The 4.6-liter dohc V8 engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque, with EPA fuel-economy ratings of 15/20 mpg City/Highway (14/19 with 4WD). The 5.7-liter V8 engine is rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter has typical EPA fuel-economy ratings of 14/18 mpg City/Highway (13/17 4WD).
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| 2011 Toyota Tundra |
The full-size Toyota Tundra pickup truck roared onto the automotive scene for the 2000 model year, and immediately carved out a niche in a segment perennially dominated by American automakers. When most people think of pickup trucks, Toyota doesn't generally spring to mind. However, the automaker has been producing the Tundra for a full decade now and it's safe to say that the 2011 Toyota Tundra can more than hold its own with other cars in its class. While two-wheel drive comes standard, four-wheel drive is available on the bigger engines. The Toyota Tundra again comes in a choice of three engines, 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, 5-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission, and it comes in regular cab, Double Cab (5.5 ft bed), or CrewMax (6.5 or 8 ft bed). Toyota does not sell manual transmissions on the Tundra, so it is not even available as an option.
The latest incarnation of the Toyota Tundra pickup truck boasts standard trailer-sway control programming that automatically detects unintentional side-to-side motion, creating a safer ride. When equipped with the most powerful engine - the 5.7-liter V8 - the Tundra has a towing capacity of 10,800 pounds. For the vast majority of drivers, the 2011 Tundra brings a more than enjoyable driving experience to the table.
The 2011 model is back with the 5.7-liter V8 and the 6-speed transmission. Automotive reviewers are also giving it high marks for prompt, smooth gear shifting, impressive on-road and off-road rides, and properly equipped Tundra’s perform exceptionally well in towing scenarios.Power is where the 2011 Toyota Tundra truly shines. The base V6 engine gets 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is also available for the larger engines.The standard Tundra engine for 2011 is a 4.0-liter V6 that delivers 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission. On properly equipped Tundra, the 5.7 can tow up to 10,800 pounds.
Interior Features
The 2011 Toyota Tundra manages to offer exceptional power and rugged capabilities with a surprisingly refined cabin. As with previous models, cubbies and pockets abound in the 2011 Tundra.
Safety Features
Standard safety features on the 2011 Toyota Tundra are front-seat side and knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, and traction control. Crash testing of the new Tundra had not taken place at the time of this writing, but historically, the second-generation Tundra has performed exceptionally well in government safety testing.Perhaps one of the Tundra’s greatest features is its reliability. The 2010 Tundra earned a 10/10 score in J.D. Power and Associates Predicted Reliability study.
Truck buyers buy trucks for specific reasons. Sometimes the decision is based on family loyalties: “My grand pappy owned a Ford, my daddy owned a Ford, and I own a Ford.” In America’s heartland, it’s tough to convince people to buy a Toyota truck. The last time Toyota redesigned the Tundra, for 2007, it made sure the truck had the size, the power, and the capability to take on any of domestic brands. After spending some time behind the wheel of 2011 Toyota Tundra, we think truck buyers have no idea what they’re missing out on.
The Toyota Tundra Limited’s front and rear parking sonar really helps in this regard, and reversing is easy thanks to the rearview camera display on our test truck. As for the Tundra’s interior, our truck had Graphite leather and with the exception of some very fake looking wood trim on the door panels and gear selector, this color presented a dull, monotone cabin appearance that seemed incongruous with our truck’s $45,000 price tag.
That said, we prefer the Tundra CrewMax’s interior to other full-size trucks. A truck should be simple, right? The Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited is the executive limousine of pickup trucks, equipped with a ton of legroom and a rear seat that slides forward and then reclines for napping. With an excellent record for dependability, true full-size truck capability, and a born-in-Texas pedigree, maybe it’s time to try a Toyota.
