2009 Toyota Tundra: Road Test
2009 Toyota Tundra ▼
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- MSRP: $22,490 - $41,605
- Invoice: $20,688 - $38,068
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Our road test for the 2009 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Toyota Tundra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Toyota Tundra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Toyota Tundra help you decide if a 2009 Toyota Tundra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Only V8 Tundras have been made available for testing so far. There's decent power and response with the 4.7 V8, but the 5.7 feels stronger at all speeds. It's the obvious choice for heavy-duty hauling and trailering. A Double Cab with the 5.7 pulled a 10,000-lb test trailer with no inordinate strain. Still, either V8 can seem slightly slow to deliver muscle in highway passing situations, even unladen.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2.9 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD CrewMax models with the 5.7 V8 averaged 15.1-16.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. All engines use regular-grade gas. Certain versions of the 5.7 V8 on 4WD Tundras can run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Heavyweight construction and long wheelbases tamp down most impacts. However, on rippled, bumpy pavement, the available 20-inch wheels cause annoying jounce not evident with the standard 18s. With an empty bed, as with other pickups, Tundra's tail is prone to skitter in fast turns on washboard surfaces. No opportunity yet to test with either the TRD Rock Warrior or Sport package.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Disappoints with slow, numb steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. These deficits are minimized with the 18-inch wheels vs. the 20s.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Both V8s are very smooth, vocal only in full-throttle acceleration. Laudably low wind rush. Some tire whine is noticeable on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Tundra's instruments are large and well marked. However, some drivers may find portions obscured by the steering-wheel rim. Most controls are generously sized and logically arranged, though a few audio functions are just out of easy reach for the driver. A dual-zone climate system is standard, which is a comfort plus. The navigation system is easy enough to program.
DETAILS
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
In going for a rugged, rather than posh, feel, the overall quality of the interior disappoints, even among large pickups. Switchgear has a cut-rate, thin-plastic feel. Too many cabin panels ring hollow and are hard to the touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.4 |
Generous shoulder room. The seats are very comfortable, but are set relatively high so headroom ends up being tight beneath the sunroof housing. Most Tundras have a tilt and telescopic steering column. Good outward visibility. The available rearview camera allows the driver alone to line up a trailer hitch. Ride height is little different 2WD vs. 4WD, and steep enough to make for difficult entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Like the Double Cab, the CrewMax's rear doors open very wide, but entry and exit are steep climbs. Both have supportive, comfortable seats. CrewMax's slides fore and aft 10 inches to tailor passenger room or cargo storage. It has a reclining seatback, too. Good headroom, but legroom that is expansive in CrewMax shrinks to adequate in the Double Cab.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Cabin storage is a highlight, with a double-tier glovebox and large door map pockets with room for 22-ounce bottles. The center console on models with bucket seats holds a laptop computer or hanging files. Rear seatbacks fold in one motion to create sturdy parcel platforms. The tailgate locks and has handy counterbalance to make for low effort opening or closing.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
With Tundra, Toyota is out to appeal to more than just the personal-use truck buyer. This pickup delivers the size, power, and model configuration options to make it a viable alternative for those who need a big rig for big jobs. Tundra trails GM and Ford for handling, interior materials, and overall refinement. It bests them for power and passenger accommodations, however. Give it a look.
Total Score
| 2WD regular cab, 5.7 V8 | 2WD Double Cab SR5, 4.7 V8 | 2WD CrewMax Limited, 5.7 V8 | 4WD CrewMax Limited w/navigation, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 55 | 57 | 57 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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