Used 2013 Toyota Tundra

Nowhere is brand loyalty more prevalent than in the full-size pickup category. Deep-seated entrants like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and the best-selling Ford F-150 continue their dominance over the segment whereas relative newcomers, namely the 2013 Toyota Tundra, struggle to gain market share. These comparatively low sales numbers, however, do not reflect the Tundra’s performance capabilities, as it equals or bests the competition when it comes to horsepower, towing capacity and available features. And while many full-size truck manufacturers have pushed the subject of safety to the back burner, Toyota elected to embrace this often overlooked virtue and developed the first full-size pickup to receive the coveted Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

From behind the wheel, there is no getting around that the 2013 Toyota Tundra is an enormous truck. A tall, upright seating position makes it easier to see over the massive hood, but the Tundra’s overall girth, like all trucks in this segment, requires some top-notch driving skills when navigating narrow roads or confined quarters. The optional rearview camera is a great help when parking or attaching a trailer and really should be standard on all models. As for how the 2013 Tundra drives, we found the big Toyota offers excellent steering feel and better ride quality than most three-quarter-ton pickups. The good handling and solid feel have everything to do with the Tundra’s frame, which features a fully boxed front section, partially boxed C-channel under the passenger compartment and more flexible open C-channel below the bed for added protection against overloading. Of the two V8 engine choices, we prefer the more powerful 5.7-liter V8 for its rich baritone and high level of torque.

A big project can call for hauling big people and even bigger equipment, and the 2013 Toyota Tundra has both areas covered. CrewMax models can comfortably hold up to six adults plus provide the convenience of multiple storage areas for toolboxes, jumper cables and other essentials. Adding to the Tundra’s comfort level is a rear seat in the Double Cab model that has more rearward angle than in other trucks, making the small space more suitable for long trips. If 4-passenger (or more) accommodations are what you seek, the CrewMax is the right body style for you. With its fore-and-aft-adjustable rear seats and adjustable seatback, the 2013 Tundra CrewMax is the ultimate people-hauler.

Outside, the brawny Toyota Tundra boasts the tough, in-your-face attitude demanded by full-size pickup buyers. Although still clearly a product of Toyota design, the Tundra’s huge chrome grille surround, prominent hood bulge and sculpted lower door edges project an intimidating appearance. While the base Regular Cab model looks rather pedestrian with its black grille and bumper, up-level trims show off a lot more chrome and flashy options. The Double Cab model features shorter half doors for accessing the smaller rear seat, while the CrewMax models are easily identifiable by their longer cabs, shorter beds and long rear doors. Toyota also offers a Work Truck package that outfits Tundra regular cab models with a vinyl bench seat, durable rubber flooring and a choice between the standard V6 or the available 4.6-liter V8.

ENTUNE
Toyota’s new app-based infotainment system features a suite of popular smartphone applications and data services designed to compete with Ford’s SYNC Applink, Hyundai Blue Link and Chevrolet MyLink. Currently, Entune includes features like Bing local search, Pandora Internet radio, OpenTable and real-time services such as traffic, weather and fuel prices.

I-FORCE V8
Compared to its smaller V8 counterpart, the 2013 Tundra’s optional i-Force 5.7-liter V8 produces an additional 71 horsepower, yet exacts only a marginal penalty in fuel economy.

Base 2013 Toyota Tundra models come with heated outside mirrors, 18-inch steel wheels, a basic auxiliary audio jack for portable audio devices, 2-speed windshield wipers and a slam-proof hydraulic tailgate. Double Cab and CrewMax SR5 trims add an 8-way power driver’s seat, fog lights and the newly available Display Navigation system with Entune, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. Limited models include a JBL premium audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome body cladding, while the range-topping Platinum grade features heated front seats, 20-inch alloys and perforated leather seating. On the safety front, the 2013 Tundra has eight airbags, trailer-sway control and a full complement of electronic stability aides.

Perhaps the most desirable features available for the Toyota Tundra reside in the TRD packages. Optional equipment exclusive to TRD models range from cosmetic enhancements such as sport fabric-trimmed seats and color-keyed front and rear bumpers to off-road niceties like Bilstein trail-tuned shock absorbers and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires. If you long for in-vehicle navigation, we recommend opting for the new Display Navigation system in favor of the older, less capable and inexplicably more expensive DVD-based navigation unit. Configuring the right Tundra for your needs is rather simple; if you are willing to sacrifice a bit of hauling capacity for additional interior space, the Tundra CrewMax is the ideal choice. Conversely, drivers who need all of the cargo space they can get should opt for a regular-cab version or the Double Cab with the available 8-foot cargo bed.

The 2013 Toyota Tundra offers three engine choices: the standard 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 or the 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. The V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic with uphill/downhill shift logic, while the V8s are mated to a 6-speed automatic. Both the V6 and V8 powertrains employ several technologies that deliver big power and improved efficiency. Dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) optimizes engine performance for changing conditions and demands, while the V8’s 6-speed automatic transmission employs a low first gear to aid low-speed acceleration and two overdrive gears to maximize fuel efficiency on the highway.

4.0-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
278 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 mpg

4.6-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
327 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20 mpg (2WD), 14/19 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 mpg (2WD), 13/17 mpg (4WD), 13/18 mpg (4WD, E85)