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Large pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab long bed
  • ext. cab short bed
  • reg. cab long bed
  • reg. cab short bed
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,400 – $38,700*


2008 Toyota Tundra


2008 Toyota Tundra


2008 Toyota Tundra


2008 Toyota Tundra

Pros:
  • Acceleration (2WD regular cab w/5.7 V8)
  • Quietness
  • Seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Interior materials
  • Steering/handling

Toyota said the launch of the redesigned 2007 Tundra was the most important in the company’s 50-year U.S. history, intended to double the truck’s annual sales. Competing seriously against the domestic brands meant expanding Tundra’s appeal beyond the personal-use buyer, to those who need a real pickup for real work. This Tundra has the size, power, and model range to interest that crowd, but not the knockout punch to compel large numbers of GM, Ford, or Dodge loyalists to switch brands. Tundra trails GM and Ford for handling, interior materials, and overall refinement, but beats them in power and passenger accommodations.

Overview

Toyota’s larger pickup was redesigned for release during the 2007 model year, expanded in every dimension over the 2000-2006 models. Tundras equaled or exceeded comparable 2007 domestic-brand pickups in wheelbase and overall length. Among all pickups, only the 403-horsepower V8 in the Cadillac Escalade EXT topped Tundra’s available 381-hp V8 in 2007. However, in later years other trucks also grew and added more powerful engines.

Built in Texas and in Indiana, Tundra came in three cab styles, three wheelbases, and three bed lengths, with any of three engines and in three trim levels. Two-door, three-passenger regular cabs came in price-leader DX and dressier SR5 trim. Both the Double Cab and longer CrewMax crew cab had four conventional doors, seated six, and came in SR5 and top-line Limited trim.

Retained from the prior Tundra was a 236-hp V6, standard in regular and Double cabs. Also retained was a 271-hp, 4.7-liter V8, which was optional for those models but standard in CrewMax trucks. Optional on all was the 381-hp, 5.7-liter V8. That one used a six-speed automatic transmission, versus a five-speed automatic with other engines. Both automatics had manual-shift capability. Tundras were available with four-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but included low-range gearing. Cargo-bed lengths were 6.5 feet on regular and Double Cab short-beds, 8.1 feet on Double Cab long-beds, and 5.5 feet on CrewMax pickups.

All Tundras had antilock all-disc brakes and traction/antiskid control. Also standard were front side airbags and curtain side airbags that covered both seating rows and included rollover deployment. Limited versions featured leather upholstery and were available with 20-inch wheels, versus Tundra’s standard 18s. CrewMax models had a power rear-cab window and were available with DVD entertainment. Among Tundra’s options were an off-road package, and a navigation system that included a rearview camera positioned to show the trailer hitch. Domestic-brand rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, or GMC Sierra 1500.

Yearly Updates

2008 Tundra
Toyota added 13 Tundra versions for 2008, raising the total to 44 possibilities. This included greater availability of Double Cab and CrewMax models. SR5 Double Cab and CrewMax pickups gained standard power-front bucket seats, heated mirrors, and mudguards. The Limited added front and rear parking assistance.
2009 Tundra
Some Tundras with the 5.7-liter V8 and 4WD could now run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Also new for 2009 were two TRD (Toyota Racing Development) option packages. The Rock Warrior Package included off-road-ready suspension tuning and specific wheels. The Sport Package had specific paint and wheels.
2010 Tundra
The 2010 Toyota Tundra received slightly freshened styling and a new V8 engine. A new 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, which replaced a 276-horsepower 4.7-liter V8, was optional on regular cabs and short-bed Double Cabs and standard on long-bed Double Cabs and CrewMax. The newly available Platinum Package for CrewMax Limiteds included specific trim, a navigation system, power tilt and telescopic steering column, and heated and ventilated front seats.
2011 Tundra
The 2011 Toyota Tundra’s V6 gained 34 horsepower to 270, but the lineup was otherwise largely unchanged.
2012 Tundra
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Toyota Tundra.
2013 Tundra
The 2013 Tundra was little changed. The Platinum Package became a model and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system was newly offered, but oddly only for the base model. The TRD Rock Warrior Package for 4WD models saw expanded availability too.
2014 Tundra
Its basic design and drivetains were unchanged, but Toyota gave Tundra a host of updates for 2014. These included revised front- and rear-end styling, suspension tweaks, and a completely new interior sporting the latest generation of the company’s Entune infotainment suite. A new top-line 1794 Edition trim level joined the mix in an effort to take on the growing number of high-price, high-luxury trucks.
2015 Tundra
For 2015, Toyota’s full-size pickup truck lost its available V6 engine and gained an off-road-oriented TRD Pro Series model. Unique features of the TRO Pro Series included Bilstein-brand shocks; black 18-inch alloy wheels; front skid plate; and front springs, exhaust system, and shift knob from Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) aftermarket/motorsports parts arm.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Early Tundras came with a choice of three engines: a 4.0-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8, or 5.7-liter V8. Horsepower ratings were 236, 271, and 381 horsepower, respectively. A five-speed automatic transmission was the sole choice with the two smaller engines, while the biggest V8 got a six-speed automatic. For 2009, some Tundras with the 5.7-liter V8 and 4WD could now run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. For 2010, a new 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 replaced the 276-horsepower 4.7-liter V8. For 2011, the 4.0-liter V6 was boosted to 270 horsepower. The V6 was dropped for 2015.

dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/241
Engine HP 236-270
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 266-278
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic 17/20
dohc V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/285
Engine HP 271
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 313
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic 15/18
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 310
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 327
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 15/20
dohc V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/344
Engine HP 381
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 401
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic 16/20 14.7

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Good power and response emanates from the 4.7-liter V8, but the 5.7-liter feels stronger at all speeds and is the obvious choice for heavy-duty hauling and trailering. A Double Cab model with the 5.7 V8 pulled a 10,000-pound test trailer with no inordinate strain. Still, either V8 can seem slightly slow to deliver muscle in highway passing situations. Maximum towing capacity is 10,800 pounds.

Fuel economy is big-pickup typical. Test 4WD CrewMax models with the 5.7-liter V8 averaged 15.1 to 16 mpg in mostly highway driving. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Heavyweight construction and long wheelbases tamp down most impacts, adding to ride comfort. However, on rippled, bumpy pavement, 20-inch tires cause annoying jounce that’s not evident with 18-inch tires. With an empty bed, the tail is prone to skitter in fast turns on washboard surfaces–an issue with other pickups, too. The revised suspension tuning first seen on the 2014 models improve ride quality by an order of magnitude, nearly matching the class-leading Ram 1500 for comfort. Even with an empty bed, the 2014 models show little of the rear-end hop that’s a common characteristic of big pickups.

Tundra disappoints with slow, numb steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. At least, these deficits are minimized with 18-inch tires versus 20s. The 2014 suspension revisions help improve the driver’s sense of control too. The steering is improved, but remains a bit slow.

Both V8s are very smooth, vocal only in full-throttle acceleration. Wind rush is laudably low, but some tire whine occurs on coarse surfaces.

Instruments are large and well marked, but some drivers may find portions obscured by the steering-wheel rim. Tow package added a transmission-temperature gauge. Controls are generously sized and logically arrayed–though a few audio controls are just beyond easy reach. The available navigation system is reasonably simple to program and nicely segregated from most other control functions. Interior materials quality disappoints, even for a large pickup–a reflection of Toyota’s push for ruggedness. Switchgear has a cut-rate thin-plastic feel. Too many cabin panels ring hollow and are hard to the touch. the 2014 models introduce a newly simplified control scheme, but the main gauges have small markings and distracting decorative trim rings. Interior appearance and switchgear operation was greatly improved in the 2014 models too.

Front seats are very comfortable, but set relatively high, so headroom is tight beneath the sunroof housing. The 2014 updates finally addressed the headroom issue. Generous shoulder room helps compensate, but the bench seat’s center position is cramped. All Tundras have a tilt/telescopic steering column. Outward visibility is good. The available rearview camera allows the driver alone to line up a trailer hitch. Ride height is little different between 2WD and 4WD models, and it’s steep enough so entry/exit is a chore.

Double Cab and CrewMax rear doors open very wide, but entry/exit is still a tall climb. Both have supportive, comfortable backseats. The CrewMax’s rear seat slides fore/aft 10 inches to expand either passenger or storage space, and it has a reclining seatback. Rear headroom is good, but legroom that’s expansive in a CrewMax shrinks to adequate in Double Cabs.

Cabin storage is a highlight, with a double-tier glovebox and large door map pockets with room for 22-ounce bottles. In bucket-seat models, the center console holds a laptop computer or hanging files. Rear seatbacks fold in one motion to create sturdy parcel platforms in the 2007 through 2013 models. In the updated 2014 models, the rear seat cushions fold up against the cab’s rear wall which allows for more flexible cargo storage. The tailgate locks and has handy counterbalance assist for low-effort opening and closing.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Tundra 2WD CrewMax Ltd. w/5.7 V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 52

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
145.7 228.7 79.7 75.8 5255
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1675 26.4 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 38.7 42.5 44.5
ext. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
164.6 247.6 79.7 76.0 5090
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1755 26.4 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 38.7 42.5 34.7
ext. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
145.7 228.7 79.7 76.0 4935
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1465 26.4 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 38.7 42.5 34.7
reg. cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
145.7 228.7 79.7 76.0 4710
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 2060 26.4 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 NA 42.5 NA
reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
126.8 209.8 79.7 76.0 4610
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1585 26.4 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 42.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2015 Tundra crew cab crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Trouble Spots

