Hooniverse Asks: What does Toyota need to do with the Tundra?

Jeff Glucker

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The Toyota Tundra has been lumbering around as is for what seems like millennia. For the 2020 model year, we know there’s a fresh TRD Pro version coming. But that “freshness” is relegated to the off road running gear.

The engine is still the aging 5.7-liter V8. That dated interior is the same with maybe some fresh cross stitching and TRD Pro branded seats. As for the price? It’s sky high as if to say this rig could compete with the likes of the Ford Raptor, which it very likely cannot.

Toyota needs a complete overhaul of the Tundra. Ford, Chevy/GMC, and Ram are all new or new enough that they stand far above the Tundra on truck shoppers to-buy lists.

What does Toyota need to do with the next-generation Tundra?

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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15 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: What does Toyota need to do with the Tundra?”

  1. Eric Rucker Avatar
    Eric Rucker

    Let’s see:

    * All of the various lightweighting and aerodynamic technologies that have been developed in the 14+ years between redesigns.
    * Time to ditch the UR engines for Dynamic Force engines – a 5.0 V8 based on the Camry 2.5 I4 would be impressively efficient, have ridiculous power, and passable torque. Then there’s a couple ways to have an entry-level V6. Skip the turbos, though, IMO.
    * Introduce a hybrid option, based on the multi-stage hybrid system that’s in the Lexus LC 500h, LS 500h, and Crown Hybrid 3.5.
    * Introduce an actual 3/4 ton Tundra, too. Gear the hypothetical 5.0 V8 down enough and its lack of torque won’t be much of a problem, but making a larger engine option wouldn’t be a bad idea… and make a 5.0 hybrid, too, for more torque and to create something unique.
    * Speaking of hybridization, also offer a large battery and a plug. Make sure to have a large 240 volt AC inverter as well, for powering equipment on a job site.
    *With how long Toyota seems to want to keep truck platforms around… be ready to go full electric with it. If this thing comes out for 2021, by 2035 an ICE truck may not even be legal even with a hybrid system, let alone marketable.

    Reply
  2. What_Tha Avatar
    What_Tha

    Put it on a massive diet.

    Reply
  3. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    It simply needs to get in step with modern Toyota. It’s certainly behind, given the superior competition from the F150 and Ram, but I’d shop Tundra long before I’d waste time on a Chevrolet lot. If any truck is in desperate need of reinvention, it’s the one wearing the bowtie.

    Reply
  4. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    Make comparisons with Nissan.

    Reply
  5. Eric Rucker Avatar
    Eric Rucker

    Let’s see:

    * All of the various lightweighting and aerodynamic technologies that have been developed in the 14+ years between redesigns.
    * Time to ditch the UR engines for Dynamic Force engines – a 5.0 V8 based on the Camry 2.5 I4 would be impressively efficient, have ridiculous power, and passable torque. Then there’s a couple ways to have an entry-level V6. Skip the turbos, though, IMO.
    * Introduce a hybrid option, based on the multi-stage hybrid system that’s in the Lexus LC 500h, LS 500h, and Crown Hybrid 3.5.
    * Introduce an actual 3/4 ton Tundra, too. Gear the hypothetical 5.0 V8 down enough and its lack of torque won’t be much of a problem, but making a larger engine option wouldn’t be a bad idea… and make a 5.0 hybrid, too, for more torque and to create something unique.
    * Speaking of hybridization, also offer a large battery and a plug. Make sure to have a large 240 volt AC inverter as well, for powering equipment on a job site.
    *With how long Toyota seems to want to keep truck platforms around… be ready to go full electric with it. If this thing comes out for 2021, by 2035 an ICE truck may not even be legal even with a hybrid system, let alone marketable.

    Reply
  6. Mister Sterling Avatar
    Mister Sterling

    For me is boils down to front passenger ergonomics. The seats and controls in the Tundra just seem a little off. When I sit in the Tundra and then sit in the new Ranger, I know which one I want to sit in for hours. It’s the latter.

    Reply
  7. Lokki Avatar
    Lokki

    They need to drive it down a set of stairs, run it into a wall and then a tree, park it on the beach and let the tide roll in over it, set it on fire, drop a caravan on it, and finally put it on top of a 20 story building just before the building is demolished.

    Just sayin’.

    1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk

    2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPnIpjodA8

    3. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kFnVZXQD5_k

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      Well, it’s proven itself in one of those metrics.

      https://s.hdnux.com/photos/76/73/72/16498306/4/920×920.jpg

      Reply
  8. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    Shorter product cycles and more modern design. Since the current Tundra came out in 2007 Ford has had 3 generations of F-150, and GM and Dodge are both on a second generation. Also the 2007 and up Tundra has always looked cartoonish to me in ways the Detroit trucks and even the Nissan Titan didn’t. My encounters with crew cab Tundra as a passenger were also unimpressive.

    Since Toyota’s big selling point is brand loyalty making a truck that clearly looks like a Tacoma or HiLux would be a better move and might even attract buyers repelled by bulldozer styling of the latest Chevy trucks. Other than that, smooth efficient engines, a mild hybrid/generator option like GM used to have, clever cargo handling features in the bed and a reasonable price. Either that or toss the whole project in favor of an updated Landcruiser 78.

    Reply
  9. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    Unless Toyota can start actively sabotaging the domestic trucks (although GM might be doing their part on that with no help), I don’t know if large numbers of people would have reason to consider the Tundra. Now, if they built something the size of the first gen again, that’d be pretty close to the mid-sizers (and yes, the Tacoma, which they’d have to downsize as well). Now, that’s not necessarily what they have to do, but they have to figure out where the domestics are weak, or just not interested in competing in, carve out their own little ignored segment.

    Or, you know, build something else that’ll last in production for over a decade and sell to a small number of Toyota loyalists.

    Reply
  10. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    Unless Toyota can start actively sabotaging the domestic trucks (although GM might be doing their part on that with no help), I don’t know if large numbers of people would have reason to consider the Tundra. Now, if they built something the size of the first gen again, that’d be pretty close to the mid-sizers (and yes, the Tacoma, which they’d have to downsize as well). Now, that’s not necessarily what they have to do, but they have to figure out where the domestics are weak, or just not interested in competing in, carve out their own little ignored segment.

    Or, you know, build something else that’ll last in production for over a decade and sell to a small number of Toyota loyalists.

    Reply
  11. crank_case Avatar
    crank_case

    Make the cab a strict two seater, put the engine behind the cab, make it RWD, lower it a good metre or so in terms of overall height.

    Ok, you got me, I’m just trying to trick them into making a new MR2

    Reply
  12. Preludacris Avatar
    Preludacris

    I live in Toyotaland on the West coast and it’s amazing how often I hear guys on job sites say, “I would have bought a Toyota if the Tundra wasn’t so expensive (used)” or, “if Toyota made a proper work truck.”

    I know there’s not much Toyota would want to do to lower resale values, but it’s way past time for a one-ton Tundra HD.

    Reply
  13. SeattleConservative Avatar
    SeattleConservative

    Sort out the nannies, make the systems user-programmable (schedule an hour at the dealer to turn off the lock chirp? Really?) add the supercharger for the 5.7 as a factory option, along with a manual transmission. A truck is not a sport coupe. Those of us who buy them do so to do truck things.

    Reply
  14. SeattleConservative Avatar
    SeattleConservative

    Sort out the nannies, make the systems user-programmable (schedule an hour at the dealer to turn off the lock chirp? Really?) add the supercharger for the 5.7 as a factory option, along with a manual transmission. A truck is not a sport coupe. Those of us who buy them do so to do truck things.

    Reply