Tundra features a new chiseled exterior styling and all-new interior design.   -  Photo: Toyota

Tundra features a new chiseled exterior styling and all-new interior design. 

Photo: Toyota

The redesigned 2014 Toyota Tundra 1/2-ton full-size pickup truck features a new exterior design and new interior inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior, with improved driver ergonomics and easy-to-use technology. 

The redesigned 2014 Tundra represents the first major change since the 2007 model-year. 

The 2014 Tundra offers three cab styles:

  • Two-door Regular Cab.
  • Four-door Double Cab.
  • Super-sized four-door CrewMax.

Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab models are offered in standard bed (78.7-inch) or long bed (97.6-inch) configurations, while the CrewMax comes with a 66.7-inch bed. All beds are 22.2-inches deep.

Tundra continues to offer three powertrains. A 4.0L dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 hp at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/20 mpg highway/17 mpg combined.

The available 4.6L, DOHC i-Force V-8 offers 310 hp at 5,600 rpm and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm. EPA-estimated mpg fuel economy is 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined on 4x2 models and 14 city/18 highway/16 combined on 4x4 models.

The Tundra’s 5.7L, DOHC i-Force V-8 generates 381 hp at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The 5.7L is offered in both gasoline and “flex fuel” variants. Fuel efficiency on 4x2 models is a competitive 13 mpg city/18 mpg/highway/16 mpg combined while the 4x4 achieves 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined.

Both V-8 models come standard with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency.

Highlighting New Suspension Enhancements

Several enhancements have been implemented on the 2014 Tundra to improve performance. Shock-absorber valving has been retuned to improve ride quality over harsh surfaces.

Patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins have been added to the outside surface of the rear tail lamp lens, and the outside mirror bases. These patented “Aero-Fins” reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle and also aid in enhancing straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing.

Interior cabin noise is reduced by the advanced design of engine compartment NVH treatments and innovative engineering. Among the many design developments are:

  • New hood insulator design.
  • Sound-absorbing dash.
  • Reduced windshield angles.
  • Non-breathable headliner.
  • Door trim pads.
  • Body mounts under the dash and rear panels.

Tundra’s advanced TripleTech frame uses wide, full-boxed rails for the front portion, a reinforced C-channel under the cab and an open C-channel underneath the bed to help maximize strength, ride quality and durability. The double A-arm front suspension uses coil-over spring shock units, while a front-mounted steering rack helps enhance steering feel and response. The rear suspension uses staggered shocks mounted outboard of the springs to improve the shocks’ dampening efficiency. Spring rates are tuned to provide a flat vehicle stance when fully loaded.

All Tundra models come standard with four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated rotors.

The standard automatic limited-slip differential (Auto-LSD) helps provide better acceleration in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surfaces. Compared to a conventional mechanical limited slip differential, the Auto-LSD system is much more responsive and has better wear characteristics. The Tundra’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates traction control (TRAC) and enhances traction on or off-road by helping keep the vehicle on its intended course.

Tundra 4x4 models use an on-demand, electronically controlled four-wheel drive system featuring a six-pinion planetary reduction gear set to provide 4x2, 4x4 Hi, and 4x4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial on the dash.

Towing Capability

When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab). A one-piece towing receiver is integrated into the frame prior to bed installation. Tow Package rear springs help provide level full-load rear suspension height and maintain a full range of suspension travel.

The Tow Package also upgrades Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems. Integrated engine and transmission oil coolers help handle the demands of towing under a full load, and a heavy-duty battery and alternator are added, as well. The seven- and four-pin towing hitch connectors sit above the hitch to help avoid damage during high-departure-angle driving.

Electrical upgrades include an under-dash connector pre-wire for a third-party trailer brake controller, both seven- and four-pin trailer brake connectors near the hitch, and an up-rated alternator. On 5.7L models, heated, power, outside tow mirrors with turn signal indicators, and manual-extend features are available.

New Safety Features

The 2014 Tundra is equipped with a standard backup camera on all grades, and the only full-size pickup with available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Limited CrewMax, Platinum, and 1794 Edition).

All Tundra models feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System. The system specifics typically consist of VSC, TRAC, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), and smart stop technology (SST).

SST is a brake override technology, which is designed to automatically reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time under certain conditions, helping the driver bring the vehicle to a stop.

EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. BA is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not pressed firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

Tundra will be equipped with eight standard air bags including front seat-mounted side air bags, front and rear roll-sensing side curtain air bags (RSCA), driver and front outboard passenger air bags with an advanced air bag system, and the segment’s only standard driver and front outboard passenger knee air bags.

New Interior Features Ergonomic Improvements

Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. 

Overall passenger comfort was improved with a new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, the front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo-carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle and lowering the load height by more than 11 inches.

The interior of the SR5 features a “professional gear” theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. Most importantly, the new design uses premium surface treatments such as high-granulated paint on the center cluster and unique seat stitching to enhance interior quality and durability. 

About the author
Mike Antich

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

Mike Antich covered fleet management and remarketing for more than 20 years and was inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Global Fleet of Hal in 2022. He also won the Industry Icon Award, presented jointly by the IARA and NAAA industry associations.

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