Rear axle noise
Description: A rear axle bearing may make a growling noise that increases with speed. (2007-10)
Transmission slippage
Description: Automatic transmission may experience slippage because of a damaged clutch assembly. (2008)
Battery
Description: The battery may go dead overnight due to failure of the remote start control module. (2007)
Paint/body
Description: Bed floor may rust—especially under a bedliner. (2007-11)
None
Description: There may be a shudder from the driveline due to a problem with the torque converter on vehicles equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine. (2007-08)
Transmission problems
Description: Trucks with 6-speed automatic transmission may have torque converter shudder. (2007-08)
Transmission problems
Description: A faulty breather plug could cause failure of differential/transfer case. (2009-15)
Check-engine light
Description: If ice or other debris becomes lodged in the air switching valve, the check-engine light may illuminate and the vehicle could enter a limp-home mode that would dramatically limit drivability. A software update is available for the vehicle’s ECM to address this issue. (2012-14)
Check-engine light
Description: If moisture becomes trapped in the air-injection pump or air switching valve, the check-engine light may illuminate. The air-injection pump or air switching valve should be replaced. (2007-10)
Software problems
Description: The Engine Control Module calibration in certain 2012 and 2013 model Tundra vehicles equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine may cause an emission control component to fail and the vehicle could enter a limp-home mode that dramatically limits drivability. Updated software is required to correct this condition. (2012-13)

Recall History

2007 Tundra 4-wheel drive
Description: The slip yoke may break, and cause the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and contact the road surface or the fuel tank, causing loss of vehicle control or a fuel leak, increasing risk of fire. Dealers will inspect the slip yoke and replace the propeller shaft if necessary.
2007-08 Tundra with aftermarket wheels
Description: The wheel nuts can crack and break if the wheels are not installed carefully or if the wheel nuts are not carefully tightened. A cracked or broken wheel nut can cause the wheel to become loose and separate from the vehicle. Dealers will replace the attaching wheel nuts.
2007-09 Tundra
Description: Power window master switch assemblies may malfunction and overheat due to irregularities in the lubrication process during assembly.
2007-10
Description: Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal, which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly.
2007-10 Tundra
Description: The floormat could cause the accelerator pedal to stick in an open position and result in high speeds.
2007-11 Tundra with aftermarket heated seats
Description: Aftermarket heated seats installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors may short circuit and possibly catch fire.
2007-11 Tundra
Description: Some trucks lack a Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label. The drive could overload the vehicle.
2007-2015 Tundra
Description: The tire pressure monitoring systems on some vehicles may not have been properly calibrated and as a result the low tire pressure warning lamp may not illuminate should the inflation pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires fall below the threshold for when the low tire pressure warning lamp should illuminate. Drivers will not receive a warning from the tire pressure monitor that one or more tires are underinflated, increasing the risk that the vehicle will be driven with one or more underinflated tires, increasing the risk of a tire failure that may lead to a crash. Dealers will recalibrate the tire pressure monitoring system in accordance with the regulation free of charge.
2008 Tundra
Description: Certain 2008 model Tundra vehicles sold by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) may have been fitted with labels that inaccurately describe the vehicle’s weight.
2008-11 Tundra
Description: When factory-installed wheels and tires were replaced with Toyota authorized accessory wheels and LT tires prior to first sale, the tire pressure monitoring systems were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning telltale at the required minimum activation pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer will replace or re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information label at no charge.
2008-12 Tundra
Description: Inaccurate label lists an inaccurate amount of allowable added weight.
2010-13 Tundra
Description: Certain 2009 through 2013 model Tundra vehicles that had accessories including leather seat covers, seat heaters, or headrest-mounted DVD systems installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) may not have a properly calibrated occupant sensing system in the passenger-side front seat. This makes it possible that the passenger’s side air bag will not deploy at all or deploy with inappropriate force for the size of the passenger in the seat.
2010-15 Tundra
Description: Certain 2010 through 2013 model Tundra vehicles sold by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) may have been fitted with labels that inaccurately describe the vehicle’s weight.
2011 Tundra vehicles equipped with a 3-Joint type propeller shaft
Description: Due to improper casting of the slip yokes, there is a possibility that the slip yoke may break, causing the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface. The driver could experience loss of motive power and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and inspect the propeller shaft and, if necessary, replace it free of charge.
2013-14 Tundra
Description: Certain 2013 through 2014 model Tundra vehicles sold by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) may be equipped with 20-inch aftermarket alloy wheels and chrome-plated lug nuts. The coating on the lug nuts may come loose, possibly causing the nuts to become loose or the wheel studs to break.
2014 Tundra CrewMax and Double Cab
Description: Certain 2014 model Toyota Tundra CrewMax and Double Cab vehicles may have improperly installed interior trim on the B-pillar. This condition can prevent the Curtain-Shield Air Bags from properly deploying in a crash.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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Written by: Tom Appel on May 22, 2017.
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