This truck hasn't been in the market that long, but it is already feeling dated, like it is better equipped to compete with the previous-gen Ford F-150s, Chevrolet Silverados and Rams and not the current crop of redone trucks offered by those companies. This truck might be fine if Toyota was just selling to contractors in California, but the company's aspirations for this vehicle run deep into every red and blue state in the union. With this kind of uninspired offering, making those inroads won't be easy.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This truck did nothing to change my rankings of big trucks. The F-150 still reigns as the complete package, followed by the Ram (pure badass fun), the Silverado, then the Tundra.
It's not that this is a bad truck, it's just the Detroiters are very good. And there's a lot to like in the Tundra. It's one of the most controlled rides you can get from a big truck, with good handling and not too much roll in tight cornering. The steering has a nice weight to it too, which makes piloting this beast fun.
I found this suspension to be quite bouncy. The roads around here are bad, but the suspension was pretty springy in some situations. It's better than needing your fillings replaced, but still a little lively.
There's plenty of power here. I had no problems getting this beast up to speed in all situations. And the transmission shifts smoothly to add an element of refinement.
It's a fairly quiet cabin at idle (for a truck). The interior is nothing special. It's laid out well, but hardly inspiring. That console is about as big as a kitchen table I had in one of my first apartments, and it's a nice spot to easily place your morning coffee.
Big trucks are fun in my opinion. I don't have a reason to own one, but if I did, this wouldn't be my first choice.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I cannot quibble too much with Migliore's ranking-- although I might be a bigger fan of the Ram than Greg--only to say that with the Tundra, all four trucks are now separated by less than a tailgate. This is a good truck, the best attempt at a pickup yet for Toyota. And this doesn't even have the big motor.
The interior is comfortable, and this truck is as quiet as any other. The ride is trucky, but put a few hundred pounds in the back--like I did hauling some shingles back from the lumber yard--and it's a different ride altogether.
Truck buyers have never had a better selection of top-quality trucks to buy. And at this price, I think this truck, with all its capabilities and features, is a bargain.
2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab
Base Price: $29,490
As-Tested Price: $30,934
Drivetrain: 4.6-liter V8; 4WD, six-speed automatic
Output: 310 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 327 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,580 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/18.1 mpg
Options: Tow package including increased max-tow capacity to 8,300 pounds, 1,515-pound payload capacity, hitch receiver, supplemental transmission, cooler, 4.10 rear differential with 9.5-inch ring gear, 130A alternator, transmission, temperature gauge, seven-pin connector, trailer-brake controller prewire ($660); bedliner without deck rail system ($345); cold-weather package including heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer with timer, front and rear mudguards ($160); 18-inch styled steel wheels with P255/70R-18 tires ($110); daytime running lamps ($40); power heated outside mirrors ($30)
