• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Dunlap

The Full-Bodied 2016 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck

May 30, 2016 by admin 16 Comments

Behind the wheel of Toyota’s largest pickup truck.

How do you like your pickup truck — small, medium or large? Small pickup trucks are no longer sold in the US, having morphed into midsize trucks beginning about two decades ago. With the Ford Ranger’s retirement in 2011, consumers were left with a bevy of large models and then just two midsize trucks after the temporary discontinuation of the Chevrolet and GMC duo.

Although the midsize truck segment has rebounded — thanks in large part to the reintroduction of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon — most consumers are still buying large. For Toyota, the full-size Tundra and the even better selling midsize Tacoma are offered, accounting for at least 300,000 sales annually in the US for the brand.

2016 Toyota Tundra.
2016 Toyota Tundra.

The Pickup Truck Market

This writer has had ample behind-the-wheel time with both Toyota models and I must confess my personal preference is with the smaller truck. That’s no slight to the Tundra, but my pickup truck needs come in smaller and lighter.

Oh, for the return of the days when tiny trucks once defined the lower end of the market — compact 4x2s providing room for two and just enough payload capacity to carry a stove or to haul yard waste to the dump. You haven’t “trucked” until you have worked a 4-speed manual gearbox with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder carbureted engine — what also presents an ideal way to learn how to row your own!

Meanwhile, in the large pickup truck arena the product choices include a generous selection of models for your consideration, including the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, an all-new Nissan Titan, and the Toyota Tundra.

The Tundra name has been around since 2000 when it replaced the earlier T-100. The original Tundra is nearly the same size as the current Tacoma before it transmuted in 2007 to its current footprint, to match what the Detroit manufacturers were offering.

The current-generation Toyota Tundra was released in 2014, offering an evolutionary update to the previous model. As before, customers have 4×2 and 4×4 options; three bed sizes; two V-8 engine choices; as well as regular, double, and CrewMax cabins.

2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 1794 Edition

With the current-generation model, Toyota also expanded the Tundra’s trim levels to include SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 editions. A 2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 1794 Edition was a recent weekly driver, a western-themed conveyance and style also popular among the competing manufacturers. Both the Platinum and 1794 Edition share top billing and prices, and are offered with the CrewMax only.

The Platinum has a more conventional luxury presence with it, while the 1794 showcases its take on luxury with distinct badging, a massive 38-gallon fuel tank (up from the standard 26.4 gallons), a western-themed interior with brown premium perforated leather-trimmed seats, unique floor mats, and still more badging.

So, how did Toyota settle on the 1794 name and what does it mean? Well, 1794 marks the year when one Juan Ignacio de Casanova left the Canary Islands (Spain) and settled in what is now the state of Texas. Señor de Casanova acquired rolling pasture land south of San Antonio, built the JLR Ranch, with that property remaining in his family for more than two centuries before Toyota acquired 2,600 of the 4,000 acres still owned by his descendants.

Sprawling, Well-Equipped Interior

Regardless of which CrewMax model you choose, you’ll find a cavernous interior with room for five adults. Up front are two of the plushest bucket seats you’ll find in this segment — the driver gets a 12-way power operated recliner. In the rear is a 60-40 split-folding bench seat with the seats folding up instead of flat. Just imagine the interior storage possibilities available with this arrangement.

As for the trim level, call it premium — while there is leather everywhere, there are soft touch materials across the top of the dashboard, surrounding the center console, and on the doors — standard Toyota fare with the soft leather expression paralleling what you might find in a Lexus.

Another luxury touch is the steering wheel — wood with leather grips. Behind that is the instrument panel with two large and two small analog displays, with a digital driver information center hemmed in.

Just above the center stack is an open storage compartment, more than sufficiently sized to hold your smart phone or other small device. The center stack is dominated by a 6.1- or available 7-inch color touchscreen display where the automaker’s Entune telematics system is accessed. It is easy to read and is enhanced with a premium JBL audio system with integrated navigation and an app suite. Buttons and switches are at the ready too.

