
- Nissan Titan
Reason why
The Ford F-150 is the longtime best-seller among full-size pickups, but it's inferior to the Tundra in performance; its interior is not as refined either, though a revised version of the F-150 is on the way for 2009. The new Silverado and its nearly identical sibling, the GMC Sierra, have made waves for their very attractive, functional interiors and new standards of ride and handling, and they have an especially efficient line of V-8 engines. The Dodge Ram feels outdated and unrefined next to the Tundra, and its interior in particular is trimmed in subpar materials. But a completely redesigned version of the Ram is due for 2009. While these manufacturers all take aim at companies and fleets in part, the Titan soldiers on as a truck aimed at personal use, with some still-innovative cargo solutions and good performance.
Buying Tip
If you miss the size of the Tundra or its predecessor, the T100, you might want to look at the smaller Tacoma. The sticker price isn't that much lower for a Tacoma V-6, but the more efficient choice will save you a lot of gas money in the long haul.
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