Anthony FongaroThe full-size truck segment is small but quite fierce. It’s mainly dominated by the Detroit Three with contenders such as the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500. Toyota’s Tundra has been on the market for quite some time, and there was a full redesign a few years ago. This gave the Tundra an updated design, turbocharged powertrains with or without hybrid technology, and a more premium interior. Toyota offers its TRD Off-Road package on the Tundra which includes off-road suspension, various off-road drive modes, and TRD badging. Combining luxury and off-road prowess, this 2024 Toyota Tundra Platinum CrewMax included the TRD Off-Road package with a longer 6.5-foot bed.
Similar to other full-size trucks, the Toyota Tundra has bold and aggressive styling. A TRD-designed grille dominates the front end. Angular LED lights are houses near the front fenders. This Tundra was painted in Lunar Rock and paired well with the details included in the TRD-Off Road Package. These included unique black 20-inch wheels, TRD badging, and blacked-out trim. With the 6.5-foot bed, this Tundra was quite long. At the rear, long taillights flank the black and body-colored tailgate. Tundra is stamped into the tailgate with a 4×4 badge.
Inside, the Tundra attempts to combine luxury and off-road features. In front of the driver is a TRD steering wheel with controls for the media and safety systems. The digital gauge cluster is simpler to use and has gauges for the turbo boost and hybrid battery level, with this vehicle housing an optional head-up display. Next to the driver is a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are physical buttons for the climate control with this vehicle having both heated and ventilated seats. TRD badges are splashed around the cabin including on the steering wheel and gear shifter. Various drive mode buttons both on-road and off-road next to the large gear shifter. The front seats were decently comfortable but could use more padding. Rear seats were far more flat and needed more padding.
Under the hood is a turbocharged hybrid 3.4-liter V6 producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive, the Tundra accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 5.7 seconds. The engine is powerful but there is a lot of turbo noise. Attributing to the TRD suspension, there is a good amount of body lean with an uncomfortable ride. Being such a large truck, I was grateful that the 360-degree camera would activate when coming to a stop. Three drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport. Since the engine has a lot of power, I kept the Tundra in Eco. Although this is a hybrid powertrain, fuel economy was only around 18 MPG. Safety comes from Toyota’s older Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 which has adaptive cruise control, lane keep alert, and pre-collision warning.
Pricing for the 2024 Toyota Tundra starts at $40,000 for the base SR. Jumping up to the Platinum CrewMax elevates the price to $69,000. The 10-inch head-up display cost $600, the TRD Off-Road Package cost $2,180, and the TRD Front Skid Plate cost $380. With a few minor options including a $500 dashcam, this Tundra came in at $75,040. This is a decent truck, but I would cross-shop the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150. They have a better ride, get better fuel economy, and are similarly priced.
Photos Courtesy of Toyota