Toyota outfits the 1794 with a boatload of standard features, including power accessories, dual-zone climate control, a rear view monitor, a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, Bluetooth, HD radio and traffic, hands-free phone connectivity, and satellite radio. All models come equipped with two 12-volt power outlets; a third outlet is in the rear. You’ll also find a USB port with iPod connectivity and an auxiliary audio port. Siri Eyes Free is included; neither Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is available.

This model also has a power tilt/slide moonroof with a sliding sunshade. Got thirst? The Tundra makes quenching that easy as it comes with four cup holders (three in the 1794 edition) and four drink holders up front and two cup holders and four drink holders in the rear passenger compartment.

Two V-8 Engine Choices

Unlike competing manufacturers, Toyota doesn’t offer a V-6 engine in the Tundra. That’s not a bad decision because no V-6 can handle what is required of it unless performance boosting is offered, such as turbocharging. The fuel economy advantage of the smaller engines is negligible — expect to average 15 mpg at best regardless of your engine choice. I averaged 14.9 mpg for the week I had the Tundra.

As for the Tundra, you have a choice of a standard 4.6-liter, V-8 making 310 horsepower and 327 foot-pounds of torque and a 5.7-liter, V-8 making 381 horsepower and 401 foot-pounds of torque. Both the 1794 and Platinum editions get the larger engine only. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The larger V-8 delivers ample power throughout the band curve, especially noticeable when picking up speed on a highway entrance ramp. A standard 4.10 differential ratio gives way to a 4.30 ratio with the available tow package, enabling this truck to pull up to 9,800 pounds.

This truck comes outfitted with an independent high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a live axle rear suspension with trapezoid multi-leaf springs. Nitrogen gas shock absorbers are at the corners. Opt for the TRD Pro upgrade available with the 1794 and this model gains an independent TRD coil-spring high-mounted double wishbone front suspension with a thicker stabilizer bar and more robust TRD Bilstein shocks.

As for the tires, standard 18-inch wheels elsewhere give way to 20-inch wheels set within Bridgestone or Dunlap tires. A pair of 6-spoke wheel choices are available. Front and rear mudguards are standard across the model line. An engine skid plate, gas tank skid plate, and running boards are available.

The Off-Road Less Traveled

My off-road time was limited to covering a winding, hilly three-quarter mile dirt road coming and going. It was enough to demonstrate to me that the Tundra 4×4 tackles the toughest terrain with authority, pushing through the washed out areas with ease. Bumpy ride yes, uncomfortable no. Today’s trucks can take a beating while delivering a reasonable level of cabin comfort along the way.

You’ll find the off-road and trailer controls to the lower right of the steering wheel. Switching from 4×2 to 4×4 high takes just a few seconds for the adjustment to kick in. And if you’re stuck in a muck, 4×4 low is at the ready. Sorry, no “crawl control” feature along the lines of the Tacoma is available in any Tundra model.

Payload comes in around 1,500 pounds, therefore if your human cargo collectively adds 1,000 pounds you still have 500 pounds of truck bed capacity to carry wood, bricks, concrete, and the like. This truck comes with a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats. An easy drop lift gate is present. The only thing I would like to see changed is the inclusion of step bumpers along the lines of the Chevrolet Silverado for ease of access to the bed.

Toyota Tundra Considerations

Toyota’s Tundra sizes up well against the competition. It doesn’t have the seemingly infinite number of build considerations of the F-150 and the other Detroit models, but it offers enough choices to satisfy most pickup truck buyers. On the other hand, no heavy-duty version is available.

Perhaps the most significant challenge to the Tundra comes from within — the Tacoma is such a strong and capable player that the Tundra is likely overlooked by some Toyota shoppers. But that’s still a win for Toyota and its effort to support a healthy slice of the pickup truck market.

See Also — Stout Truck: Toyota Tacoma 4×4 TRD Off-Road

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 trucks, 4x4, Bridgestone, Dunlap, Nissan Titan, PICKUP TRUCKS, TOYOTA TUNDRA, TRD Pro

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Recent Comments

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Retired American Car Brands
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS
  • On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Auto Trends Magazine on The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
January 2021
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Dec    

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in