2016 Toyota Tundra: A New Standard in Full Size Pickups

In the world of full-sized pickup trucks, there are a select few with histories of continued durability and power. Among these, the celebrated Toyota Tundra has proven itself as a top contender by continually supplying pickup truck drivers with something rough and tough, yet also smooth and modern. The Tundra has recently gained even more popularity, causing many to consider it over some of today’s top sellers. How does the new Tundra pit against the competition? There’s plenty out there these days with new Sierras and F-150s, both touting superior power and comfort, but can the Tundra hang with them? Let’s look at the Tundra’s street power compared to a couple of the most popular truck brands today. Truck drivers shopping for a full-sized pickup usually have a specific reason for such a vehicle. These types of trucks are not for the casual truck driver. They are made to work well under serious conditions and produce time and again. Full-sized trucks can pull and haul almost anything, anywhere; right now, the Toyota Tundra is leading the market in big pickups. Maybe it's because the Tundra handles as well as a smaller truck but packs a lot more power; or, maybe it's because of the stalwart V6 engine it comes with — or even the hybrid V6. The Tundra leads the pack for many reasons, and it will only get better over the next few years as Toyota continues to focus more on its truck lineup. Mount Airy Toyota dives into more detail: The Tundra vs. the F-150 No matter what Toyota decides to do with the next generation of Tundras, it’s worth looking at what the model has accomplished so far. And what better way to do that than to set the Tundra up, side by side, with another famous contender: the 2023 F-150. Though the Ford F-150 has stood firm as one of America’s favorite trucks for many years, the all-new Tundra puts up a tenacious match with its cult-like following and increasing popularity within the popular market. It’s interesting how Toyota has managed to scale the ladder of success in the truck market. Rather than try and bypass the popularity of trucks like the F-150 or even the GMC Sierra by creating “the next best thing,” Toyota has opted to play the long game. Each year, its trucks — the Tundra and Tacoma — become more competitive in what has always been a domestic-led market. 2022 Was the Model Year of Change A great example of Toyota’s rise in the ranks is the introduction of a new Tundra version in 2022. This version of a full-size, light-duty pickup came packed with intuitive technology inside and outside of the truck, clearly setting it apart from the wannabes and bringing it into conversation with the likes of the F-150 and GMC Sierra. Toyota didn’t stop there, either. The 2023 Tundra comes equally as packed with impressive power and technology as before — and with a little extra. Its big selling point, though — that which might even put it over the 2023 F-150 for many folks — is the fact that Toyota has mastered the full-size power in the light-duty styling. The Tundra is a lot of truck but not too much truck. Can that be said about the new F-150? More specifically, though the Tundra doesn’t offer a conventional V8 engine as the F-150 does, it does have a 3.4-liter V6 engine fitted with twin turbochargers — there’s that power! And that’s not all. The 2023 Toyota Tundra has a parallel hybrid system incorporating an electric generator to work between the twin-turbo engine and the transmission. This is something you will not find in the F-150, one aspect that truly sets the Tundra apart and has other truck makers left scratching their heads. It’s All in the Details Next, there is the innovatively designed suspension of the 2023 Toyota Tundra. Rather than use the typical leaf-spring rear suspension, such as that used in the F-150 and the like, the Tundra uses coil springs, which provide a smoother ride and handling. There are also more immediately noticeable benefits to the 2023 Toyota Tundra. There is a more refined interior with more durable, smarter materials being used. And it comes with a completely redesigned infotainment system as well. It almost seems as though Toyota, years ago, saw the writing on the wall that the modern truck would turn into a family driver, which prompted the company to create the most sophisticated, luxurious full-size pickup possible. There’s no denying the F-150 and Tundra are solid trucks, both deserving of the accolades (especially as of late). Both truck brands come with plenty of cab styles, trim levels, bed lengths, and other choices and both will continue to dominate the US market. The Tundra vs. the Sierra Which truck is more reliable, faster, longest-lasting, and better overall: the GMC Sierra or Toyota Tundra? This question leaves full-sized pickup truck drivers in a bit of a pickle lately, as both trucks have been cited as two of the best in their class. If you can reduce the many full-sized pickup options