AutoGuide Wowed by 2020 Toyota Tundra Pro
Naturally, the best way to test a new truck is to take it hunting in Canada.
The first thing that stuck out in Lucas Cooney’s review of the new Tundra TRD Pro was the comparison to the Ford F-150 Raptor. Cooney mentions that it’s a full sized truck tuned by the manufacturer’s racing division, comes with model-exclusive Fox off-road racing suspension, a higher ground clearance, and a defined purpose: to dominate, on and off-road. Though, while both are large, expensive, and aggressive looking, the Toyota seems to be more of a versatile tool, rather than a truck designed more for Baja/desert racing. Cooney, being from Canada, decided the best way to test the Tundra was to drive it through, well, a tundra. Also known as Canada during the winter.
First order of business was to examine the specs. Using the F-150 Raptor for comparison’s sake, the power seems to leans heavily in the Tundra’s favor. With a 5.7 liter V8 that rounds up 381 hp and 401 ft lbs of torque. However, the Raptor’s 3.5 liter EcoBoost twin-turbo four boasts more horsepower with 450 hp and 510 ft lbs of torque. Despite the power not measuring up to the Raptor, Cooney reported that the V8 provided the right amount of power at the right time. So, while it may disappoint some, it shouldn’t discourage them. After all, as the wise men say, power isn’t everything.
For instance, the Raptor is as wide as it is powerful — which typically renders the behemoth useless in many off-road scenarios. At its largest measurement, the Raptor is 86.3 inches wide, while the Tundra is a slimmer 79.9 inches wide. Additionally, the wheelbase is shorter on the Tundra too, at 145.7 inches, and the Raptor is well over 160 inches at its longest. Therefore, the Tundra is more comfortable in a lot of places the Raptor isn’t, based on dimensions alone.
Secondly, going off of looks, Cooney seemed to appreciate the relative modesty of the Tundra. Yes, it did have a massive front grille, but it does have one thing that the Raptor doesn’t. An army green paint job. Oh, and a fake hood scoop. The Raptor’s hood scoop is real. Beyond that, Cooney mentioned that Toyota’s navigation system that comes with their large touch screen came in handy more than a few times. The front leather seats were heated, which was a plus. Other heated bits included side mirrors, but not the steering wheel — which was a disappointment in Cooney’s mind. Many manufacturers offered that as a standard feature. It’s not a game-changer per se, though it would have made the argument for a Tundra that much more potent.
Another feature that Cooney appreciated was the suspension. The Canadian winter is not known to give second chances to vehicles that aren’t properly equipped. Luckily, the Tundra was ready to go right off the sales lot. With a combined additional travel distance of 4 inches and raised ride height, there was little Cooney couldn’t handle. From his lodgings, he also found the ability to remote start his hunting companion through the Toyota app very handy. By the time Cooney was dressed, the truck was warm and ready to go.
When the time came to load the Tundra, there was nothing Cooney could find fault with. Choosing to keep his gear and bows warm, he used the back seats. He mentioned this meant he couldn’t comment on the comfort in that department, but it did show that there was plenty of space. Since he didn’t use the bed to store a lot of his gear due to the temperatures, he did mention that a tonneau cover would be wise. As well as a bed extender, since the Tundra’s bed is a little short compared to other full sized trucks.
All in all, Cooney says that Tundra TRD Pro makes for an excellent hunting companion — especially with the army green. It’s large, but the comfort, ride quality and power makes it feel light-footed where it counts. Also, as many of us here at YotaTech know, the 4×4 system is not a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully with the new year, we’ll see more of these brutes.
Photos: Toyota USA Newsroom