2008 Toyota Tundra

Toyota aims to build a truck for everyone, with the understanding that no single truck can suit all drivers. Perhaps that's why they offer more than forty variations of the full-size Tundra. This highly configurable pickup is available with three trim levels, three engine options, two transmissions, three bed sizes, and three cab choices. After a full overhaul in 2007, the Tundra is basically unaltered for 2008. The only piece of news is the addition of 13 trim variations. The entry-level Base trim is now available with all cab choices and bed sizes, and standard-feature lists have been expanded across all three trim lines.

Toyota engineers have successfully addressed most of the old Tundra's problems with this new second-generation version. The Tundra is now competitive with many American full-size trucks in terms of heavy-duty capacities. The new Tundra has also earned praise for its high degree of flexibility, its widely publicized 10,000-pound towing capacity, and its myriad upscale features. The upper-level Limited trims offer a very desirable blend of pickup durability and luxury SUV amenities. For 2008, the Tundra has grown even more configurable. There are few complaints from owners and reviewers, but a common issue is the inclusion of some low-grade materials in an otherwise well-designed cabin.

A heavy-duty diesel Tundra, expected to feature a 400-horsepower V10 engine, may be on the way for later in the year. For now, the Tundra is available with three engine options. A 4.0-liter V6 generates 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A 4.7-liter V8 produces 271 horsepower and 313 pound-feet of torque. Tundra's most powerful engine is an all-aluminum 5.7-liter V8, good for 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. All Tundras qualify as ultra-low-emissions vehicles.

Buyers may choose from three body styles: Regular Cab, Double Cab, and CrewMax. Regular Cab and Double Cab Tundras will be available with the 8-foot-long bed, while the CrewMax is offered only with the 66.7-inch bed. This year's entry-level Base trims are a substantial improvement over last year's Base offerings. The Limited and SR5 trims are available in CrewMax and Double Cab body styles. The Limited trim is eligible for options like a navigation system, a backup camera, driver's-seat memory, 20-inch wheels, and a sunroof. Regular and Double Cab models can be finished in a monochromatic exterior presentation.

There are ten variations of the Regular Cab truck, thanks to a series of drivetrain, engine, and bed-length combinations. The Double Cab comes in 22 different styles, as the SR5 and Limited trim levels are now available with this body. The CrewMax body features twelve variants, with three trim, two engine, and two drivetrain options. The long-bed option does not factor into the CrewMax configurations. There is a $20,000 price difference between the entry-level Tundra and the best-equipped trim.