2012 Toyota Tundra review

The 2012 Toyota Tundra gets the pickup basics right, with a choice of three cabs: a two-door regular cab, a four-door double cab, and a four-door crew cab (which Toyota calls the CrewMax). There are also three bed lengths, base and Limited trim choices, and three engines—a 4.0-liter V6 with 270 hp, a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp, or a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp. All Tundras are automatics—the V6 uses a five-speed and the V8s a six-speed—and rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive offered as an option. The specifications vary depending on the body and engine choice, though standard equipment at the base level generally includes steel wheels, chrome bumpers, heated mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning, and a four-speaker sound system.

Choose the base-trim Double Cab and there's keyless entry, cruise control, and two more speakers. The Limited trim adds alloy wheels, a color-keyed front bumper, bed rail system, leather upholstery, and power front seats. A number of available packages complicate things further, letting you outfit the Tundra for towing, working, or off-roading. The towing package adds a different axle ratio, oil and transmission fluid coolers, a tow hitch, and a heavy-duty battery. The Work Truck package strips base models of some convenience features, while the TRD Off-Road package sets up the Tundra for off-road use. Newer rivals might have an edge in some aspects, but the Tundra is a solid performer for those in the market for a capable pickup.