“When it comes to work, this truck means business,” claim Toyota, and the 2013 Tundra backs them every inch of the way. Voted the most dependable large pick-up for seven years running, this beast of a vehicle’s almost angry appearance resembles that of a stallion chomping at the bit. It comes in a range of three models, all of which then split into further sub-sections of 5 or 6 speed variations of four and two wheel drives, packing beneath the hood anything from a 4 liter 270 hp V6 to a 5.7 liter 381 hp V8 engine. The 4 liter will give you 278 pounds per feet of torque, and as for the 5.7 liter V8, that boasts 401.
Prices for the Regular Cab model, depending on which engine, drive and options you go for range from $25,355 to $30,880, for the Double Cab you’re looking at $27,710 – $41,260 and for the Crew Max expect to pay between $30,535 and $48,070. The Crew Max’s cab is also the largest of all half-tons on the market and the 5.7 liter version is one of the finest engines out there too. All are available in a range of nine colors: Barcelona Red Metallic, Radiant Red, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Pyrite Mica, Spruce Mica, Nautical Blue Metallic, Super White, Silver Metallic and Black. Cargo bed lengths are available in lengths of between 6.5 to 8 feet.
Inside the trucks, with the workman in mind, all controls have been designed to be easily handled even while wearing gloves and there are bags of storage along with dual-zone air conditioning, two 12V power outlets and a choice of bucket or bench front seats. Optional extras include leather interior, a back-up camera and navigation and Entune multimedia systems.
The Tundra’s huge grille, sculpted hood and bulging bumpers offer a real air of macho menace and the brake override technology and anti-locking front braking system offers awesome stopping power equivalent to Dirty Harry’s smoking Magnum. Furthermore, the optional TRD off-road package includes Bilstein shocks, front tow hooks, skid plates and customized 17, 18 or 20 inch wheels. A power sliding rear window and funky Moonroof can also be added.
The body-on frame design is mounted on a Prado platform that incorporates high mounted double wishbone front suspension and four link rear suspension for extra comfort, strength and handling either off road or on and the vehicle’s trailer sway control system means that whether you’re towing a weekday workload, jet-skis for that weekend jaunt, or a space shuttle, the Toyota Tundra will always have your back.
