2008 Toyota Tundra CrewMax
By: Juan G. Robbin
Smooth, powerful and comfortable. Could this be the perfect full-sized pickup truck?
Toyota Tundra 4X4 Crewmax 5.7 liter Limited (2008)
After 885 miles of urban and highway driving, the Toyota Tundra Crewmax left us convinced of its excellent capability and extraordinary comfort for a full sized pickup truck.
This is a massive truck in size and capacity, yet easy to live with in an urban environment. Sure, the typical pickup truck ride height is there but so are the nice to have features like power everything, including full sized display rear back-up camera, GPS navigation system, climate control and enough storage areas throughout the cabin that would make even a pack rat envious.
The doors are huge and so is the space inside. Rear 60/40 split seats have fore-aft and seat back angle adjustments that will make anyone comfortable. Leg room is limo-like and there are rear ventilation vents that together with window privacy tints, make the rear seating area a comfortable place to be even on a long trip. Yes, this is a pickup truck.
Driver and passenger seats have a commanding position, reachable through easy to use fixed full length step running boards. Controls, displays and appointments are typical Toyota, that is to say, first rate quality and function. The instrument cluster has a center multi-function display that has easy to read numbers that include trip odometer, average MPG, miles to empty, instant economy and timer. Buttons for these functions are big and easy to reach, located on the side of the instrument panel.
Starting the engine on the Tundra gives you an instant reminder this is a big truck with a big, brawny V8 motor under its hood. Wheel turning radius is car-like and backing up into a parking spot or hitching up a trailer is a breeze thanks to the backup camera and large center display. Acceleration is brisk, especially for a vehicle of this size. However, there is a price to pay for having a full sized pickup truck with a big V8 engine, fuel economy. We averaged 15.1 miles to the gallon in mixed driving and that’s being smooth on the accelerator pedal. Pulling a trailer or having a lead foot will bring that average into credit card melting territory. Toyota, where is a diesel or a hybrid engine for the Tundra? Either of these types of engines would be a marriage made in fuel economy heaven.
If you want a vehicle with pickup truck capability and car-like comfort, then the Toyota Tundra 4X4 Crewmax 5.7 liter Limited merits strong consideration.
The Essentials
MSRP: $42,070.00 MSRP (As tested): $46,196.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 15.1 MPG
Engine: V8, 5.7 liter, 381 HP
Popular Options: DVD Navigation with rear back-up camera and JBL upgraded sound system. Running boards, 20” alloy wheels.
Visit: www.toyota.com