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2014 Toyota Tundra Debut

Toyota's space shuttle hauler gets a much-needed refresh both inside and out.

2014 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Front Three Quarters

2013 Toyota Tundra Research Click to hide

By Trevor Dorchies | February 07, 2013

What's New

The 2014 Toyota Tundra quiets those who say it needed to be refreshed. The third-generation full-size pickup ushers in a redesigned front grille, and hood that's more defined than the outgoing model it's replacing. Toyota says it was going for an "industrial image," and the new Tundra definitely conveys that. As if it wasn't big before, Toyota has expanded the front fascia even more to highlight the Tundra's wide stance. Some other new features on the 2014 Toyota Tundra include a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, chrome door handles and mirror covers on the Limited trim, heated and ventilated seats, parking sonar, and navigation on the Platinum trim. A back-up camera and Bluetooth are now standard too on all models as well. Most significantly, the Tundra gets an all-new and upscale-looking interior.

Who It's For

Like muscle cars, the truck segment commands a fiercely loyal customer base. The 2014 Toyota Tundra is squarely for those who are in need of a truck but don't necessarily have any ties to the Detroit Three (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler). We don't foresee the all-new Tundra knocking the Ford F-150 off its sales perch anytime soon, but it could give the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra a run for its collective money. We’ve already seen what the Tundra can do when it pulled the space shuttle Endeavour a few months back. Now it's time to see if the Tundra can keep up with the rest of the competition in everyday life.

Key Features

The previous generation Tundra sported an oversized body that has plagued vehicles in the United States for years now. That's no longer the case as the exterior now appears to be more lean with a focus on getting everyday work done. Some new features on the 2014 Toyota Tundra include:

A redesigned exterior that highlights stronger bodylines and an overall leaner look.
Back-up camera and Bluetooth now standard on all models.
Segment-first safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Crossing Traffic Alert.
A 3.5-inch multi-information display screen located in the instrument cluster.

What We Think

The 2014 Toyota Tundra joins a slew of refreshed or heavily revised trucks in the segment. Like its competition, the Tundra shed some weight in favor of a leaner look with a wider stance. Will it unseat the Ford F-150 as the segment leader? We don't think so, but it definitely will make you think twice when comparing it to a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra. That is, of course, if you don't have an allegiance to any particular brand. We like the way the 2014 Toyota Tundra looks and the standard features that are included but we can't make a final decision until we get behind the wheel so stay tuned.

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