While the Tundra name is known throughout the World and is a rather good truck, it can’t compete in its class. This is mostly because all of its major competitors received extensive redesigns in the last few years and the basic Tundra dated all the way back in 2004 and since then it did not receive that many changes or upgrades. To get back at the top of its class and become better, an all-new model is expected with the 2017 Toyota Tundra.
Unlike the current model which is based on a very old chassis design, the new truck will likely get an entirely new ladder frame. Reports say that it will be up to 50% more rigid while still being not as heavy as those we see in its opponents thanks to the use of materials such as high-strength steel and aluminum in some key areas of the truck’s underpinnings.
2017 Toyota Tundra Release Date
The release date for this all-new model is still unknown and at this point, we can only speculate on this subject. Considering that Toyota didn’t do much to their truck lately and that most of its competitors will be all new by the end of 2017, expect the new Tundra to be released sometime in the third quarter of 2016 in order to not be late at the party. So far we haven’t got the chance to spy any camouflaged model, but the chances are that the new Tundra is already under testing using a similar body to the ongoing model in order not to attract too much attention.
The price should stay the same so in the neighborhood of $29,000 to $30,000 for a base truck and up to $60,000 or more for a fully equipped special edition model. At the end of this article, you can check out the table with full price list.
Changes
Engine wise, the new 2017 Toyota Tundra is expected to ditch all of its current engine lineups in the favor of all new powertrains. Just as we all know, Toyota is currently working with BMW, and some of BMW’s engines have been co-developed with them. This might mean that the new Tundra will finally get rid of its ancient 4.6 and 5.7-liter V8 in the favor of a much smaller 3.0-liter inline six units. This one would be available in turbocharged or twin-turbocharged variants, and it would be able to provide around 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque for the lesser version and all the way up to 450 horsepower and more than 450 lb-ft of torque for the top end model. Power would go up compared to previous V8 engines and another benefit from this would be that it would be able to use less fuel as well. Add this to the fact that it will also lose some weight; it should become a really interesting choice.
Diesel
However, Toyota will not forget those wanting a V8 so they will most likely use the same 5.0-liter turbocharged diesel Cummins V8 that is also found in the Nissan Titan. This engine will make little over 300 horsepower and up to 555 lb-ft of torque, and it will provide the best towing capacity in its class. All engines will only get an eight-speed automatic and either rear or four-wheel drive.
Even there is a possibility for 4.6-liter and 5.7-liter units to be dropped we think that it will not happen with 2017 Toyota Tundra. The market is not ready to go this way, and we know that U.S. buyers love those large naturally aspirated powerplants far more than turbocharged engines.
TRD Pro
Among the most interesting trims in Tundra lineup is the TRD Pro that has been recently introduced. You will immediately recognize this version thankfully to its tougher wheels, higher clearance and big Toyota sign on the grille. Few quite unique colors as options are also offered, and you can make it a lot different from the standard model.
Design wise, the new 2017 Toyota Tundra is expected to borrow some elements from the new Tacoma. This means that it front end will get more aggressive through the use of a new hexagonal grille and slimmer headlights while the rather boxy design of the current generation is expected to be completely changed to something a bit more appealing to look at.
Inside the cabin, the truck should offer just as much space as before but this time around the fittings and materials should get even better. On top of that, space will be used more wisely so it will get even more storage compartments and equipment than before.
Interior of the 2017 Toyota Tundra is designed to be tough and to provide a basic amount of comfort and refinement to its occupants. This can be noticed since materials used here are not always on par with what competitors bring. This will be slightly changed with 2017 model but still we do not expect to see any revolutionary changes. Same layout with centrally positioned touchscreen and various buttons for air conditioning, audio controls, and other systems is offered again. Everything is well and logically laid out so you will get used to it quite quickly.
| Trim | Price | Trim | Price | Trim | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cab | Regular Cab | CrewMax | |||
| SR 4.6L V8 Short Box | $29.140 | SR | $29.950 | SR5 4.6L V8 | $33.270 |
| SR 5.7L V8 Short Box | $30.840 | SR 4WD | $33.000 | SR5 5.7L V8 | $34.970 |
| SR5 4.6L V8 Short Box | $30.950 | SR5 4.6L V8 4WD | $36.320 | ||
| SR 5.7L V8 Long Box | $31.170 | SR5 5.7L V8 4WD | $38.020 | ||
| SR 4.6L V8 4WD Short Box | $32.190 | Limited | $40.535 | ||
| SR5 5.7L V8 Short Box | $32.650 | Limited 4WD | $43.585 | ||
| SR5 5.7L V8 Long Box | $32.980 | TRD Pro 5.7L V8 | $45.560 | ||
| SR 5.7L V8 4WD Short Box | $33.890 | 1794 Edition | $46.530 | ||
| SR5 4.6L V8 4WD Short Box | $34.000 | Platinum | $46.530 | ||
| SR 5.7L V8 4WD Long Box | $34.220 | 1794 Edition 4WD | $49.580 | ||
| SR5 5.7L V8 4WD Short Box | $35.700 | Platinum 4WD | $49.580 | ||
| SR5 5.7L V8 4WD Long Box | $36.030 | ||||
| Limited | $38.670 | ||||
| Limited 4WD | $41.720 | ||||
| TRD Pro 5.7L V8 | $42.945 |
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