down to the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra, you’ve probably done your research. But there are a couple of extra questions you can ask yourself to help make this decision a little easier if you need a worthy full-sized truck. What Kind of Power Do You Need? Both trucks are incredibly tough, but they have their differences. You get more speed with the Tundra; it can go from zero to 60 in just 6.1 seconds. It’s hard to believe a big truck can get going that fast, but it's true! The Tundra comes off the line quickly and with ease. This makes it as great a vehicle for highway driving as it is for off-roading. The GMC Sierra, however, has an engine that delivers up to 420 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque. But it doesn't quite have the speed. Since the Tundra already offers almost as much horsepower and torque, the additional speed takes it over the top for us. Power and speed working together — that's the kind of truck that gets things done! What Sort of Features Do You Like Best? Both trucks are leaders among their peers in technology, but the specific features vary between the two. The Tundra comes with Toyota's Entune app suite, which includes Bluetooth, music, and mobile apps. The Tundra also comes standard with a rearview camera and is packed full of safety features and additional technology, which proves invaluable for the techy truck drivers looking to tow heavy loads and navigate through rugged terrain, all the while using the most up-to-date technology on the market. The GMC Sierra comes with the respected IntelliLink system, which allows a wireless 4G LTE hotspot and can connect up to seven mobile devices. There are options for more technology and safety features, but the Tundra offers more standard and available perks. Whether you want to buy now or wait to see what the next generation of Toyota Tundras reveals, Mount Airy Toyota is the place to discover everything you need to know. Give us a call or come by our dealership to see what we have on the lot — you could be driving away in your dream truck in no time!

The Toyota Tundra has a longstanding reputation for being a reliable full-size pickup truck with superb off-road performance and unmatched resale value. However, many enthusiasts have long wondered when a design overhaul is coming for this model, as the current generation has been in place for more than a decade. The wait is over. If you love the Tundra but wish it was more forward-thinking like some of its competitors, this is the year for you. More technology, more power, and better fuel efficiency are on the horizon as Toyota has released information about the all-new 2022 Tundra. At a glimpse, the upcoming Tundra seems to have everything it needs to make a ruckus in the full-size pickup segment, which includes the likes of the Ford F-150, GM Silverado and Sierra, and Ram 1500. And with the reliability factor working in its favor, the future looks bright for Toyota’s heavy-duty hauler. Below, Mount Airy Toyota will lay out everything we know so far about the 2022 Tundra! What We Know The 2022 Tundra hasn’t reached dealerships yet, but Toyota has given fans and dealers some valuable information to go off of over the last few months. Here’s a brief rundown of the upgrades you can expect: New suspension system New iForce Max powertrain New TNGA body-on-frame platform Falken Wildpeak tires Drive mode selector switch Crawl control Larger infotainment touchscreen Speakers mounted on A-pillars A slew of new interior features and design upgrades Better towing Let’s take a closer look at some of these details: The Suspension System One of the first things Toyota fans and car enthusiasts across the globe saw of the all-new Tundra was an image of the truck’s suspension system. That is, we saw one version of the system, most likely the TRD Pro, where a Fox Racing damper joins a set of control arms. If you want to know what makes the Ford F-150 Raptor such a popular off-road vehicle, these same shocks play a major role. Toyota is no stranger to producing industry-leading off-road versions of its vehicles. But we can all agree that the Tundra needed some upgrades on that front. And seeing as how the Raptor has ended up being such a cash cow for Ford, we expect the TRD Pro to be equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension primed for ripping through deserts and other terrains. The iForce Max Engine Not that previous Tundra models weren’t powerful, but if Toyota’s full-size pickup is going to stack its claim in the class, improvements are needed in both power and efficiency categories. According to teasers, Toyota is taking that step for the model year 2022. By all appearances, the Tundra will no longer come available with the 5.7-liter V8, and it is speculated that a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 will replace it. That’s the type of engine found in the newest Land Cruiser 300 Series. We have seen the engine cover