2005 Toyota Tundra 4X4 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Toyota Tundra?
Toyota finally understands that big truck buyers want power. The old 3.4-liter V6 is shelved in favor of a stout new 245-horse 4.0-liter V6 that whips up 282 lb.-ft. of torque. The upgrade 4.7-liter V8 makes 282 horsepower this year, an increase of over 40 ponies. Torque from the V8 is up a modest 10 lb.-ft. to 325, which doesn't really help much when it comes to towing, but payload capacity has been increased thanks to the new engines. Base Tundra Regular Cabs equipped with the V8 get a color-keyed grille with a chrome front bumper, vinyl flooring, and a cloth bench seat in front. Buyers looking for the 4WD Tundra Access Cab with a V6 engine won't find one; the V6 is offered only on 2WD Tundra Access Cabs for 2005. Styling is updated with new alloy wheels, headlights, and tail lamps, while inside a navigation system is offered on Access Cabs and Double Cabs, the latter bundled with a JBL audio system. Tundra Double Cabs can be equipped with a new split front bench seat for six-passenger capacity, as well as new side-impact and side curtain airbags. Finally, three new colors debut.

Advantages of the 2005 Toyota Tundra:

• Surprisingly strong standard V6 for Regular and Access Cabs
• Smooth-revving available V8
• Reputation for reliability
• Excellent build quality
• Large rear quarters of the Double Cab

Objections to the 2005 Toyota Tundra:

• Cabin feels a bit cheap, unlike most Toyotas
• Front seats are not terribly comfortable

Editor's Advice:
Motivated by your choice of smooth and quiet engines, a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 245 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque or a 4.7-liter V8 producing 282 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the Tundra can haul a trailer weighing up to 7,100 pounds. For those who need more hauling capacity and power than a compact pickup, but loathe the bulk of big full-size trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra and Nissan Titan, the 2005 Toyota Tundra is a compelling, and durable, compromise.