2008 Toyota Tundra

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Summary

The Tundra doesn't just run with the big dogs. It might be no surprise, then, that this Tundra has more than doubled Toyota's share of the big pickup market, compared to the previous-generation, slightly-less-than-full-size model. So for 2008, Toyota has added more models to the Tundra line and priced the truck more aggressively.

Full Review 2008

When the Tundra was launched for 2007, the only really basic, no-frills model was the conventional Tundra Regular Cab, with its single-row seating for two or three. In 2008, buyers can choose the most popular Tundra versions, the Double Cab and CrewMax, with a new Tundra Grade trim package that offers fewer standard features and substantially lowers their price. Higher trim Tundras, meanwhile, get even more standard equipment. Bottom line, the 2008 Tundra should appeal more to buyers at the lower-end of the full-size pickup market, and deliver more value to buyers at the high end.

Tundra covers nearly all the half-ton pickup bases. The 4.0-liter V6 engine is most economical, with more than enough power for basic work-truck duty. Even the base models are loaded with useful features, including tons of interior storage options, an easy-lift assisted tailgate and standard four-wheel disc brakes. Overall, the Tundra might be the smoothest, most comfortable full-size pickup available.

The high-end Limited models offer features such as GPS-linked navigation with a backup camera and a state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment with a nine-inch LCD screen. 

Yet the comfort and features shouldn't suggest that Tundra is best left to truck-as-family-car buyers. Maximum Payload ratings range from 1410 pounds to 2060 pounds, while maximum towing capacity reaches 10,800 pounds. The Tundra comes in three body styles: two-door Regular cab; Double Cab with front-hinged, secondary rear side doors; and four-door CrewMax. In addition to the V6 and 5.7-liter V8, there's an intermediate 4.7-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive optional, with seating for two, three, five or six in three trim levels. In all, the 2008 Tundra is available in 44 different build configurations.

Moreover, those veteran pickups offer more options than Tundra, including things like different rear-end ratios and towing aids that allow a buyer to more specifically tailor a pickup to personal needs.

Trims and Styling 2008 

The Toyota Tundra line isn't quite as complicated as some other full-size pickup line-ups, but it still offers plenty of potential for confusion. For 2008, there are 44 different Tundra configurations, with three cab styles seating from two to six, three bed lengths and three engine options. Trim levels range from basic work configurations with vinyl flooring to luxury grade, with leather, navigation and a rear-seat DVD player. Payload ratings run from 1410 pounds to 2060 pounds, while towing capacity tops out at 10,800 pounds, which is among best in class. 

Tundra shoppers should first consider cab style or seating space. The Tundra Regular Cab 4x2 ($22,290) is the least expensive model. It's powered by Toyota's 236-hp 4.0-liter V6, with 266 pound-feet of torque, a five-speed automatic transmission and the 6.5-foot, standard-length bed. The eight-foot long bed ($330) and either a 271-hp, 4.7-liter V8 ($1,140) or a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 ($1,335) are optional. The Regular Cab 4x4 ($26,480) is the least expensive four-wheel-drive Tundra. It comes standard with the 4.7-liter V8, which generates 313 pound-feet of torque, and Toyota's electronically controlled, part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The Regular Cab is the workhorse edition Tundra, with a fabric-upholstered, 40/20/40-split bench seat, vinyl floor covering, column shift and manual-crank windows. Standard equipment includes a four-speaker, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio input, manual dual-zone air conditioning, tilt steering and Toyota's gas-boosted, tailgate-assist system. The standard wheels are 18-inch steel. 

Double Cab Tundra Grade 4x2 ($24,715) comes with the 4.0-liter V6 and standard bed. The Tundra Double Cab features rear side doors, forward-hinged like on an SUV, and seats for as many as six. The 4.7-liter V8 ($145), 5.7-liter V8 ($1,335) and long bed ($990) are optional on Tundra Double Cab models. The Double Cab Tundra Grade 4x4 ($27,910) adds four-wheel-drive and the 4.7-liter V8.

