2014 Toyota Tundra

We waited for Toyota to update the Tundra for what seemed like forever, and it finally did so for the 2014 model year. From the outside, the Tundra looks good; its more rugged appearance exudes quality and stands alongside rivals from Ford, GM, and Ram. The thing is, Toyota's revisions are only skin deep; behind that bolder style and redesigned interior is essentially the same truck that Toyota introduced back in 2007. Buyers have come to expect more from their full-size pickup than simple utility. They also want ride comfort, refinement, and car-like luxury options and convenience.

Toyota addressed some of these concerns with an updated trim lineup for the 2014 Tundra. The range encompasses the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. Depending on trim level, the Tundra is available as a two-door regular cab, an extended four-door double cab, or a four-door crew cab (CrewMax) in two wheelbase lengths and three bed lengths—a 5.5-foot short bed, a 6.5-foot standard bed, and an 8.1-foot long bed. Add to the mix a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive and an engine lineup of a base 4.0-liter V6 with 270 hp, a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp, and a range-topping 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp. An array of options also let you tailor your Tundra to a specific task, be it towing, work, or as a luxury lifestyle machine. In all, this good-looking full-size pickup offers a ton of choices. It's a shame then that its underpinnings result in a drive that's not as smooth or agile as top rivals, and its EPA-estimated fuel economy trails the competition too. If utility is all you're looking for, the 2014 Tundra still has merit, but if you want a wider range of talents there are better choices.