Subject: '14 Tundra 1st Drive July 30th 2013, 10:51 am
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With most of the changes to the new Tundra in the cosmetic sphere, you'd think the truck would drive exactly like the 2013 model, but it does not. Thankfully, Toyota engineers took the opportunity to make some front and rear spring rate tweaks, as well as some small steering tuning changes. Both offer solid results.
During our time driving different versions of the 2014 truck over several Pennsylvania highway and broken-pavement routes, we were struck with the noticeable stability improvements and tighter handling. We didn't have a chance to drive any of the trucks with a payload, so we can't comment about how this truck copes with heavier loads. According to the chief engineer, there was a lot of work done in how the rear leaf springs respond to road irregularities, specifically during rebound duties. After taking a harsh hit, the springs seem to do a much better job smoothing the road feel and keeping the empty rear end under control. That makes for a more comfortable ride with less of the rear bounce or shudder we've felt in the past with various Tundras.
We also appreciated that Tundra engineers have reworked the front coil spring rates, as well as the speed and flow of the steering box. The results are not life-changing but the quicker response feel and better on-center hold (constant wheel corrections are no longer needed when driving down smooth, straight roads) makes the driving feel a touch more relaxing. Again, it's a small thing but we hugely appreciate that Toyota tried to do something here.
We did get to tow with four different 5.7-liter V-8 Tundras (SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition), each with a well-loaded trailer. The trailer weights (we were told) sat between 7,500 and 9,000 pounds, and each pickup had the appropriate weight-distributing hitch. Although no mechanical changes have been made and no max payload, towing or gross vehicle weight rating numbers have changed from 2013 to 2014, we have to say the 2014 Tundras seemed to mysteriously feel more confident and easier to maneuver (could be in the updated steering but we're pretty sure the vortex generators were a nonissue).
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Tundra still uses those ugly slide-out (and small) squared-off towing mirrors, but we liked the more confident feeling we had behind the wheel. We couldn't put a finger on whether that's because of the new interior, small steering changes or the fact we've always liked the power and sound of the Toyota 5.7-liter V-8. According to the Toyota engineers, they've touched nothing related to the towing strategy of the 2014 pickup.
We also got the chance to drive a few Toyota Racing Development versions of the new Tundra through a rather muddy off-road course. The trail included several deep-water crossings, off-angle log traversing, steep and slippery hill climbs, and a tight, deeply rutted two-track through a densely wooded area. The 2014 Tundra does have a new transfer case from BorgWarner (similar to the Ford F-150's), which gives it a slight gearing advantage with a 2.64:1 low-range ratio when compared to the previous Japanese transfer case.
Along with the new transfer case, Toyota has located a new four-wheel-drive dial within easy right-hand reach of the driver, so switching from 2WD to 4WD High range can now be done in excess of 60 mph (not something easily done with the previous chain-drive T-case).
We found the TRD Off-Road Package (an option for both SR5 and Limited models) to handle the nasty terrain with great skill and composure. We can't say the new exterior or interior designs allowed for any increase in visibility, but we did find it much easier to electronically slip into both 4WD Low and High range. Our favorite feature in the TRD package is the brand-new, exclusively designed Michelin all-terrain tires. We're told these are the only off-road tires Michelin makes, and it won't sell them to anyone except Toyota for use on the 18-inch TRD-packaged Tundras. That's a huge shame, because these tires offer a great on-road feel and have little of the on-road noise typically associated with off-road tires, especially since they have aggressive side lugs. Our guess is this tire will make it to other performance-oriented four-wheel-drive vehicles in Toyota's lineup as well.
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