through Toyota’s teaser images, which includes a new “iForce Max” label over the engine. The image also shows six ribs on the engine cover instead of the eight that can be seen on previous V8 versions. In other words, it looks like the 2022 Tundra will be powered by a V6 engine. Here’s where efficiency comes into play. Blue trim has been used on most of Toyota’s hybrid model logos. Since the teaser image shows the word “Max” outlined in blue, many enthusiasts are speculating this means the engine will be a hybrid. What we know for sure is that a Toyota executive has iterated the Toyota will offer two available powertrains; the base model will run on a 5.7-liter eight-pot while the optional engine upgrade will “blow you away.” In all likelihood, at least one of these engines will be assisted by a battery. The New TNGA Platform A new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform has been in the works for some time. It appears that the all-new Tundra will be one of the first vehicles to ride on this body-on-frame platform alongside the upcoming Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tacoma models. The new TNGA platform is expected to reduce the Tundra’s overall weight due to lighter construction materials while boosting safety and ride quality in the process. Falling in line with the successful Ram 1500, the Tundra is also set to change from leaf-spring to coil-spring suspension in the back, further improving ride quality. Interior Upgrades A video teaser released by Toyota presents portions of the truck’s all-new interior. Perhaps the most stunning feature includes a set of red perforated leather seats with minor camo detailing and a massive TRD Pro stitched logo. There also seems to be an attractive combination of digital and analog gauges in the instrument cluster along with a wireless device charging pad. A crawl control selector and textured shift knob show up in the teaser as well. We can expect many more upgrades than those shown in the teasers, but even with the few features we have seen, we can expect the 2022 Tundra to have a transformed interior. Retractable Rear Window While it is not a new feature, the popular retractable rear window of the Tundra is worth mentioning. This feature resembles the powered rear glass on 4Runner models and has received wide acclaim for the airflow and accessibility it adds to the truck. The fact that it is showing up in the 2022 Tundra means that it will likely be around for many years to come. Additionally, one of the teasers shows there will also be a full-length moonroof with a vast opening in the new Tundra, which will add even more of a spacious feel to the cabin. Towing Capacity Current Tundra models max out at 10,200 pounds of towing and 1,730 pounds of payload capacity. These numbers will likely increase on the 2022 Tundra if we are to go by released images of the new pickup showing six-lug wheels instead of the five-lug wheels that have come on previous models. Adding rear coil springs also indicates improved towing and payload capacity, as does the upgraded engine. Pricing Estimates Anytime a model undergoes a significant design and engineering overhaul, the price point rises. We can expect the same from the all-new Tundra, considering it is a complete redesign—from the exterior body shape to the interior technology to the boosted powertrain. The top-of-the-line 2021Tundra Platinum has a starting price of just over $52,000. Considering the average consumer pays about $50,000 for a pickup truck, the Toyota Tundra is one of the most affordable full-size pickup trucks you can buy. That said, we expect the 2022 Tundra to sell closer to the prices of its competitors. For example, a new F-150 King Ranch starts at about $56,000, while Platinum and Limited trims come in at $59,000 and $70,000, respectively. Why Coil Springs Matter As previously mentioned, the all-new Tundra is expected to come with a new suspension system; more specifically, it will boast rear coil springs in place of the leaf springs found in previous models. This is in addition to Fox internal bypass shocks. The casual observer may overlook the significance of this upgrade, but there are many reasons why quality coil springs can benefit a pickup truck. In the simplest terms, coil springs are designed to absorb a significant amount of a truck’s payload, meaning that you can carry more while maintaining a smooth ride. Coil springs also prevent the truck bed from sagging, and in most cases, the truck gets at least a one-inch lift. You may have noticed that heavy-duty vehicles owned by city and state governments tend to stand taller than most other commercial trucks on the road. Simply put, most of these trucks have coil springs in the rear to help with heavy loads of snow, salt, and other materials. Let’s discuss coil springs in a little more detail: How Coil Springs Work Coil springs absorb the impact of bumps and dips in the road, ultimately mitigating wear and tear on your