Toyota Tundra's keener, meaner demeanour

The 2012 Toyota Tundra was built around the idea of "roll up your sleeves and get to work." Its size is matched by its strength, and whether you use it for work or play, this truck will get it done.

LOOKS

The large front bumper and over-sized grille are matched by huge headlights and a raised hood. The doors feel solid and close nicely and the back doors on my tester (double cab) open wide allowing easy access to the back. Walking around the truck to the rear you find equally impressive tail lights that match the headlights in size. The tailgate opens easily with one hand and its hydraulic assist allows the tailgate to lower smoothly without a sudden drop as is the case with many pickup trucks on the market.

IN THE CAB

 There is an available eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way power adjustable seat with extendable seat cushion. The front passenger has an optional four-way power adjustable seat, or one that folds flat to provide a work space. Heated and ventilated leather seats are also available. On the double cab model, the rear seats fold flat to create more room and the double cab 4x4 long-box has the rear seats flip forward to access the under seat storage bins. The gauges are nicely laid out and the oversized knobs are perfect for the contractor, because you would not have to remove your gloves to operate them. Bluetooth connectivity, integrated XM satellite radio, USB audio, DVD-based navigation, backup camera and a JBL audio system round out the available technologies on the Tundra.

SAFETY FIRST

There is a total of eight airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and roll-sensing head/side curtain airbags. In addition, there are vertically adjust-able headrests, three-point lap and shoulder belts with front belt anchor height adjusters, anchor points for child restraint seats and child protector locks, Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, enhanced with anti-lock braking system, Brake Assist (BA), electronic brake force distribution technologies and Smart Stop Technology (This latter system is designed to reduce engine power when the brake is firmly applied to bring the vehicle to a stop.)

POWER

 There are two engines available in the 2012 Tundra: a 4.6-litre i-force V8 that puts out 310 horsepower and 327 lbs.-ft of torque; and a 5.7-litre i-force V8 that produces 381 horse-power and 401 lbs.-ft of torque. Both engines have 32 valves, dual over-head cam, dual variable valve timing, and are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is a maxi-mum payload of 855 kilograms and a towing capacity of 4,715 kg.

ROADWORTHY

 I had a chance to tow a couple of trailers. One trailer was a 5x8 utility trailer with about 460 kg of dirt in it, and I didn't even notice it was there. In fact, a couple of times I turned my head to make sure it was still attached. The second trailer was a 25-foot travel trailer weighing 1730 kg. The Tundra pulled it very well and stayed in control along a long and winding section of the highway. I was very pleased with the capabilities

VERDICT

 I had high expectations for this truck and it met them all. A solid performer.

By Ian Harwood, The Province