Big trucks are judged on qualities like durability, reliability, and capability. These can be found in the 2012 Toyota Tundra. It is the auxiliary features which will really decide the fate of this vehicle when compared to others in its class.
It does not lag much behind in terms of performance and outright capability. It has got better features than its predecessors and isn’t a bad truck, but is outperformed by most of the domestic rivals in US.
Exterior
The full size Toyota Tundra is available in a two door regular cab, the Crew Max, and the double sized cab. Two trim levels are available, the base level Tundra and the Tundra limited. A regular cab has a bed length of 6.5 feet and a double cab has a bed length of 8 foot. CrewMax has a smaller bed size of 5 foot but is made of superior hinged doors.
Entry level regular cabs have 18-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, chrome bumpers, windshield wiper de-icer, full power accessories, power windows, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt-only steering wheel, damped tailgate, 40/20/40 split bench rear seat.
The double cab offers keyless entry, eight way manually adjustable seats, cruise control, and good carpeting. In limited trim level we get color-keyed bumper, fog lights, power folding, bed-rail system having adjustable tie down, leather upholstery, built in camera display, power operated sliding back door, and rearview mirror having auto dimming feature with built in back up camera display, phone and music player can be connected through Bluetooth.
Performance
The 2012 Tundra comes with three engines with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The four wheel rear-drive cabs offer a 4.0 liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 pounds-torque.
They have a standard five speed transmission which is common to all 4.0 liter V6 engine. The fuel efficiency of this engine is16 mpg in city and 20 mpg in highway. A standard 4.6 liter V8 engine that gives a 310 hp is mounted on a CrewMax and long bed double cab models.
The best engine in the Tundra lineup is the 5.7 liter V8 engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft torque. This power will allow Tundra to pull trailers which are up to 10,500 pounds. Good for people who would like to tow their heavy trailers.
Safety
It has standard anti-lock brakes, traction and antilock controls, and system to control trailer sway, front and side airbags, knee air bags. Safety features of Tundra are top of the line. Tundra has got light steering which makes it easier for riding and it has good ride quality when compared with other trucks.
Competition
2012 Toyota Tundra lacks major upgrades in its mechanics since its launch in 2007. Competitors give Toyota a run for their money. These include, the Ram 1500 (MSRP $23,115; 14 city / 20 hwy) with its coil-spring rear suspension will give a more comfortable ride. Ford F-150 (MSRP $27,800; 17 city / 23 hwy) is known for its cutting edge features and engine lineup.
This makes them a better choice over the Tundra. The specifications and performance of Toyota Tundra are better when compared to GMC Sierra (MSRP $28,960; 14 city / 19 hwy) and Chevrolet Silverado (MSRP $23,190; 15 city / 20 hwy). The differences in all these trucks are minor and we can definitely say that Tundra stands tall among others in the class of full-size pickups.
Overall Rating
70 out of 100
What others say:
“It’s been a big, expensive experiment, and the Toyota Tundra is clearly a glass half full for Japan’s biggest automaker. Toyota had plans to conquer the big truck market just as it had done in sedans and economy cars.”Car Connection
“Disappoints with overboosted steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. These deficits are minimized with the 18-inch wheels vs the 20s.”Consumer Guide
“The Tundra offers three engines and three cab sizes. Handling is relatively responsive, but the ride with the TRD package is stiff.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Strong V8 powertrains; capable six-speed automatic; large Double Cab with traditional rear doors; colossal CrewMax cab; one axle ratio fits all.”Edmunds
“Toyota’s full-size Tundra Pickup truck is a genuine workhorse every bit the equal of long-established pickup trucks from Ford, Chevy and Ram.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Pick Up Truck | Base Price: $25,155.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (99 liters) | MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy |
| Length: 209.8 in. (532.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 126.8 in. (322 cm) |
| Height: 75.8 in. (192.5 cm) | Width: 79.9 in. (202.9 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4580 lbs (2077 kg) | Ground Clearance: 10.2 in. (25.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: NA | Maximum Seating: 3 people |
| Engine: 24 valve V6 DOHC w/ VVT-i | Displacement: 4.0 Liter |
| Horsepower: 270 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed ECT-i Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 4900 lbs (2222 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:Double Cab 4×2 | MSRP: $27,365; MPG: 16 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:CrewMax 4×2 | MSRP: $30,335; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:Double Cab 5.7L V8 4×4 | MSRP: $31,805; MPG: 13 city / 17 hwy |
| Option:Regular Cab 5.7L V8 4×4 FFv | MSRP: $30,350; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy |
| Option:CrewMax 5.7L V8 4×4 FFv | MSRP: $34,630; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy |
