By
LATEST ARTICLE
The Cost of Car Insurance
Liability insurance is like Mafia protection. It's a pain in the neck, it's expensive and you'd... Read More
The Cost of Car Insurance
Liability insurance is like Mafia protection. It's a pain in the neck, it's expensive and you'd... Read More
- N/ALEADERBOARD RANK
- 3807ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 0COMMENTS POSTED
15,213 views
To bring you a conclusive review that gives you an idea how the 2010 Toyota Tundra stacks up against other full-size pickups, TheCarConnection.com has perused a wide range of reviews for details, observations, and insights on what the Tundra does or doesn't do well. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Toyota Tundra, too, and sum it all up along with their firsthand driving impressions here in this definitive Bottom Line.
Likes:
- Strong iForce V-8 and six-speed auto
- More standard features than rival trucks
- Wealth of storage spaces inside
- Backseat space (CrewMax)
Dislikes:
- With the V-8, it's a guzzler—even for a big truck
- Gimmicky instrument panel layout
- Too large and not maneuverable enough
- Rides too high for most
The Toyota Tundra was last redesigned in 2007, when Toyota asserted itself by supersizing this full-size pickup—making the Tundra every bit as massive as the largest versions of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. It gets a very minor refresh for 2010, with a new grille design for some trims and a new taillight design for the entire lineup. Safety features are improved, new options are added, and others are grouped into a couple of large value packages.
"Imposing" is probably the best way to sum up the Tundra's appearance. From the front, the prominent, upright grille is flanked by nicely detailed headlamps, while alongside the Tundra gets bulging side sills that make it seem even taller, while it keeps a smooth appearance with flared wheel wells. And at the back, the taillights keep the same basic shape as before but gain a more detailed look. Inside, the 2010 Tundra has an interior that's a little too plasticky for some work-related tastes, with large swaths of matte-metallic plastic curving through the gauges and down the very wide center console at an angle.
The base engine on the 2010 Toyota Tundra is a 236-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6; it provides plenty of might to move this big truck, but most buyers who plan to take advantage of its towing and hauling capability will want one of the V-8s. This year, a new 4.6-liter V-8 replaces last year's 4.7-liter; compared to the previous engine, it's both stronger and more fuel-efficient, with ratings of up to 15 mpg city, 20 highway and rear-wheel drive. At the top of the line is the 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter iForce V-8. This engine makes it an extreme gas guzzler—with fuel economy as low as 13 mpg city, 17 highway—but it has mammoth torque available just off idle and plenty of passing power on the highway, even when towing. Both V-8s now get a responsive, smooth six-speed automatic, while the V-6 comes with a five-speed auto. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds.
