2016 Toyota Tundra

The 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax has six trims i.e., SR 5, Limited, TDR Pro, Platinum, and the 1794 Edition. While almost all the trims are available with a 5.7-liter V8 engine as a standard engine, the SR 5 has it as an optional upgrade. The SR 5 has a 4.6 Liter V8 as a standard engine and hence a low price of $34,250 which is the lowest among all the trims.

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There are a large number of options to choose from when it comes to this midsize pickup truck. Our suggestion is the base 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 trim for it is packed with abundant features and provides options for both RWD and 4WD variants. However, if you want an off-roading focused truck for its adventure and risk-taking capabilities, the 2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is the best choice.

The Tundra comes with two variants of a V8 powertrain. The base 4.6L V8 engine puts out 310 hp and 327 lb.-ft of torque. The bigger 5.7-liter V8 powertrain puts out 381 hp and 401 lb.-ft of torque. Both of the powertrains are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be availed as both an RWD and 4WD variant.

The 2016 Toyota Tundra sprints from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and consequently is the slowest in the lot. Its quarter-mile timings of 15.8 seconds also feel underwhelming however, it manages the highest top speed of 125 MPH. With the 5.7L V8 engine performance potential of the truck improves.

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Ford F-150 SuperCrew and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crewcab both make use of V6 engine options and produce lower power and torque outputs. However, when tested for acceleration, take 6.1 and 7 seconds to the 60mph mark, respectively, making them the quicker options in the segment. Even the quarter-mile timings have a similar story to tell. The only point of similarity is that each truck makes use of a 6-speed automatic transmission and is channeled as an RWD variant only.

The base variant of the 2016 Tundra can return 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The bigger powertrain with all-wheel drive puts out an average of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. However, it features a standard 26.4-gallon fuel tank that is the most voluminous in the segment and helps the truck cover a total range of 396 and 502 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crewcab and Ford F-150 SuperCrew are more conservative. While they manage a similar range in the city of 18 MPG, the Ford truck has a slight advantage on the highway. Consequently, it covers a higher range on the highway of 650 miles, which is also the highest in the segment.

The 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax is laden with quality materials that speak of the precision that has gone into building the cabin. It comes with a 5-foot-7-inch cargo bed as standard, however, lags behind its competitors in both towing and payload capacity, which stand at 6,700 and 1,540 lbs, respectively. Even the ride quality isn’t the best in the segment, but it is something you would expect of a hard suspension system.

While the 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax can seat six passengers, the space that each occupant receives is lower than its competitors. Yet it’s a commodious cabin that won’t make you claustrophobic. Like the interior space, cargo space also feels adequate and folds down the rear seats and you can access the storage compartment underneath.

In comparison, while the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crewcab has maximum space up front, the rear passengers will find themselves at ease in the Ford F-150 SuperCrew. Even its cargo capacity is higher at 65.2 cubic feet and manages a total towing capacity of 11,800lbs. However, it is the Chevrolet that gains ascendancy in the market with its high payload capacity of 1,840lbs.

Some of the salient interior features include:

• Preferred Accessory Package
• Cruise Control
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Dual Vanity Mirrors
• Power Steering

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax?

The 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax’s only update comes in the form of an improved version of the Entune infotainment system that allows for better usability and also makes it all the more user-friendly. It comes equipped with standard features like a navigation system and USB connection and is controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen system that also gets connected to the rearview camera. Some other standards and optional infotainment features include:

• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Satellite Radio
• External Media Control
• HD Radio
• Siri Eyes
• 12-speaker JBL sound system (Optional)

The grille has gone bigger and bigger in the recent decade and yes it looks imposing. The Tundra looks enormous and the road presence is more than any loud Ford Mustang. What else is worth mentioning is the Ground clearance. At 10.6 inches, the ground clearance of the Tundra is way above the rest, fully showing its off-road capabilities. It also sports the longest wheelbase of 145.7 inches shares a similar width as its competitors of 80 inches.

When compared to the competitors, the Ford F-150 SuperCrew is the longest truck measuring 231.9 inches. On the other hand, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crewcab is the heaviest and tallest truck in the segment measuring 5,037lbs and 74.2 inches. In terms of design, all three competitors look brawny and are extremely muscular, elements traditional to the truck setup.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Paint Protection Film
• Cargo Bed
• Running Boards
• Tow Hitch
• Bed Extender
• Steel-tip exhausts

The 2016 Toyota Tundra Crewmax’s practicality and reliability are strong-armed by the slew of safety features it comes equipped with. In addition to standard specifications, the midsize truck comes equipped with a Star Safety System that includes hi-tech features like Vehicle Stability Control, ABS, Smart Stop Technology, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. It scores a 4-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHSTA and also receives the best possible rating of “Good” in almost all aspects by the IIHS. Some of its other safety features include:

• Comprehensive airbag system with a total of eight airbags
• Child-protector rear door locks
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Front and rear parking assist
• Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Trailer-Sway Control

The Toyota Tundra Crewmax has everything it takes to become the champion in this segment. It has got truckloads of pulling prowess with fair cargo capacity. Although its poor fuel economy and humongous size be considered as only drawbacks, they do not stain its affable performance. However, what the 2016 Tundra does, its competitors manage to outperform it and while it is a great choice, we’d consider looking out for other trucks before finalizing a decision.