2003 Toyota Tundra SR5 Stepside 4x4 V8

The Tundra's cushy sedan feel fades a bit when you wedge yourself into the rear of the Access cab model. With the driver's seat adjusted for an average-size man, there is very little legroom back there. It's more like a storage area that happens to have jump seats with vertical backs. Fortunately, getting in and out of the Access cab is easy for a person of any dimension since all Access cab models have four doors. (Rear passengers get suicide-type, rear-hinged doors.)

The Tundra's 4.7-liter, i-Force V8 is hooked to a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic that puts 240 horses and 315 lb.-ft. of torque to the ground.

The top-line Limited model has a new power sliding rear window, and handy audio control switches on the steering wheel. Speaking of switches, in Tundra V8 4x4 models, the Touch Select system has convenient dash-mounted buttons to choose between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive "high" and four-wheel drive "low" (2.566 ratio) modes. Although the buttons for the transfer case are within easy reach and readily visible (unlike some other 4x4s we've driven), we felt they were too close and too similar in appearance to the A/C and air re-circulation buttons.


Even though the cabin feels on the plush side for a 4x4, you still hear and feel the smooth rumble of the optional 4.7-liter, i-Force V8. This engine is found in all but the most basic Tundras (a 190-hp V-6 is available, but the gas savings are minimal by comparison). The Tundra's i-Force engine features a dual-overhead-cam design with a cast-iron block and aluminum alloy heads. Those taking a closer look might recognize this engine as the same one used in the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 SUVs, which is a derivative of the all-aluminum, 4.0-liter V-8 first seen in the Lexus LS 400. The i-Force motor is hooked to a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic that puts 240 horses and 315 lb.-ft. of torque to the ground.

Getting in and out of the Access cab is easy for a person of any dimension since all Access cab models have four doors.

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the dirt, Toyota offers a special TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road package for the V8 Access Cab model which features non-linear, progressive-rate coil springs with high-pressure, monotube Bilstein shocks. It also includes contoured mudguards, fog lamps, and alloy wheels shod with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A all-terrain tires (P265/70R16) developed just for the Tundra. Whether you choose the TRD package or not, the Tundra has been designed in such a way that the catalytic converter, muffler, fuel tank, and spare are all nestled within the frame for protection and more ground clearance. Ground clearance ranges from 10.4 to 11.6 inches, more than all standard competitors, according to Toyota.


The remarkably stiff Tundra chassis features eight crossmembers, including an X-shaped rear member that increases lateral stability. The front third of the frame is fully boxed, while steel reinforcements are used on the rear spring brackets to support suspension and drivetrain loads. At the front is a coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension. In the rear, the leaf spring, live-axle suspension (3.909 ratio) has staggered nitrogen gas shocks (one in front of the axle, one behind) for optimum axle control.