2009 Toyota Tundra – The Optimal Pickup Truck

Imposing design for more command

It is Toyota’s answer to its big competitors, namely the Chevy Silverado and the Ford F150; the 2009 Toyota Tundra comes with a brand new design and it is big. At first glance, the appearance is simply outlandish. The car’s imposing structure towers over almost every other car. It is a pick-up truck and not some fancy pants SUV, and it lets you know that.

The prominent straight grille is big and wide, the headlights are well detailed, and the sculpt of the hood all boldly proclaim the Toyota’s arrival. The huge vented bumper also enhances the presence of the car. There are many versions of the 2009 Toyota Tundra and the single cab version is the one that feels very bare-bones. The bigger DoubleCab and CrewMax variants are even bigger and come with more details. The Tundra is an ideal pick-up truck for those that want size and good looks.

Robust engines that deliver sound performance

The 2009 Toyota Tundra comes in multiple engine configurations. The standard engine is the 4.0-liter V6 that is capable of delivering 236 bhp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine is good but it is comparatively less powerful when compared to the standard offering on the Doublecab and CrewMax cars. The 4.7-liter V8 can produce a thunderous 271 bhp and 313 lb-ft of torque. The good news is that the engine is optional for even the standard cab, so you will be able to squeeze out more performance.

The final engine option is the gigantic 5.7-liter V8 that can deliver a preposterous 371 bhp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The multiple configuration system allows you to choose an engine as per your needs. The big and muscular 5.7-liter engine is the most capable among the bunch. You can get a superb pickup from the pick-up truck.

The 0-60 time is a sharp 6.1 seconds, which can beat a lot of sedans and SUVs. The car lunges forward as you step on the accelerator and things like overtaking become extremely easy. The right combination of engine and cab will help you tow a lot of weight. The 2009 Toyota Tundra towing capacity can stretch up to 10,800 pounds.

A drive that commands the roads

The 2009 Toyota Tundra gets an option between a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission. The former works tremendously well with the big and burly iForce engine. You get a smooth shift between gears and the pace is frighteningly quick. Apart from that, the performance of the car is down to the powertrain and the wheel-drive choice.

The front-wheel drive allows you to pull more weight, irrespective of the engine configuration. You also get a better fuel economy, although the off-roading capabilities of the car are severely hurt. The surprising thing is, the big 5.7-liter V8 has better mileage than the 4.7-liter variant. The 2009 Toyota Tundra specs can be a little misleading for this reason.

The handling on the other hand is surprisingly good for the size. You get big brakes that have firm stops, there is no brake fade after heavy use and you can always feel at ease when cruising on the highway. Despite its size, the steering on the car is considered light. You get good feedback and the car turns quite sharply. The off-road capabilities of the car are good. You will go over bumps and humps with ease. The cabin feels little to no shake as you tackle rough terrains.

An abundance of space and comfort

The 2009 Toyota Tundra is big and even the regular cab is quite hefty. So, imagine how big the

2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab and the 2009 Toyota Tundra CrewMax are! In terms of space both the Double Cab and the CrewMax offer full-sized rear bench seating. They even have rear passenger doors. While the comfort inside the Double Cab is still not meant for longer trips, the CrewMax has adjustable seats and inclines to offer you better comfort.

The front is a different story. The car was built for drivers and their companions. The front seats are plush and offer a lot of support. The seats are comfortable over a long drive and the only caveat is the relatively high seat position, which can take away some headroom. It is good news for shorter drivers as they will get a better view of the road.

The biggest takeaway from the 2009 Toyota Tundra is the space. The rear space is huge, as big as some limousines almost. You will rarely get any complaints from passengers. You get storage compartments everywhere inside the vehicle. The only caveat would be the somewhat lackluster choice of materials. Despite that, you get a quiet cabin, even for a pick-up truck.

Safety

The 2009 Toyota Tundra crash rating is excellent. The car’s build is strong and the roll cage does well in accidents. The car also comes with a laundry list of safety features that make it safer than the competition. The IIHS rates the car “Good” on their frontal and side-impact tests. ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control are the best in class. Optional front and rear cameras combined with good visibility give the car an added boost in safety standards.

Class-leader for features

The base 2009 Toyota Tundra comes loaded with features. Dual-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, tilt steering wheel, and split seat configurations are all standard. The 2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 goes a step further in offering a front-bucket configuration, 8-way power seats for the driver, and a cd player.

If you go one step further to the Limited trim, you get leather upholstery and captain chairs. There are plenty more options you can add to the car. A navigation system, driver seat memory, 20-inch wheels, and a backup camera are noteworthy. On the CrewMax, you can add a sunroof.

The verdict

The competition might be mainstays in the world of pickup trucks, but the 2009 Toyota Tundra aims to carve out a niche on its own. In many ways, it certainly does. The car offers a good balance of power and drivability. There is also space, tons of it. You will not feel shoved in nor will you have a problem hauling stuff. The generous towing capacity is also a part of the pick-up truck’ package. All in all, the car is worth the money.

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