The D-Cab
offers two notable new features beyond the two new full size rear doors:
first is a rear 60/40 split bench seat with a more comfortable seat back
angle of 24 degrees, and rear seat sections that fold and tumble forward,
providing for increased cargo protection, flexibility and versatility.
The next item is the vertical power-sliding full-rear window (a segment
first), which when coupled with the optional power sliding moonroof and
power windows in all four doors, creates an open air atmosphere.
In its V8 4x2 SR5 configuration, the D-Cab offers up to a 1,875-pound
payload capacity (which includes occupants, equipment and cargo) and up
to 6,800-pound towing capacity. Standard SR5 wheels are steel 16-inchers,
with 17-inch, five-double-spoke alloys available as an option or standard on the Limited
models. Tailgates are removable.
Base pricing
ranges from $25,645 for an SR5 4x2 to $32,600 for a 4x4 in Limited trim.
My driving partner and I tested both SR5 and Limited versions in 4x4 drive
configurations, with the latter finished in a Graphite metallic exterior
coat and sporting a price tag in excess of $35,000. It is possible to
spend more for a fully loaded D-Cab in Limited trim. Options offered include:
a center console mounted DVD rear entertainment and audio system with
dual headphone jacks or the wireless variety; and rear cargo net.
SUMMARY: What is it like to pilot the new Tundra D-Cab? The new truck
really shines in off-pavement situations in its 4x4 setup. On road however,
the steering felt too light, especially in heavy cross-wind scenarios -- it
seemed to lack the same directional stability offered by some full-size truck
competitors. I'm confident that this is a correctable issue. The ride
quality provided was very comfortable both on and off road, with the rear seat back angle
better than most. Acceleration seemed more than adequate and gear changes
were delivered smoothly by the four-speed automatic.
The Double
Cab's bed makes no compromises in length despite the increased rear passenger
room. It measures 74.3-inches -- nearly seven inches longer than that
of either the bed of Ford's F150 SuperCrew or Nissan's Titan Crew Cab.
At 20.7-inches, the bed is approximately four-inches deeper than other
Tundra models and ranks as one of the deepest of any full-size four-door
pickup.
For those interested in more rigorous trail driving, Toyota offers an
optional TRD Off-Road package that includes progressive rate springs,
Bilstein monotube high-pressure gas shocks, an off-road tuned suspension, 16-inch
aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R16 B.F. Goodrich tires, front and rear mudguards,
fog lamps and overfender guards.
Bottom line,
the Tundra Double Cab is an outstanding full size pickup truck but it's
up against lots of tough competition in the segment, especially for those
of the Texas persuasion. Perhaps when Tundra launches its NASCAR campaign
next season, the tide will turn more favorably. Hey, Nextel is replacing
Winston, so anything is possible.
