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When you look beyond the volume models in the full-size pickup truck segment you'll
find one rig that isn't afraid to mix it up with the big boys. This is the all-new 2014
Toyota Tundra.As we've come to learn in the auto biz, the definition of 'all-new' varies
greatly, and in the case of this Tundra the term is used most loosely. If you were expecting
new or improved powertrains, increased capabilities or some sort of fresh segment innovation you
won't find it. In a year where GM introduced their redesigned Silverado and Sierra, the
Tundra's first major tinkering since 2007 looks rather tame.Now one could argue that
when you've got a good thing going there's no need to make radical changes and the Tundra
has certainly proven to be worthy of truck owners' respect.So this SR5 grade I'm driving
this week, one of the lower trim levels, is a CrewMax 4×4 with its giant back seat and
the short 5 and a half foot bed length -- the only box available. It comes standard with
the most popular of the Tundra's 3 engine offerings -- a 5.7-liter V8 rated at 381 horsepower
and 401 foot pounds of torque. Unchanged for 2014, this motor is still a beast and comes
mated to a 6-speed automatic, but man is it thirsty. Too bad Toyota doesn't offer an 8-speed
transmission like Ram because after a week of mixed driving -- predominately in 2-wheel
drive, all it could muster was 13mpg. This configuration is good for towing 9,000 pounds
with payload maxed at 1,440 pounds. But no truck is without its laundry list of options
and mine has, most notably, the TRD Off-Road package -- highlighted by these awesome 18"
wheels, skid plates and Bilstein shocks -- the SR5 Upgrade package replacing the bench seat
with buckets, the new Entune Premium Audio with navigation -- a very capable system with
smartphone apps integration -- and the loudest option of all, the $1,100 TRD performance
dual exhaust. Holy crow does this thing make some noise. From the moment you fire it up
to the times you're nailing the accelerator and everything in between, if you're looking
to announce your arrival this is the way to do it. While amusing at first, the booming
exhaust became tiresome as the week wore on.Beyond the slight exterior tweaks giving the Tundra
more of an edge, the most tangible differences manifest in the drivability. As a truck like
this will no doubt see a mix of work and family duty, the Tundra's ride and handling have
been improved, there's greater steering feel and better straight line stability. I'm very
impressed with how well this truck tackles the country road and highway alike -- with
an uncommon agility and assuredness. Combined with the racy sounds I felt like I was driving
a sport truck all week.Though 22" deep, the short bed has its limitations, but helpful
features like sliding tie down cleats and a power rear window expand its usefulness.It's
a comfortable truck to ride in and the back seat is beyond huge with seats that fold up
now to create more cargo room -- and the standard backup cam is perfect for tight parking lots.
Base price of this model is $37,370 while this one totals $43,445. If you're in search
of that "oh-wow" new truck moment you won't find much of that here, but the 2014 Tundra
refines its strengths by keeping it simple and credible.