NEW FOR 2010:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Toyota

- New 4.6-litre V8 replaces 4.7-litre V8
- All transmissions are six-speed automatic
- Standard driver's knee airbag
- More models fitted with standard fog lamps, adjustable headlamp levelling system, towing mirrors, map lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, integrated garage door opener, and fold-down seatback table
- New Leather and Navigation Package available on 4x4 Double Cab SR5 4.6L model
- New 4x4 CrewMax Platinum 5.7L model

For 2010, the Toyota Tundra receives a new 4.6-litre V8 engine, which replaces the 4.7-litre V8 available in 2009. The new engine, available on 4x2 and 4x4 models, produces 12 per cent more horsepower with an 11 per cent fuel consumption improvement over the engine it replaces.

The Tundra also has standard features added to more models, including a driver's knee airbag on all models. A new Leather and Navigation Package adds a DVD-based navigation system, 20-inch alloy wheels, and heated leather seats, while the new Platinum trim line adds 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated and heated front seats with perforated leather, integrated XM satellite radio and USB audio input, woodgrain trim, woodgrain steering wheel and shift knob, interior chrome trim, silver-painted inner door handles, and auto up/down front windows.

The Tundra is available in a total of 15 models, in Regular Cab, Double Cab, or CrewMax configuration. Bed lengths are standard (6-foot-5), long (8-foot-1) and short (5-foot-5). Two engines are available, both V8s: a 4.6-litre and 5.7-litre, both with six-speed automatic transmissions with tow/haul mode. Both engines come in two- or four-wheel drive.

In 4x2 configuration, Regular Cab models come in Standard or SR5 trim, both with long boxes; Double Cab models come in SR5 trim, with standard or long boxes; and CrewMax models come in SR5 trim only, with short box. In 4x4 configuration, the Regular Cab comes in Standard trim with standard or long box, and in SR5 trim with long box; the Double Cab comes in Standard trim with standard or long box, and in SR5 trim with standard box; and the CrewMax comes in SR5, Limited or Platinum trim, all with short box.

Features on the standard trim models include 18-inch steel wheels, dual-zone manual climate control, full fabric seats, 40/20/40 split front bench, front passenger fold-down seatback, tilt steering wheel, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, vinyl floor with all-season mats, cruise control, digital clock, overhead sunglass storage, seat and side roll-sensing airbags, driver's knee airbag, 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. The Double Cab with long bed includes bucket seats.

The SR5 models add 18-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, sliding rear window, outside temperature gauge, carpeted floor, and carpeted floor mats.

The Limited adds 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 JBL 400-watt stereo, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, wheel-mounted audio controls, heated leather bucket seats with ten-way driver and four-way passenger power adjustment, power sliding rear window, Optitron gauges, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and backup camera, power tilt and telescopic wheel, front and rear clearance sonar, anti-theft system, power-folding auto-dimming chrome mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps, driver's side memory, automatic headlamps, and Limited-specific grille.

The CrewMax Platinum adds heated and ventilated perforated leather seats, auto up/down windows, and colour-keyed and chromed front bumper.

The Tundra offers a high-quality interior and good handling, and now gives buyers a more powerful base engine while returning even better fuel economy than the previous model. Unlike some competitors, the Tundra's Double Cab configuration has front-hinged rear doors, instead of rear-hinged ones that can only be operated when the front doors are open. This is a big truck, which may be a hindrance to smaller drivers, and heavy-duty models aren't available, but the towing capacity puts it on par with its domestic competitors, and its higher-level trims offer considerable luxury for the price.