The 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 Limited is a thorough update for Toyota’s full-size truck. The exterior and interior are new, and the underpinnings are same as the previous generation. Did the Tundra change enough to shake things up and attract more buyers? Read on to learn more.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 | $42,990 | $45,220 | 381/401 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: LEASE IT! | 13/17 Combined 15 | 12.1 |
First Impressions
One can immediately tell the new 2014 Tundra looks different, yet the family lineage is very obvious. The new truck feels very familiar, yet freshened up inside and out. The new instrument cluster and the dash design are a welcome change.
Styling/Design:
The 2014 Tundra has the same imposing presence as the 2013 model, and it makes sense as all dimensions remain virtually identical. Most of the exterior panels are new and more angular, and the name “Tundra” is stamped into the steel of the tail gate. The Limited model has a large chrome grill, and good looking 20-inch alloy rims.
The interior has also been updated, and the dash and main gauge cluster layout is easier than ever to read and use. I reviewed the 2013 Tundra Limited not long ago, and I was left wanting better interior materials. The 2014 Limited took the steps in the right direction with higher grade of leather and plastics. There is a noticeable improvement, and the new Tundra is a comfortable place to be. Still, it did not hit a home run with me. It appears that Toyota is focusing on long-term longevity of the interior, which is not a bad thing.
The Limited trim is far from the top, there are Platinum and 1794 Edition luxury trim levels above it. If interior materials quality is important to you, take a look at these two luxury trims.
Another noteworthy update is that the rear seats now folds up, instead of tumbling forward. It exposes a nearly flat floor for carrying cargo. It’s not perfectly level like in the F-150, but it close.
Powertrain:
The new Tundra is virtually the same as before underneath. Engine and transmission lineup is carried over from the previous model, and this CrewMax Limited had the good-old 5.7-liter iForce V8 good for 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. The motor feels the same, but the 6-speed automatic is a little more refined than before. It adapts to varying driving situations better. When you are light on the throttle, moseying around town, it shifts early and wants to stay in higher gear longer to improve efficiency. When driving aggressively, or in Tow mode, the transmission is not afraid to hold the gear and let it rev high.
While running an errand with an empty truck using rural highways, I got an average of 15.8 MPG. After a week of various jobs, including the 0-60 MPH towing challenge, the truck computer claimed an average of 12.1 MPG. I did not get a chance to perform a longer distance efficiency towing run, like I did with the 2013 Tundra.
Handling/Ride:
The 2014 Tundra rides very similar to the 2013 model, but all characteristics feel more refined. The driving sensation is still one of sitting on top of the truck, but the steering feel has been improved and is now more direct. The ride is comfortable and this truck feels pretty solid as a whole. Some say that the Tundra is a “working man’s Camry”, and the quiet exhaust note and overall interior are leaning that way. Still this truck has not achieved the comfy and effortless demeanor of a sedan. The 2014 GM pickups are better at that.
Competitors:
| Starting Retail Price | City/Hwy MPG | HP / Lb-Ft | |
| 2014 Toyota Tundra Crew Limited | $42,990 | 13/17 | 381/401 |
| 2014 Chevrolet 1500 Crew LTZ | $43,380 | 16/22 | 353/383 |
| 2013 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat | $43,435 | 14/19 | 360/380 |
| 2013 Nissan Titan Crew SL | $44,185 | 12/17 | 317/385 |
| 2013 Ram 1500 Crew Laramie | $45,220 | 13/19 | 395/407 |
The 2014 Tundra has the lowest starting price among these 4×4 CrewCab opponents. However, it’s not the most economical or powerful.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4×4 Limited a Lease It!
I can tell the 2014 truck is improved, but it did not push me over the top for a Buy It! rating. The fuel economy has improved slightly, and the interior feels better. However, this redesign is not a big shakeup and is still lagging competitors in economy and comfort. It still is a capable and solid truck, and it represents a good value (CrewMax 4×4 Limited starts at $42,990).
Take a look at this 0-60 MPH tests, also check out the Ike Gauntlet test of the 2014 Tundra.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
