Toyota vehicles are centered around their bullet-proof build and unmatched off-road capabilities. The Japanese automaker’s SUVs and pickup trucks are supremely capable and built to extract the maximum from their respective work environments. Playing about in the muddy outbacks or lugging around a ton of weight across the unpredictable outdoors, Toyota as a brand is perhaps the most reliable name in the industry. The Toyota lineage has cemented its legacy as the ultimate go-to brand for tackling the rough outdoors, and the Tundra has been its complete package of toughness and reliability.
Toyota Tundra has been around since the late 90s. Its latest iteration houses a ton of changes, making its presence felt after almost a decade. The TRD Pro variant of this rugged machine shall feature a ton of tech-centered off-roading, and the expectations surrounding this special offering from Toyota are sky-high.
The Tundra has always had stiff competition in its segment from Ford, Chevrolet, and even Ram. The latest iteration of the Tundra hosts a ton of changes concerning its off-road capabilities and overall construction and looks to take the competition head-on.
The Indestructible Skeleton
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The brand new Tundra will sport Toyota’s TNGA-F platform that exists in the new Land Cruiser 300. The incorporation of high-strength steel and improved overall rigidity is only the start of the technological revolution on this machine. The new Tundra will also feature coil-springs and multi-link rear suspension, a set-up popularized by the Ram brand and their pickup trucks back in 2009. The TRD Pro will also feature Fox dampers along with its coil-spring suspension set-up, which in turn will benefit its on-road presence as well as its ability to haul copious amounts of weight. The weight carrying capacity of the Tundra was never its strong point. The sag of the loading bed, when put under the pressure of weight, was noticeable, and the competition sported superior maximum weight load-carrying capacities.
The TRD Pro variant of the Tundra, however, is expected to match up to the competition, with an expected maximum weight carrying capacity hovering around the 2000-lbs mark. A superior all-around construction, better towing capacity, and superior off-roading abilities are just some of the highlights of the updated pickup.
A Fresh Powertrain
The primary engine of the Tundra shall be a 3.5-liter V6 capable of a maximum power output of 409 hp, with a peak torque figure of 479 lb-ft. The engine will also sport a multi-port injection system, and the fuel economy from this behemoth is expected to be a tad superior to its previous iteration. Talks of a hybrid version of the Tundra are also making rounds in the automotive sector, which further hypes the arrival of this monster.
The power train of the Tundra is familiar as it is also found under the hood of the new Land Cruiser, but the similarities between the new Tundra and the Land cruiser are not just limited to their engine. The 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission will also be seen on the upcoming Tundra, sporting smaller gear steps and wider gear ratios.
A Versatile Off-Roading Machine
The TRD Pro looks further to spread its wings in the world of Off-roading. The pickup is expected to sport an electronic traction control system and locking or limited-slip differentials. The impressive hydraulic power-steering system will also get an update in the form of an electric steering actuator that helps reduce kickback and supports lane assist.
A new Multi-terrain select system will also be on offer, making the off-roading experience on this vehicle a memorable one. The driver will have the ability to alter the driving dynamics of the pickup via the flick of a knob; it will be based on the multitude of challenges put forth by the unpredictable outdoors.
The interior of the Tundra is expected to house various interesting design elements. The instrumentation on this pickup is expected to be largely digital and will also house a bigger panoramic sunroof. Popular features like the power-folding rear glass are expected to stay, and a 12.3-inch or a 10-inch information screen is expected to make an appearance, depending on the variant.
The Toyota Tundra was long overdue for an update, and folks were seeking fresh updates for the machine. The TRD Pro variant of this vehicle helps display its versatile nature in the world of pickup trucks, sporting the ability to carry large amounts of weight and tackle the rough outdoors simultaneously. The Tundra seems promising, with a rigid and light-weight overall construction coupled with an updated powertrain making a strong case for the rugged Toyota image. Its feature list supports the idea of going off-road, and this unique trait, along with its improved ability to lug around excess weight, looks to strengthen Tundra’s stance in the pickup truck segment.