2014 Toyota Tundra debuts at Chicago Auto Show

2014 Toyota Tundra, debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, will reach Toyota dealerships in September, Feder writes. The exterior of the 2014 Toyota Tundra features a larger chrome grille, along squared-off fenders and wheel wells. 

The full-size pickup truck market still makes up a large portion of vehicle sales in the U.S., from the job site to the boat landing, American's rely on their trucks. Toyota made a serious play in the American pickup truck industry back in 2007, but a lot has changed since then, and Toyota knows it.

The competition has stepped up their game with more technology and fuel efficiency than ever before. Budgets are tighter than ever, and technology has advanced the way people work, and interact with their vehicles. Toyota'saddressing these issues with its redesigned 2014 Tundra.

More technology, easier and cheaper to repair

Toyota recognizes the need for the latest technology in pickups, and that's why a 6.1-inch color touch screen featuring Toyota's Entune system is available, providing Bluetooth streaming, navigation, and Pandora streaming audio. There's also a new 3.5-inch multi-information display in the center of the gauge cluster.

Audio and climate controls have been moved 2.6 inches closer to the driver for easier access, and large knobs have been retained for easy operation while wearing gloves. 

The exterior features a larger chrome grille, along squared-off fenders and wheel wells. Both the front and rear bumpers now have a three-piece design, which allows for less expensive replacement parts.  The rear tailgate now features an integrated spoiler that will help with aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Along with the SR, SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims, there's a new 1974 Edition. This new trim reflects a western lifestyle, and is a tribute to the ranch founded in 1974 on which the Tundra plant now resides.

Still features three engine options, SAE J2807 towing standard

While the competition has started to integrate eight-speed automatic transmissions, direct-injection technology, turbocharging, Toyota's going to soldier on with its three proven engine options in the Tundra. The base engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. There are two V-8 engine options, a 4.6-liter rated at 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-liter rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

The V-6 engine makes do with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the V-8s receive a six-speed automatic transmission. All three engines feature aluminum cylinder blocks, DOHC heads, and dual variable valve timing. The Tundra is the only full-size pickup truck that currently adheres to the SAE J2807 towing standard, and has a maximum towing capacity of 10,400 pounds in 4X2 regular cab form with the tow package.

New safety and accident avoidance techology

Toyota's not just adding technology to make driver's lives easier; it's adding technology to also make the Tundra safer. A backup camera is standard on all Tundras for 2014, and a new blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert is available on the Platinum and 1974 Edition.

The Tundra will have eight standard airbags, including front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear rolls-sensing side curtain airbags, and driver and passenger knee airbags.

A new manual headlight leveling system with LED daytime running lights on the Platinum and 1974 Edition will making things easier when towing heavy loads.

Toyota will announce pricing and fuel economy information later this summer. The 2014 Tundra will reach Toyota dealerships in September. For more information be sure to read our full review here.