2008 Toyota Tundra 2WD (Double/Regular)

Available in nearly 44 models covering three cab styles, Toyota goes after the big boys in trucks with the restyled Tundra full-size pickup truck. A minor player in pickups before the introduction of this Tundra, the company has seen its share in the half-ton full-size pickup segment double.

Available in Regular and Double Cab models, standard equipment has been increased over the previous year's entries.

The two-wheel drive Tundra is offered in Regular Tundra grade, Double Cab Tundra grade, Double Cab SR5, and Double Cab Limited. Standard power arrives via the Toyota 4-liter EFI V6 which features 236 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm, and 266 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Optional engines include a 4.7-liter EFI V8 with 276 horsepower and 313 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter EFI V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. A choice of five-speed-automatic transmissions is available depending on cab, engine and bed size, while a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission is available on the 5.7-liter V8. The 4.0-liter carries an estimated EPA rating of 15 city /19 highway, while the 4.7-liter achieves 14 city/17 highway. The large 5.7-liter engine has an EPA rating of 14 city/ 18 highway.

The Tundra Regular Cab/standard bed model can be had in a 126.8-inch wheelbase while the Double Cab/standard bed model rides on a 145.7-inch wheelbase. The Double Cab/long bed Tundra has a wheelbase of 164.6-inches.

Base Tundra Grade models feature P255/70R18 tires on 18-inch steel wheels, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), not to mention the usual array of airbags, including a roll-sensing curtain airbag with cutoff switch. (The cutoff switch disables the roll sensor, when intentionally on an ultra-steep grade). Other standard items include tilt wheels, two auxiliary power outlets, storage area under door armrests, and with V8 equipped models, a V8 towing package with receiver hitch, pre-wired brake controllers, transmission and engine oil coolers and appropriate gauges.

The Tundra interior has been designed with customers who use their vehicles as mobile offices. A 'command and control' center provides a clear view of the road and dash panel, as well as keeping all knobs and switches within easy reach. A center console on bucket-seat models hides a storage bin with room for hanging files, as well as a laptop computer. Close the armrest over the bin, and a work shelf presents itself. A 3.4-liter upper glove box is large enough to swallow a standard ThermosŪ bottle with additional space available in the lower 9.5-liter glove box.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the Tundra. Seeing that many workers wear protective clothing while on the job, knobs, buttons and levers throughout have been engineered so they can be operated even while wearing gloves.