2004 Toyota Tundra: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Tundra ▼
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- MSRP: $15,955 -$32,600
- Invoice: $14,438 -$29,503
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Tundra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Tundra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Tundra help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Tundra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Toyota claims about 8 sec 0-60 mph for a 2WD V8 regular-cab Tundra. Test 4WD Access Cab clocked a respectable 8.8 sec--without a load. We haven't yet tested V6 models, but they're just 10 percent of Tundra sales. Double Cabs are at least 250 lb heavier than comparable Access Cabs, and thus feel sluggish up steep hills and sometimes even in normal traffic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
No chance yet to measure Double Cabs or V6 models. Extended-use 4WD V8 Access Cab averaged 13.8 mpg over 10,633 mi. Comparable domestics post similar numbers in our tests. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
More comfortable than most rivals with similar wheelbases, but still stiff and trucky, with plenty of jiggle and tire patter on broken surfaces and freeway expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
OK for big pickups, but the usual woes of marked cornering lean, clumsy parking, and occasional rear-end hop without a load; 4WD versions add slow, numb steering. Credit Toyota for linewide-standard ABS, but heavy Double Cabs don't make super-short stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Almost carlike refinement, particularly with smooth-running V8. Typical big-truck wind rush at highway speeds and coarse-pavement tire thrum, but both are modest.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Clear, simple, well-organized, though it's easy to trip the wiper stalk by accident on automatic models because the transmission's column-mounted lever is so close to it. Power rear window a nice touch on Access and Double Cabs. Impressive cabin materials, workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.3 |
Class-competitive for two adults, but relatively narrow cabin on regular and extended cabs tight for three across on available bench. Ride height little different between 2WD and 4WD models--and steep enough to make entry/exit a leg-stretching chore.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 8 | 4.5 |
Access Cab suffers limited leg room and entry/exit space, plus an uncomfortable seat with thin padding and bolt-upright backrest. Double Cab offers ample leg space, good head room, a firm but wide and comfortable bench seat, though center of seatback poorly shaped for third passenger. Squeeze-free ingress/egress.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Decent small-item storage. Rear cargo room only OK in Access Cabs, generous in Double Cabs, but we'd like removable seats. Double Cabs match full-size domestic-brand pickups for bed depth, but all Tundra boxes are a bit narrow.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7.1 |
Tundra is refined for a big pickup and priced right. It also enjoys Toyota's enviable reputation for high reliability and strong resale value. That makes the new Double Cab an attractive alternative to domestic-brand crew cabs--except for acceleration, which suffers from a relatively small V8.
Total Score
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 51 | 53 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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