2007 Toyota Tundra

Interior

Plant your foot to the firewall, and the nostrils flare on this draft horse, giving it plenty of giddy-up. And the numbers bear this out: max output is 381 hp at 5,600 rpm, and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The two smaller engines have respectable figures as well—on the 4.7-liter V8, 271 hp and 313 lb.-ft. of torque; for the 4.0-liter V6, 236 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of twist.


Mated to the 5.7-liter V8 we drove is an all-new six-speed automatic transmission developed specifically for this engine that includes a very low First gear (3.333 ratio) and a double-overdrive (0.588). Final drive ratio of the rear end is either 4.1 or 4.3. Interestingly, the 10.5-inch ring-gear diameter is larger than that found on most 3/4-ton trucks. (This component indicates that bigger things could be in the works for the new Tundra, though the company says it is still evaluating whether it will offer a diesel option for the U.S. market).


Overall, the result is a drivetrain that makes the most of the powerband, divvying it up for whatever load and driving conditions you encounter, along with supplying six to eight percent better highway fuel economy, Toyota claims. (EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings for the 5.7-liter range from 16/20 mpg city/highway on the 4x2 to 14/18 for the 4x4. The other engines have fairly similar ratings). In addition, a warming system for the ATF helps to reduce friction for better shifting.


As for the tow package, it starts with a weight-distributing receiver integrated into the frame that features a hydroformed structure and X-member reinforcement. Toyota says that 12 bolts are used to attach the receiver structure, while competing 1/2-ton trucks typically use only six or eight bolts. Dual lighting connectors (4- or 7-pin) and pre-wiring for a trailer brake controller are included.

Rear Seating

The six-speed automatic mentioned above features a Tow/Haul mode. With the flip of a switch, it modifies shift points, favoring lower gears when either accelerating or decelerating. When engaged, this system improves driver control, pulling power, downhill engine braking and thermal management. The shift logic is determined by a sudden action of the accelerator pedal, both lift and application, and hard braking, a new feature for Toyota and 1/2-ton pickups in general. Two rear-end gear ratios are available, 4.1:1 standard, and 4.3:1 with the tow package.