A New More Powerful 4.6L V8 Makes Tundra Fuel Economy Leader
Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

I’ve been a Tundra fan for years. Actually, the first-generation Tundra was the first press vehicle I ever borrowed, way back in 2000, and I took it up to my father’s acreage, a five-hour drive, and loved every minute of it. My dad was so impressed that he bought one.

2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 SR5 4x4

That vehicle, just a little larger than today’s Tacoma, is an entirely different truck than today’s Tundra. The new one, introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, is much, much bigger and more aggressively styled. It features a highway truck-like nose that could intimidate a Dodge Ram owner, and possesses the overall height to match. But while the Tundra can equal the Ram for size, as it does the F-150, Silverado/Sierra, and Titan, it stands alone in many respects.

Critically important in today’s market, the 2010 Tundra becomes the most fuel-efficient V8-powered non-hybrid truck in its class thanks to a new 4.6-litre engine that replaces the outgoing 4.7. The new engine, while 12% more powerful than the old one, achieves an 11% savings at the pump with an estimated 14.0L/100km in the city and 9.9L/100km on the highway in 4×2 trim, or when fitted to the four-wheel drive system can manage a respectable 14.9L/100km in the city and 10.5L/100km on the highway. All models get Toyota’s upgraded 6-speed transmission, optimizing efficiency and performance.

And it really gets up and goes thanks to 310hp at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm, plenty of power and a significant improvement over the outgoing V8. Certainly it’s no 381hp 5.7L, but that engine, along with its 401 lb-ft of torque, can be ordered optionally if the need is there. With the 4.6, the model tested most recently, shifts are smooth and the ride quality good for the full-size pickup class, while handling is surprisingly enjoyable.

2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 SR5 4x4

People don’t buy pickup trucks for slalom runs through California’s legendary Bouquet Canyon, however, and while decent high-speed maneuverability is appreciated they’re more about hauling and towing. To that end Toyota’s largest with the 4.6 installed can haul a substantial 795 kilos (1,755 lbs) in Regular Cab length 4×2 guise, 605 kg (1,340 lbs) as a Double Cab 4×2, 720 kg (1,595 lbs) as a Regular Cab 4×4, and 565 kg (1,255 lbs) as a Double Cab 4×4. The 4.6 can’t be had with a CrewMax cab.

And now that you know the cab configurations, the Regular Cab is self explanatory (there’s a short and long box version too), the Double Cab offers short rear doors (that are now front-hinged and therefore can be opened without the need to open the front doors too) and abbreviated rear quarters, and the CrewMax is the ultimate Alberta limo. Follow this pattern for tow ratings and you’ll find a Regular Cab 4×2 with the 4.6 can tow up to 4,035 kilos (8900 lbs), while a Double Cab 4×2 can manage 3,900 kg (8,600 lbs), a Regular cab 4×4 is rated at 3,945 kg (8,700 lbs), and a Double Cab 4×4 can pull 3,765 kg (8,300 lbs).

Four-wheel drive models come with a traditional part-time 4×4 system that allows 4×2 mode when not needed, saving fuel. My experience with Toyota 4×4s has been nothing but good, and so far with the Tundra I’ve enjoyed superb performance and total reliability when off the beaten path, plus the standard traction and stability control really comes in handy when tracking quickly on gravel roads or trudging through any slippery surfaces.

I’m not going to go so far as to say the new Tundra enjoys a better interior than any of the Big 3 trucks, as they all do a very good job in delivering a quality package. A new Leather and Navigation Package, which is now available on 4.6 Double Cab SR5 4×4 model, is pretty high-grade stuff with a DVD-based navigation system, 20-inch alloy rims, and heated leather seats, but my cloth-appointed tester was nice too. For 2009 Toyota has fitted more models with its adjustable headlamp leveling system too, as well as fog lamps, towing mirrors, map lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, integrated garage door opener, and fold-down seatback table, to make life with the truck more enjoyable. On the safety front, a driver’s knee airbag is added as standard equipment, joining standard dual front, front-side thorax airbags, and standard side-curtain airbags on both rows.

2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 SR5 4x4

Just for a bit of a backgrounder, base Tundras come with dual-zone manual climate control, cruise control, a digital clock, tilt steering, overhead sunglass storage, a 40/20/40 split front bench seat, front passenger fold-down seatback, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, vinyl floor with all-season mats, front tow hook, tire pressure monitoring system, heated mirrors, front and rear splash guards, Class IV trailer hitch, two-speed wipers, bed rail caps, cargo bed tie-downs, and removable locking tailgate with a soft-drop feature.

The SR5 package, the same as my tester, gets 18-inch alloy rims, premium cloth upholstery, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, a sliding rear window, outside temperature gauge, a carpeted floor, and carpeted floor mats. It’s a nice package, and should be all anyone needs in this class, but Toyota offers Limited and Platinum packages too, with the 5.7L engine.

All in all, Toyota has created a superb truck that is now a great deal better thanks to the all-new 4.6L V8. Despite the challenges the Japanese automaker has experienced in pulling buyers away from domestic models like the all-conquering Ford F-150, very popular Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra twins, and excellent Dodge Ram, the Tundra appears here to stay for the long haul and is improving every year. No doubt the addition of a heavy-duty model would help give the truck some street cred within the working community, but since its complete overhaul two years ago the Tundra no longer has to feel like the weakest link. It can haul and tow as well as the best half-ton truck in the business, and looks bloody good doing it. And with pricing that starts at $24,995 and only breaks the $51k mark when totally optioned out, the 2010 Tundra offers great value too.