suspension while also providing a smoother ride. Heavy-duty springs, like the ones that will come on the new Tundra, are made out of a denser material; this means that they can accommodate rougher and more demanding conditions. Such springs are also stiffer than those of lower quality, so they will only compress when you’re carrying heavier loads in your pickup. If you haul heavy loads in your pickup, whether occasionally or regularly, having rear coil springs will ensure that you can get your job done without hurting your vehicle. It will also help you to enjoy driving on gravel, rough pavement, and other rough terrains, as well as provide your truck with more ground clearance to avoid obstacles that could otherwise cause damage to your suspension, frame, and fuel lines. Then there is the aesthetic component—raising your pickup with good coil springs can help your truck stand out from others. Transporting Construction Materials Whether you work for a construction company or undertake DIY home improvement projects, having rear coil springs on your truck can make a huge difference. You frequently may need to carry overbearing loads, such as tools, equipment, and materials. With good coil springs, your truck will have the support it needs, which will lead to a smoother ride and a longer-lasting suspension. And if you care about gas mileage, it will help in that area too. Agricultural Projects If you live in a rural area, and especially if you own a considerable amount of land, you might have a significant amount of responsibilities that require you to haul and tow. Maybe you need to carry gravel or heavy branches. Maybe you need to take animals or equipment from point A to point B. While even a decent mid-size pickup truck can get the job done in that regard, tasks like these require more support when they are done on a regular basis. Reinforcing your truck with quality coil springs will prolong its lifespan and help you work more efficiently. Off-Roading Let’s not forget about recreational vehicles. If you’re an adventurer who likes to go off the beaten path or engage in outdoor sports, you need a pickup truck that is up to the task. Over time, hauling massive items can drive your truck into the ground. And of course, you don’t want to be off-roading without a top-notch suspension system, including coil springs. Winter Weather If you live in an area that gets snow, sleet, or other types of winter weather, having quality coil springs can make a huge difference when the cold months arrive. Not only will you be able to rely on your pickup truck for driving in what could otherwise be dangerous conditions, but you will also be able to more easily get out of situations where you’re stuck. Furthermore, if you ever want to plow snow on your road or in your neighborhood, having a truck outfitted with good coil springs will help you accomplish that. Crawl Control and Other Off-Road Features Okay, so you’ve seen that the new Tundra will include a crawl control feature. But if you are like many other consumers, you may not know exactly what that means. Let’s clear that up a little bit. Toyota Crawl Control, often dubbed CRAWL, is basically an advanced technology that helps your vehicle travel better on multiple types of terrain. The feature automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes between five low-speed settings, enabling you to concentrate on steering. The Tundra, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner all come with this feature and it integrates seamlessly with a lot of the other features that are found on the Toyota TRD models. Toyota TRD vehicles are generally focused on providing the optimal off-road driving experience. That is why these models are loaded with features developed specifically with the path less taken in mind. Multi-Terrain Select, for instance, helps to reduce traction loss and wheelspin by controlling the throttle and traction control automatically through five different modes. To help you prevent from rolling backward down a hill when taking your foot off the break, Hill Start Assist Control keeps pressure applied to the breaks while on an incline. Additionally, you can use the Multi-Terrain Monitor and surround-view camera system to see any objects or obstacles that are under and around your tires. And there are also the Bilstein/Fox shocks and electronic locking rear differential, among other systems, that come on the TRD models. Conclusion By all appearances, the highly anticipated release of the all-new Toyota Tundra will not disappoint. From cutting-edge technology to re-engineered performance, this model should be on every truck enthusiast’s shortlist. Expect a major disruption in the full-size pickup market as the 2022 Tundras roll into dealerships—hopefully within a few months. If you would like to speak with one of our team members about availability or set up a test drive for any new or used Toyota models, don’t hesitate to contact Mount Airy Toyota today!

