2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab

Our test vehicle's sticker wasn't a shock; a four-wheel-drive Double Cab V-8 pickup, reasonably equipped, seems like it should cost about $30K. Our tester had the new-for-2010 entry-level V-8 engine, a 4.6-liter unit that replaces the previous 4.7-liter but offers 34 additional horsepower and 14 additional lb-ft of torque. It also teams up with the six-speed automatic transmission that previously was offered only with the optional 5.7-liter V-8.

The smaller V-8 seems like a smart choice for the Tundra; it costs roughly $1300 less than the bigger V-8, depending on which of the myriad Tundra models you're talking about. It accelerates well, although not as effortlessly or as quietly as the bigger V-8; when you push the 4.6, you know you're pushing it. Yet the engine never seems unwilling or unreasonably taxed, and I had no problem piloting the Tundra at 70 to 80 mph on two-lane country roads.

The Double Cab's rear doors are a bit truncated, but they still provide decent access to the rear seats, which fold up nicely out of the way. Note: Toyota also offers a Crewmax model with a full-size rear door.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 Sr5

As a person who enjoys doing small-scale outdoorsy work or towing the odd small camper, car, or boat, I really like "small" trucks like this Toyota Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier, and the Dodge Dakota, among others. Compared with their full-size kin, such pickups are generally more economical both in initial cost and upkeep, and they're more reasonable daily drivers. This particular Tacoma, however, sports a ton of options and costs nearly $8000 more than a base crew-cab Tacoma. I must admit, though, that its most costly option, a TRD off-road package, makes this Toyota a more desirable truck to me, as it's equipped with lots of four-wheelin'-friendly additions, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, and an off-road-spec suspension. It's no Ford Raptor, but I'm sure this Toyota could get the job done on most trails that aren't super hard-core.

One option that was particularly annoying were the $399 running boards, which are only a few inches below the truck's floorboards and seem to work best as pantleg scuffers and shin scrapers. The $119 bed mat, however, was so nice and clean that I plopped my infant daughter in the back for a quick photo opportunity.

Also, the Tacoma's decent-size back seats made it easy for me to safely plug her into her baby seat during transit. The Toyota's interior was generally functional, plain, yet attractive. Unfortunately, I found the driver's seat to be too flat, too firm, and simply not very comfortable. Luckily, the ride wasn't terribly harsh for a pickup.

Toyota Fortuner

After several delays and announcements, Toyota will finally launch the much awaited Fortuner SUV in the Indian market on 24th August.

Expected to be priced at Rs 20-22 Lakh bracket, the latest from Toyota stable will take the competition from Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V head on.

Built on the Toyota’s modular IMV platform (same as the Innova) the Fortuner will come with a potent 3.0 Litre 4 Cylinder diesel engine developing 163 bhp of maximum power @ 3400 rpm and 343 nm of torque @ barely idle 1400-3200 rpm! The engine will be mated to either a 4-speed automatic transmission for the the higher end variant or a 5-speed manual for the base variant. A premanent all wheel drive is also expected.

Toyota will launch the 2009 variant which has seen minor tweaks and updates compared to the previous model. The 2009 version features new projector headlamps at the front, new fascia, new rear tail lamps, new light sand interiors and electrically adjustable driver seat in the higher end variants.

Newest Toyota Supra photo

Newest Toyota Supra photo

Toyota Trucks Recalled

More than a hundred-thousand Toyota trucks are being recalled by the automaker.

The recall affects the Toyota Tundra, model years 2000 through 2003, and it specifically targets trucks operated in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

According to Toyota, the high use of road salt in those regions can lead to excessive corrosion on the car's frame, which could in turn cause the spare tire to separate and fall onto the road.

Owners will receive notices to bring their trucks in for an inspection. Until then, government regulators say owners of the Tundras should remove any spare tires that are mounted under the frame.

2010 Toyota Tundra Unveiled with all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine

2010 Toyota Tundra

Toyota's Tundra full-size pickup showed in Chicago with minor updates for 2010, including styling updates and a more efficient 4.6 liter V8 engine.

The new 4.6 V8 makes 310 horsepower and 327 ft-lb torque, and preliminary fuel economy estimates have it rated at 15/20, according to Toyota. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The Tundra's styling has been tweaked slightly, with new grille and headlamp treatments as well as minor modifications designed to improve its worksite-friendliness. Two new trim packages join the lineup: the top-of-the-line Platinum Package, and the no-frills Work Truck Package. The Platinum Package stands out with chrome bumpers and a billet-style grille, as well as unique 20-inch wheels and special badges. Inside, this luxury pickup gets special trim, perforated leather upholstery, a navigation system, a sunroof and a wood shifter knob, among other high-class appointments. The Platinum Package stickers for $5140 and will enable the Tundra to compete with the luxury trucks from Ford and GMC.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's the Work Truck, which is stripped down for ease of purchasing and upgrading by contractors and fleet operators. The Work Truck gets standard black plastic trim, manual windows and a hose-out vinyl interior. Keyless entry and cruise control are removed from the standard package as well, which lowers the MSRP. The Work Truck package will sticker for $550 to $655 less than the base Tundra.

2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package

The 2010 Toyota Tundra Work Truck Package made its debut today at the 2009 San Diego Auto Show.

Aimed at commercial truck buyers, the decontented Work Truck Package is strictly no-frills. It's slated to debut in the spring, priced below the formerly entry-level Tundra Grade model.

The Tundra's front end has been mildly reworked. It wears a new two-bar mesh-style black plastic grille and surround set over a revised front bumper. The rear of the truck sports new plastic taillight covers. The back lamps continue to use incandescent bulbs instead of LEDs.

Vinyl and rubber are the materials of choice inside the truck. The rubber floor features a unique embossed pattern that plays off Toyota's truck division logo and offroad tire tread. The transmission hump running through the cabin floor is covered in a rubber sheet. Replacing cloth, the vinyl seats are surprisingly comfortable and have a durable feel. The ignition key ring and glove box lighting are deleted, along with map and door courtesy lamps. Also removed are cruise control and remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

The Tundra Work Truck Package will be available on two- and four-wheel-drive regular and Access Cab models, in standard and long-bed configurations with a choice of six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines. The show truck has the 5.7-liter V-8 under its hood.

According to Toyota's press release, Tundra models equipped with the Work Truck Package are expected to carry a discount that will make them from $550 to $655 less than the Tundra's suggested retail price, depending on the model. For example, a 2009 two-wheel-drive regular cab Tundra with a 4.0-liter V-6 starts at $22,390, which should put the Work Truck Package Tundra in the $21,000 range.