An enormous grille and huge, blocky, bumpers, dominate the front end of the new Tundra. Extra cab and crew cab body styles are available on the new Tundra. The side profile of the Tundra is less expressive except for a glazed area that is smaller than usual for a pickup. The cabin reflects a very Toyota esthetic, with blocky surfaces and cabin materials that are underwhelming. Leather and genuine wood trim are available but are overlaid on an unimpressive base. Like most full-sized crew cab pickups, the cabin of the new Tundra is vast.

A hybrid which combines with the turbo V6, is now available. Four-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission are standard on all trims. The Toyota Safety System 2.5, is standard throughout the range. The new hybrid model uses the 3.5 L-V6 turbo engine combines with electric motors to create 437 horsepower and a stump-pulling 583 lb.ft. of torque. Driven briefly, the hybrid powertrain pulls with great enthusiasm and response is immediate and flexible. Discreet turbo whistle accompanies any acceleration as does an inescapable exhaust rumble that varies from noticeable at a steady-state cruise to intrusive when accelerating hard. Toyota may know its customers, but the exhaust noise could be a deal-breaker for some Tundra intenders. The ride is absorbent and handling is predictable. Steering is an interesting blend of a slight looseness suited to off-roading, and precision for on-road driving.

Shabby cabins, long a Toyota truck constant, was just a memory if the premium Capstone model Toyota is an indication. Numerous soft-touch surfaces, luxurious leather seating and an attractive two-tone colour combination results in a plush cabin. Drivers face an attractive “trucky” digital gauge package. Unfortunately, the large, free-standing infotainment screen has low-contrast graphics similar to the newest Lexus crossovers. Physical toggles and buttons control all climate functions and work well. The vast and comfortable front seats are separated by a massive console with impressive oddments storage. The rear seat is very supportive and offers near-endless legroom.

The crewcab body commands a $2000 supplement over the extra cab body. Using the crewcab body as a starting point, moving up from the SR to the SR5, adds alloy wheels, power front seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone auto climate control and fog lights, represents a good deal. The TRD Off Road model adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, special shocks, a locking rear differential, an upgraded, off-road focused drive system, rear parking sonar and self stopping, and is reasonably priced. Compared with the SR5, the TRD Sport adds larger wheels, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and upgraded shocks and is priced to reflect is additional content. In comparison to the SR5, the Limited adds ventilated front seat, wireless cellphone charging, a dual-panel sunroof, a memory system, power folding door mirrors, and a tailgate unlatch system, but is significantly overpriced. Compared with the Limited, the Limited TRD Offroad, which includes a locking rear differential and multi-terrain control, and is reasonably priced. The Platinum trim adds a JBL-branded audio system, ventilated front seats, a head-up display system, power adjustable steering column, a 360 degree camera system, rain-sense wipers and a trailer back-up guide, but is priced well beyond the value of its content. The 1794 version of the Platinum has so little additional equipment compared to the Platinum to be pointless. Moving from the CrewMax short bed to the long bed adds around $350 to the price, depending on the trim level. Hybrid: The Platinum and 1794 variants are priced $3600 higher than their conventional equivalents with the Limited priced $3900 more. With other Toyota hybrids, the Tundra is more of an empty PR exercise as delivery could take up to two years.

Not rated, insufficient data. New vehicle with a new and unproven engine. Previous generations of the Tundra were vulnerable to rust, with frames, brake and fuel lines experiencing premature rusting. An oil-based anti-rust treatment is recommended.