Both come standard with the 4.7-liter V8, though they are only offered with the standard bed. Standard equipment includes heated, leather-trimmed front buckets, JBL audio with 12 speakers, sliding rear glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and programmable garage-door opener and front and rear park-assist.

The CrewMax Tundra Grade 4x2 ($27,685) and 4x4 ($30,735) feature full-size rear side doors and more rear-cab space, with a sliding, fold-flat rear bench seat. Standard equipment on each trim level basically matches that on the Double Cab models, though the CrewMax adds an overhead console and a vertical sliding power rear window. The Toyota Tundra is no longer a 7/8-scale truck as the previous-generation pickup was sometimes called. It's an honest-to-goodness, full-size pickup. 

In the practical sense, that means the Tundra's payloads and towing capability match ratings for half-tons from Detroit's Big Three. Most measurements for Tundra's three different pickup beds come within tenths of an inch of the competition, and when they differ the Tundra's are usually bigger. The standard bed on a Dodge Ram, for example, is 2.3 inches shorter and two inches shallower than Tundra's.

In the stylistic sense, the Tundra is big and burly by design. For 2008, the shiny, black-painted bumper on the base Tundra Regular Cab has been replaced with chrome. 

In side view, the Tundra is blander, and Toyota-like, with understated fender flares tied together by a gentle indent along the lower door panels. Body proportions comfortably accommodate the three bed lengths and wheelbases. Toyota's stylists decided that slightly wider gaps better suggest the rugged first impression they wanted the Tundra to make.

Some of the details on Tundra's body add interest, and function. The optional larger towing mirrors look a little too big on the regular and Double Cab models. The Tundra CrewMax has these big handles on all four doors, while the Double Cab uses vertical grabs on the back doors that are a bit snug for large hands. 

The rear view is traditional pickup. The standard 18-inch, drilled steel discs on base Tundras are actually quite attractive in their basic, functional look. Opening and closing the tailgate is dramatically eased by the standard tailgate assist.

Interior Styling and Features

When it was launched for 2007, the full-size Toyota Tundra raised the bar on working truck interiors. The Tundra remains one of the most comfortable, best outfitted pickups available.

Visibility from the driver's seat is excellent. The tow mirrors can be manually extended outward to help the driver see around enclosed car trailers and other big trailers. The rear-seat entertainment system's drop-down LCD screen is only barely noticeable in the rear view mirror. The cabs are roomy. In all-important rear seat legroom in the top-selling Double Cab, only the Dodge Ram tops the Tundra, with the F-150 coming up two inches short.

Deep seat bottoms provide ample thigh support. The seat bottom in the center section of the front bench seat pivots forward to reveal an otherwise fully concealed storage compartment. There's a bi-level glove box, with an upper compartment big enough to hold a Thermos bottle. The front-door armrests house flip-out compartments beneath the power window switch plates, though models with manual windows forgo this storage. The Double Cab rear doors hold one bottle.

First Drive 2008

This V8 advances light-duty truck engine technology with the addition of variable exhaust valve timing. It all works toward what many pickup buyers seek and expect: long-mileage engine durability.

On the road, power delivery in the two V8 engines is linear, and surprisingly strong at low engine speed. Tundra's maximum towing capacity of 10,800 pounds was best in class when it was launched in 2007, and it remains near the top compared to Chevy, Dodge, Ford and Nissan.

2008 Conclusions

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup in every sense of the term, and it gives up nothing to the full-size trucks from Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and GMC. Edmunds.com says "A top choice for a full-size pickup, the 2008 Toyota Tundra gets it right in terms of performance, work ability, road manners and available configurations and equipment." Motortrend.com adds "The answer is in: The new Toyota Tundra is now ready to take on any American-made pickup truck, on all levels." The Toyota delivers power, payload and tow ratings that meet or beat the best, it's exceptionally comfortable, and it's easy to drive. For 2008, the Tundra is priced more aggressively, with lower-trim, work-grade models in more configurations, and more standard equipment on the up-line models.