The Bottom Line From MotorTrend
The Toyota Tundra
Bottom
line, we'd say the Tundra would be a comfortable, durable piece of farm
equipment. It will get you down the road, across the wash, through the
water, and back up the other side again, even with stock tires. There's
no doubt the truck has the component quality, the gearing, and the grip to deal with real-world demands in a rugged setting.
Hauling
capabilities, given the new engine and transmission, seem in line with
the previous 4.7, and maybe a little better. It's hard to make direct
comparisons, because there are so many equipment variations possible,
including rearend ratios, towing equipment levels, 4x4 and 4x2, and cab
styles. But it would seem the
2010 Tundra with the 4.6 is rated to
handle up to 1515 pounds of payload, standard. The 2009 4.7's standard
payload is given at 1415 pounds, although the 2009 can be configured to
handle up to 1655 pounds. We're not sure how many optional spring
packages will be offered with the 4.6 V-8, but sources at Toyota have
said there will be the same range of options. Towing numbers for the
2010 with the 4.6 are 6900 pounds, standard, and 8300 pounds with the
towing package, which comes with 4.10 axle gearing. Gross Combined Weight
Rating is 12,500 pounds, not too far from the 14,000-pound rating of
the 5.7. All in all, you get more power and more capability with better
fuel economy-a tough combination to beat.