Toyota's Tundra is available in a number of variants to meet different truck users' needs for 2007, including three different engines with two- or four-wheel drive, three cab styles (Regular, Double Cab, and CrewMax), three bed lengths (short, standard, and long), and three wheelbases.

Each of the three beds are about 22 inches deep and shaped to accept 2x8-foot lumber dividers. The steel tailgate is designed to be opened and closed with just two fingers, and there's also an available Deck Rail system for more individualized cargo arrangements.

Regular cab models include a standard two-door arrangement and one row of seating, while the Double Cab offers smaller rear doors for occasional back-seat passengers; the big CrewMax brings full-length rear doors and seating comparable to that offered in full-size SUVs. CrewMax models also have a unique reclining and sliding rear seat, while Double Cabs get a folding seat bottom that allows for a flat storage area when the seat isn't in use.

The base engine on regular and Double Cab models is a 236-horsepower, 4.0L V6; CrewMax models get a standard 4.7L V8 making 271 horsepower. A new 5.7L "iForce" V8 making 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque is available on all models. Each of the engines meet the more stringent ULEV II emissions certification and run on 87-octane gas. The 4.0L and 4.7L engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the 5.7L upgrades to a six-speed auto.

All Tundras have a rear suspension design that maintains a level ride height even with a full load; underneath are fully boxed frame rails in front and rolled C-channel members in back. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds.

The Tundra has more standard safety features than most of its competitors. Front-seat side air bags are standard on all models, along with roll-sensing side-curtain air bags. Also, four-wheel disc brakes with vehicle stability control are standard on all Tundras.

While the safety features are standard across the line, the Tundra ranges from basic to very luxurious inside depending on the trim level, starting at the very frugal base model and going all the way up to the very well-appointed Limited. Regular cab models are available in base, DX, and SR5 trim levels, while Double Cab and CrewMax models are offered in SR5 and Limited levels.

Inside, all models have a tilt/telescope steering wheel, door handles and control knobs designed to be operated with gloves, and a huge upper glovebox designed to hold a Thermos, plus a center console large enough for a laptop or file storage. Interior power outlets stay live for two hours after the ignition is switched off.

The Limited model includes all the interior luxury features offered in full-size SUVs, such as dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats, and a 440-watt JBL surround-sound system.

A TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road Package is optional on Regular and Double Cab V8 models, bringing an off-road suspension, off-road tires, engine skid plates, and fog lamps. Other notable options include a DVD-based navigation with rearview camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and larger 20-inch wheels.

Model Strengths

Safety features; towing and hauling ability; thoughtful interior design; performance with 5.7L engine.

Model Changes

The Toyota Tundra is completely redesigned for 2007 and is larger in every dimension than the model it replaces. It's now a true half-ton truck, and comparable in size to the main domestic competitors such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Dodge Ram. Towing and hauling ability are now also competitive with the segment leaders, and a big, 5.7L V8 is available.

Model Value

The 2007 Toyota Tundra is offered in a number of variants, but the lineup is more simplified when compared with the domestic-brand competitors. The CrewMax cab version has best-in-class legroom, according to Toyota, and offers the only reclining and sliding rear seat among pickups. The Tundra also offers one of the best-designed interiors, with plenty of storage space and easy access to the back-seat area.

The new 5.7L engine is more powerful than what's offered by some of Tundra's competitors, with hauling and towing ability near the top of the class. Safety is also a strong selling point for the Tundra; it's the first full-size pickup to have stability control, front side air bags, and rollover-sensing side-curtain air bags standard across the model line.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck sold by Toyota, replacing the T100. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazines Truck of the Year for 2000. Before the latest revision, the Tundra was considered by many to be too small to be considered to be a full-size truck, but it had already captured 5.6% of that market according to Autodata.

Publicly introduced in May 1999 as a 2000 model, the Tundra was initially to be called the T150. However, Ford and automotive pundits felt that this name was too close to the market-leading Ford F-150, and following a lawsuit by Ford, the truck was quickly renamed as the Tundra.

Toyota countersued and forced Ford to change the name of their Lincoln LS6 and LS8,as Toyota felt that it was too close to that of its iconic Lexus LS sedan.

The Tundra was larger than the T100, but still suffered the perception of being too small and carlike to pose a serious threat to the domestic pickup trucks. Although sales were double the dismal rate of the T100, the 100,000 Tundras sold each year failed to impact sales of the surging Ford and GM trucks, though it arguably took some sales from Dodge. Still, it garnered impressive honors, including Motor Trends Truck of the Year award for 2000 and Best Full- Size Truck from Consumer Reports. Built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, with 65 percent domestic content, the Tundra showed that Toyota was serious about closing the gap on the Big Three.

The grille was updated for 2003 and the double cab version was added to the lineup in 2004. The double cab model is a true crew cab with four normal doors, with interior and exterior details copied from the Toyota Sequoia. Its bed is nearly 5 inches longer than the competing Nissan Titan or Ford F-150. It is also 13 inches longer and 3 inches taller than the Regular and Access cab versions. New engines were introduced in 2005: a 4.0L V6 rated at 236 horsepower and 266 ft-lb of to