2007 Toyota Tundra First Drive

Toyota Tundra – First Drive: It seemed like a great idea: Dress up in a rubber sumo suit and try to knock a bigger guy down three times. The bar was even chanting “GO, little man” as he chased, and fell, twice. But then he stopped. And it became clear that he would not fall again. Sadly, it turns out a small guy in a big rubber suit is still no match for a big guy in the same suit. The same goes for trucks, too, which is why Toyota turned its smallish Tundra into a big truck for ‘07, with loads of power and innovation. Like a big man in a rubber sumo suit, the Tundra may want for more subtlety, true, but it's definitely the new Mr. T among trucks.

The Basics: Origins

You've come a long way since the T100, Toyota, and it only took only 10 years or so. Indeed, what's amazing about Toyota's methodical progression has been the last six of those years: starting with the debut of the Tundra, they won an award from , added a double cab, entered and won the Craftsman Truck Series and reached their goal this year, with an American-made beast that matches anything the Detroit Three can build. Frankly, right now only GM can really match Toyota in the full-size truck game, which leaves one gaping question for Ford and Chrysler shareholders: What were your execs doing while Toyota methodically stole a march on your biggest source of sales?

The Basics: Model Mix – Configurations

You can buy the 2007 Toyota Tundra in more than 31 different styles. There are five basic configurations and three body styles: Regular cab with two doors, Double Cab with rear-hinged rear doors, and the massive four-door CrewMax. Of these three, the Regular Cab and Double Cab come with your choice of a 6.5 or an 8-foot bed; CrewMax models get only a 5.5-foot bed. There are three trim levels: DX, SR5 and Limited. The DX is your two-door work truck, and the Double Cab and CrewMax are available only in SR5 or Limited trims. Power wise, there's a V6 (DX only) or two V8 engines from which to choose, and either a five-speed or six-speed automatic. Four-wheel-drive is optional on all body styles.

The Basics: Model Mix – Powertrains

Toyota offers three engines across the Tundra model line: the base 4.0-liter V6 makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm; the 4.7-liter V8 generates 271 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 313 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400 rpm, and the all-new 5.7-liter aluminum block V8 rated at 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Compared to GM's powertrains, you'd have to buy the $39,000 GMC Sierra Denali to get more power and grunt. Transmissions include a five-speed automatic for the V6 and 4.7-liter V8, while the 5.7-liter engine gets a six-speed automatic. Back at GM, you can only get a six-speed with your Denali; otherwise GM offers four-speed automatics.

The Basics: Model Mix – DX

Just like the competition, Toyota offers a work truck with few frills. For the Tundra, that's the DX, which comes only as a Regular Cab with a nice array of standard features: fabric seats, manual roll-up windows, CD stereo with aux input, manual a/c and tilt-steering wheel. Tundra DX models wear P255/70R18 tires. Options include three basic packages: SR5, Cold Weather and Tow. The SR5 Package comes with power windows/doors/outside mirrors, cruise control, upgraded fabrics and chrome bumpers/grille surround. Cold Weather shoppers will want to check this box as it includes heavy duty battery/starter and heated power outside mirrors. Same goes for tow customers: In addition to the normal tow elements, models with the 5.7-liter engine get manual extendable towing mirrors.

The Basics: Model Mix – SR5

The SR5 comes in Double Cab or CrewMax sizes. Items such as an eight-way manual driver's side seat are standard, as are the four-way passenger controls, DX options like power windows, and the Tow Package (5.7-liter models). Other standard items include carpeted floor mats and a rear seat heater duct. Options on the SR5 include a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a six-disc CD stereo and ten speakers, Bluetooth capability, DVD-based navigation system with backup camera, running boards and more. There's also a TRD Off-Road Package with tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, P275/65R18 tires on alloy wheels, and fog lamps, and a Sport Appearance Package (available on Double Cab) includes color-keyed front and rear bumpers, upper color-keyed grille surround and fog lamps.

The Basics: Model Mix – Limited

Now we're talking. The Tundra Limited comes standard with chrome outside mirrors, grille surround and color-keyed front bumper. Fog lamps are also standard, as is Toyota's bed deck rail system. The Limited trim rides on standard P275/65R18 tires with alloy wheels. Inside, front buckets are leather-swaddled and heated, and there's a standard ten-way power seat on the driver's side (four-way for passengers). Also standard is a center console, auto dual-zone climate control and six-disc CD stereo with 12 speakers. Buyers will appreciate the tilt/telescope steering wheel, sliding rear glass and auto-dim inside rear view mirror. There aren't many options on the Limited, but what is available includes the TRD Off-Road Package and 20-inch wheels wearing P275/55R20 tread, and a power tilt/slide moonroof.

The Basics: Model Mix – CrewMax

Available in SR5 or Limited trim, the Tundra CrewMax customers get standard features such as a vertical slide rear window, a fore-aft and reclining rear bench seat and overhead console. They also get only the 5.5-ft. bed. CrewMax options include the power tilt and slide moonroof, a rear seat DVD entertainment system and rear seat audio controls.

The Basics: Pricing

Good news! You can get a base Tundra DX for $22,935. At that MSRP you're lucky to get the steering wheel, but it does include $645 destination, as do all prices listed. Expect to pay $24,075 for the DX with the 4.7-liter V8; add $950 for the 5.7-liter engine/six-speed. The Tundra SR5 with Double Cab and V6 engine gets a sticker of $26,750; add $745, to $27,495, for the 4.7-liter V8 engine and $1,260 to upgrade to the 5.7-liter powertrain; that's the 5.7-liter upgrade price for all trims except DX. Starting sticker for the base 4.7-liter V8 Limited is $34,885, while the CrewMax SR5 stickers at $30,320. Premiums prices not covered include an additional $3,050 for four-wheel-drive and $350 for the 8-foot bed.

What's New: Outside

If you're looking for resemblance to the 2006 Tundra, forget it. There are better things to see anyway, like the coolest tailgate ever. Damped by a gas shock, the Tundra's gate swings down slowly and comes to a soft stop. As far as the rest, well, the grille is strong. But when you put a chrome ring around it, it looks like a freakishly big bull's snout. Otherwise, we liked how the headlights sat away from the bumper in the front fascia, as well as the big door handles and the sloping design of the greenhouse. In the end, perhaps a few light touches instead of all Bubba would have struck a perfect balance.

What's New: Inside

It's big. It's innovative. And the materials feel cheaper than they should. In that way, the inside disappoints, but Toyota makes up for it with one of the biggest cabins available, full of some of the most innovative items inside. All controls feel one size bigger, something workers might appreciate more than commuters. The size translates into room as well: leg room and hip room are what you'd expect up front, but the back seat offers a tremendous amount of usable space. Innovation is also in plentiful supply, with a split glovebox and a center console that redefines the meaning of “work truck,” doubling as a file cabinet, laptop holder and charger. There are also lockable bins under seats and in back.