2005 Toyota Tundra: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Tundra ▼
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- MSRP: $16,055 -$33,175
- Invoice: $14,529 -$30,021
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Tundra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Tundra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Tundra help you decide if a 2005 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 | 5 | 4.7 |
No opportunity yet to time any 2005 models. But 282-hp V8 feels only marginally stronger than 240-hp version, with which test 4WD Access Cab did a respectable 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. No V6 model made available for test. Towing limits unchanged for '05: 5000 lb with V6, 7200 with V8.
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 opportunity yet to measure with 2005 models. Extended-use 4WD Access Cab with 240-hp V8 and 4-speed automatic averaged 13.8 mpg over 10,633 miles. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
More comfortable than most rivals, 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 | 4.3 |
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 | 6.5 |
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 | 7 | 4.8 |
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, and 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 | 6 | 4.9 |
Decent small-item storage. Rear cargo room only OK in Access Cabs, generous in Double Cabs.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Tundra isn't quite the workhorse its larger competitors are, but it earns our Recommended badge for the virtues that come with being a Toyota: refinement, an enviable reputation for high reliability, and strong resale value. This year's more-powerful engines and new features bring it abreast of top adversaries in some important areas, with the Double Cab in particular an attractive alternative to rival crew cabs.
Total Score
| 2WD SR5 Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Access Cab, V8 | 4WD Limited Double Cab, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 51 | 56 | 50.3 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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