2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD Pros vs Cons

Some auto critics have often thought of the Toyota Tundra as being aimed at the wrong market or to be of the wrong size. However, it has gone on to receive much praise for its non-conformist approach towards the pickup truck scene. Initially sold to the US market in 1999 (for 2000 model year), the Tundra truck has been evolving, becoming bigger and more powerful during its three generations.

A notable change occurred for the 2015 model year when Toyota decided to drop the 270-hp V-6 engine Tundra option, leaving only the V-8s. The recipe for the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD won’t change much. Only a couple of minor feature and trim changes have been made for the new model year.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD – The Pros

1) Acceleration and Power

Some automotive critics have praised the optional V8 5.7-liter engine for its responsiveness and power. 

• The 6-speed transmission changes gear quite smoothly and easily.
• Throttle response is emphatic and fast.
• There's a bit of serious midrange torque that you can tap when you need to move rapidly.

2) Handling and Braking

The Tundra’s steering is light, perhaps even over-boosted, although that is becoming quite common today. 

• It holds a sharp corner surprisingly well and also communicates road imperfections via the wheel. 
• The 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD brakes compliment the precise steering with appropriate feedback.

3) Hauling and Towing

The handling capabilities of the Tundra have received praise from reviewers.The 4.6-liter V8 and 310-horsepower truck is adequate for all manner of lighter duties. The more powerful 5.7-liter V8 381-horsepower will handle almost any assigned task. 

• Properly fitted, the new 2016 Tundra comes with a maximum 2,060 pounds payload.
• It has a max 10, 000 pounds towing capacity. 

Also available are driver assistance features for trailer sway control.

4) Off-Roading

Test drivers have noted that the Tundra handles hills, water, and mud with ease.

• The off-road suspension nicely absorbs impacts at speed.
• When you desire serious off-roading, go for the optional TRD Pro trim.
• Other trims also offer the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD off-road package. 
• With both options, you will have several rugged features like a raised suspension, skid plates as well as off-road tires. 

5) Interior Design

The 2016 Tundra cabin is well built and attractive. Critics have noted that the higher trim interiors feature plenty of quality materials and have an upscale feel.When you are on the open highway, your cabin becomes surprisingly quiet.

6) Infotainment System

Critics have praised the easy-to-use 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD infotainment system. Also getting acclaim are smartphone connectivity and the highly intuitive user-friendly Toyota Entune touch-screen interface options. 

• Available are physical controls for audio and climate functions.
• Controls and knobs are easier to reach compared to past Tundras. 

7) Seating

In every trim, the front seats are comfortable and broad. It's however in the backseat where this vehicle enjoys space and comfort advantages not seen in most trucks.

Among the seat features are:

• Power-adjustable front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated and heated front seats
• Reclining rear seats

8) Cargo Holding

The majority of critics concur that throughout the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD you will get excellent storage for small-items. 

• Huge console bin at the center
• Center cushion will flip up to expose a fair-sized storage bin. 
• Backseat cushions will fold up to create a flat floored large cargo area.

9) Safety Ratings

In NHTSA tests, the 2016 Tundra has received 4 of the possible five stars for frontal and overall crash protection, and top stars regarding side protection. 

• IIHS has given the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD its top “Good” rating in tests for roof & side strength, and moderate front overlap. 
• The head and seat restraint design have also obtained an IIHS rating of "Good" for rear impacts whiplash protection.

10) Recalls and Reliability

Being a 2016 model, no data on vehicle reliability available yet, and neither has there been safety associated recalls. 

• The 2016 Tundra has a 36,000 three-year basic warranty.
• You also get a 60,000-mile five-year powertrain warranty.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD – The Cons

1) Unwieldy at High Speeds

At higher speeds, the new Tundra cannot be said to be particularly confidence-inspiring.

• It has a feeling of being bigger and more unwieldy when contrasted against competing trucks of similar size. 
• It is no wonder that it has received a “B” rating from Edmunds as it simply falls short among the current crop of quality pickups.

2) Poor Ride Quality

According to most test drivers, the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD delivers a rather stiff ride. For the Tundra to tow and haul as much as possible, the suspension has been stiffened such that passengers feel every single rut and bump.

3) Aging Interior designs and Controls

According to auto reviewers, some of the controls require that you make an uncomfortable reach while some the interior hard plastics are rather disappointing. The aging interior and design cannot compete with modern rivals and critics argue that the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD design is somewhat outdated.

4) Tedious Controls and Knobs

Although the upper-line trims come with automatic climate control for both passenger and driver temperature, the base models have repetitive-step push buttons. Reviewers have found these to be rather tedious when it comes to adjusting.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD may be pitted against the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 for comparative purposes.

• The safety rating for the Tundra stands at 9.0 higher than the 8.5 for the Ram 1500, although lower than Ford’s 9.7
• At 145.7 (in) the 2016 Tundra has a bigger wheelbase than the Ram (140) and Ford (145)
• Unlike the two models, the 2016 Tundra comes with Tires - Front All-Terrain and Tires -Rear All-Terrain.
• It beats both the Ram and the Ford as it has Remote Engine Start as well as a Driver Illuminated VanityMirror.
• The fuel capacity (gal) at 38 is higher than that of the Ram 1500 (26) as well as the Ford F-150 at 23.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of quality full-size pickup trucks, it’s not always easy to break in, but the Tundra has managed to carve out a sizeable niche for itself. Only introduced in 2000 model year to the U.S., the Toyota Tundra has broken into a market that is hugely dominated by just a couple of big players and flourished.

Certainly, the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4WD may not have come close to challenging the bigger boys like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 or even the Chevrolet Silverado when it comes to sales figures, but nonetheless, this 4WD truck has come to craft a loyal and strong following.The new 2016 Toyota Tundra continues to provide a comfortable driving experience, ample space and above all, terrific off-road abilities.