Pickup trucks are still the backbone of the American auto industry. They’re still the best-selling vehicle segment—by far. And in 2021, standard capabilities on every mainstream pickup are significantly more impressive than they were even five years ago. If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck this year, you may be researching and trying to determine which model is best for your needs. Well, Mount Airy Toyota has you covered. Below, we’ll take a brief look at some of America’s most popular full-size and mid-size pickups to help you come to a sound decision. Toyota Tundra The Toyota Tundra is about as solid as you can get in a full-size truck. Though criticized for its aging platform and underpinnings, the truth is the Tundra offers more standard features than some of its competitors, particularly when it comes to driver-assist technology. And the backseat cabin space is massive, which is quite rare for a pickup truck. Every 2021 Tundra comes with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine, and you don’t have to worry about lack of power or off-road ability—even if you choose the base model. Of course, if off-roading is one of your primary concerns, then going with the TRD Pro grade is sure to knock your socks off! Toyota Tacoma This truck doesn’t need much of an introduction, as its notorious reputation for reliability, rugged styling, and off-road performance has solidified it as the top-selling mid-size pickup years over. Plus, the wide variety of safety features doesn’t hurt, either. All and all, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is everything you’d want in a mid-size pickup, whether you’re using it for your daily commute, on the job site, or off the beaten path. Like the Tundra, the Tacoma still comes in its TRD Pro variant, which soars with off-road capability. Consumers can choose between a 2.7-liter I-4 engine and a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Ram 1500 There’s no doubt the Ram 1500 is a good pickup truck. It has plenty of features, a nice interior, and exceptional ride and handling. One of the biggest selling points for the 2021 Ram 1500 is the available EcoDiesel V-6 engine, which comes with lots of power and torque while also remaining reasonably fuel-efficient. However, the Ram 1500’s exterior styling is borderline boring, and it comes with a hefty price tag. Ford F-150 Like the Tacoma, the Ford F-150 has a long reputation of topping the sales charts in its segment. Though the exterior changes are minimal, the 2021 F-150 comes with several upgrades in terms of performance and interior styling. For example, a new 430-hp hybrid powertrain that produces 570 lb-ft of torque is available, which falls somewhere in the middle of the class for fuel efficiency, and the front row of seats can convert into a work table. However, you have to pay a premium for most of the F-150’s best features. Ford Ranger The F-150’s little brother, the Ford Ranger, is a sharp-looking truck. It’s also tied for top-of-class in fuel efficiency. A powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard on all 2021 Ranger models, as does a responsive transmission. Though it’s an attractive vehicle, it fails to measure up to the legend status of the Tacoma in terms of styling, performance, and reliability. Chevrolet Silverado The Chevrolet Silverado is capable and versatile. It can tow a lot, and you can choose between several different powertrains. Perhaps the most impressive engine on the 2021 Silverado is the 6.2-liter V-8 that pushes 420 hp; this engine offers quick acceleration and decent fuel efficiency. Moreover, the Silverado is available with various trailer-assist features. One thing that could improve on the Silverado is its harsh ride. And it seems to be bested by its rivals in overall value. Chevrolet Colorado In contrast to the Silverado, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado offers great value. In a world without the Tacoma, the Colorado might be king of the mid-size segment. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, exceptional handling, and impressive towing capabilities. Also, the truck bed is really easy to access. Three different engines are available; equipped with the 2.8-liter diesel I-4 engine, the Colorado is tied with the Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon for being the most fuel-efficient in the mid-size pickup category. Conclusion There are several pickup trucks worth considering, whether you need a full-size or a mid-size. One thing to factor in, however, is how long you plan to drive the truck. No vehicle is more reliable than a Toyota. If you hope to keep your pickup for the next several decades (or resell it for the highest price possible), going with the 2021 Tundra or 2021 Tacoma is your best bet. And we have plenty of models here at Mount Airy Toyota, so give us a call!