Looking for a new tow vehicle? Consider the 2017 Toyota Tundra. Our test truck came saddled with all the necessary equipment to haul your toys around, including engine and transmission fluid coolers, tow/haul mode, and an integrated trailer braking system. But all these features would be nothing without the ability to haul. This Tundra came with the optional 5.7-liter V8, which cranks out 381 horsepower and is rated to tow up to 10,100 pounds.
The new Toyota Tundra pickup truck continues to be one of my favorites. Having driven the competition I can truly say that the Toyota Tundra wins by a very narrow margin.
The lists of things I love about the Tundra is the quiet cabin and very smooth engine and drivetrain. The exterior fit and finish is excellent as well as the interior. Controls and dash is laid out well and everything just works with perfect precision.
The only thing I would change would be to have a longer bed than on the model that is being reviewed, but that is just a trip to your local Toyota dealer to pick the exact truck you want.
First impression: This thing is huge. Good. I like a tow vehicle with a lot of muscle.
And it's not just the exterior. Step inside and the center console is wide and high, the back seats have tons of room and the almost full-width hood scoop makes parking a blind, worrisome endeavor for a new owner.
I guess the only thing I would consider upgrading is the drive system. Our test truck was two-wheel drive. Let's be honest, when you own a truck there's at least one time every year when you tell someone "don't worry, I have four-wheel drive."
The 5.7-liter V8 never breaks a sweat without something to pull. I'm not sure if this would be the best choice for a daily driver, but I think it would make a great tow vehicle.
Toyota won't sell you a long bed crew cab. That's one of my issues with the Tundra. I own a 2014 Double Cab Long Bed. You have to chose between cab space and bed space. Toyota figures that the double cabs are used as SUVs and the owners won't haul anything big. I rarely carry more than one passenger, so the Double Cab fit me, but I would rather had the option for a Crew Cab with a long bed.
In reply to maj75:
The double cab seems to be pretty much the same size a crew cab was 10-15 years ago anyways. My dad's '15 Tundra has the crew cab and it is freaking HUUUUUUGE. I'm 6'3 and have probably a foot or more of room in front of my knees sitting in the backseat, feels like riding in a limo. The bed definitely limits utility, as it's not even 6' IIRC, but at the same time I don't know if I'd want to try to park anything much larger. I think your comment on viewing these more like SUVs is spot on.
Displaying 1-2 of 2 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
