Car Review: 2012 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab Pickup

THE 2012 TOYOTA TUNDRA REGULAR CAB PICKUP REVIEW

Summary Review by Tess: Rugged Reliability

Toyota is not the first name that springs to mind when considering full-size pickup trucks; however, the 2012 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab pickup makes a convincing argument that perhaps it should be. Rugged and durable enough to take on the tough jobs, the Toyota Tundra nonetheless offers a comfortable ride and plenty of standard features to please even the most demanding driver, all with the Toyota reputation for reliability to sweeten the deal.

Under the hood
The 2012 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab pickup is available with the buyer’s choice of three engines, each with its own particular appeal. The base engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that is capable of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque and is available only in rear-wheel drive with a five-speed shiftable automatic transmission, rendering it unsuitable for most top-end pickup truck applications.

The 4.6-liter V8 engine is the standard for the four-wheel drive models and is available on rear-wheel drive configurations as well. This engine delivers 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 8,600 pounds when properly equipped. The 5.7-liter V8 engine is the powerhouse of the bunch and pumps out 381 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow well over 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 5.7-liter engine is also available in a flex-fuel compatible configuration for even more choice at the gas pump. A six-speed shiftable automatic is the standard for the top two engines and provides solid performance on the road.

Inside the cabin
The roomy interior of the Toyota Tundra Regular Cab seats three in comfort and features full power accessories, dual-zone climate control, and a basic CD stereo system. Options include leather upholstery, a rearview camera built into the rearview mirror, and a premium sound system with six-CD changer. The Tow Package is optional and recommended for drivers who want to get the most out of their working truck. (See a full list of features).

On the road
The Tundra is surprisingly comfortable despite its work truck credentials and offers a smooth, sophisticated ride on the road and four-wheel drive maneuverability in off-road applications. Buyers will want to opt for one of the V8 choices, as the V6 lacks power and is mainly suited for city driving.

Conclusions
Rugged and versatile, the 2012 Toyota Tundra Regular Cab is a solid choice for buyers looking for a reliable work truck. Avoid the V6 engine, however, as it lacks both the power and the four-wheel drive versatility of the V8 engine choices.

Details:
Engine: 4.0-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower & Torque: 270 hp/278 lb-ft
Transmission: RWD five-speed shiftable automatic
Towing Capacity: 4,900 lbs
Maximum Payload: 1,620 lbs
Fuel Economy: 16/20
Base MSRP: $25,155

Engine: 4.6-liter DOHC V8
Horsepower & Torque: 310 hp/327 lb-ft
Transmission: RWD or 4WD six-speed shiftable automatic
Towing Capacity: 8,600 lbs
Maximum Payload: 1,870 lbs
Fuel Economy: 15/20

Engine: 5.7-liter DOHC V8
Horsepower & Torque: 381 hp/405 lb-ft
Transmission: RWD or 4WD six-speed shiftable automatic
Towing Capacity: 10,400 lbs
Maximum Payload: 2,090 lbs
Fuel Economy: 14/18

Engine: 5.7-liter DOHC V8 with flex-fuel capability
Horsepower & Torque: 381 hp/401 lb-ft
Transmission: RWD or 4WD five-speed shiftable automatic
Towing Capacity: 9,200 lbs
Maximum Payload: 1,720 lbs
Fuel Economy: 13/18

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