2012 Toyota Tundra Review
The Toyota Tundra full-sized truck is available in 3 body styles, two-door Regular Cab, extended 4-door Double Cab and the 4-door CrewMax; along with 3 different wheelbases, 3 bed lengths and 2 trim levels (Tundra and Tundra Limited). The Toyota Tundra can go from a well-equipped workhorse to a spacious and handsome mode of transportation, seamlessly transitioning from job sites to business meetings.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Toyota Tundra can fit almost every truck driver’s needs with a wide range of powertrain and cab configurations to choose from, along with numerous packages in which to customize the Tundra for individual tastes and requirements.
What’s New For 2012:
In 2012, the Toyota Tundra only received a few minor changes that included a standard rearview mirror on Limited models, simplified options packages and a Chrome Appearance Package.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
In an initial quality study performed by J.D. Power and Associates, the Toyota Tundra received an impressive top score of 5 for overall initial quality. High notes were perfect scores for body and interior design/mechanical, along with features and accessories mechanical quality. In a recent survey, an impressive 74% of current Toyota Tundra V8 owners responded that they would definitely buy the Tundra if they had it to do all over again.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Toyota Tundra Crew Cab is a 2012 IIHS Top Safety pick and received an overall 4 Star safety rating by NHTSA. The Tundra is equipped with brake assistant and anilock brakes, stability traction control, trailer sway control, frontal side-impact/side curtain airbags covering both rows and front knee airbags.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+Powerful V8 engines
+Extremely spacious CrewMax configuration
+DoubleCab option has traditional back doors
Cons
-Cabin a bit dated compared to others
-Some gauges hard to read
-Somewhat stiffer ride than some others
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Toyota Tundra has a lower starting price than the Suzuki Equator and Chevy Silverado 1500, along with impressive fuel economy for a big truck with 16MPG city/20MPG highway; compared to the Equator with 15/20MPG and the Silverado 1500 offering 14/19MPG. The Tundra also has the larger gas tank and offers a 270hp engine compared to the Equator with 261 horses and the Silverado 1500 with a 302hp engine. All three offer a basic warranty of 3years/36,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
“There’s more than enough power from the 5.7-liter V8 and it makes all the right hot-rod-like sounds when you boot it. Arguably, the powertrain is smoother than that of the Ford or the Chevy.” – AutoWeek
“Its interior was truly exemplary when it debuted in 2007 and remains quite nice but, again, has fallen behind its American competition.” – Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2012 Toyota Tundra at the Toyota manufacturer site.
