Approach Angle - Fresh Ideas on Toyota Truck Features, Technology & News
Review of Week 13 Approach Angle - Tundra Tow Ratings
Summary
Customers can be misled by claims of a maximum tow rating. The maximum tow rating for any ½-ton pickup is never applied to every model in that brand's line, including Toyota. Tow ratings will differ between models due to different vehicle weights and powertrain options. A Regular Cab 4x2 equipped with the V6 engine will have a different tow rating than a Double Cab 4x4 with the 5.7-liter V8.
It's important to cross check the customer's towing needs against the tow rating for the desired Tundra model. The Tundra's maximum tow rating of 10,800 pounds cannot be quoted for every model, but Tundra still provides competitive ratings across the line.
Main Talking Points
- All Tundra cab/bed configurations have a tow rating of at least 10,000 pounds when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and factory tow package
- 4x2 trucks usually have a higher tow rating than comparable 4x4 models
- Options such as color-keyed bumpers, 20-inch wheels can reduce the tow rating
- Competitive ½-ton pickups may require "heavy-duty" or "enhanced" packages to achieve their maximum tow ratings
- Toyota has specific recommendations for hitches and sway control when towing trailers of certain weights
Approach Angle Special: Tundra Earns NHTSA 5-Star Crash-test Rating
Objectives:
Review details of Tundra's new 5-star crash rating from NHTSA
Emphasize 2010 changes and Tundra's other safety awards
Review Tacoma's 5-Star honors and safety honors
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given 5-Star ratings1 to the 2010 Tundra for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash. According to Safercar.gov, a 5-Star rating indicates a 10-percent or less chance of serious head and chest injury to the vehicle occupant. A 5-Star rating is NHTSA's highest rating.
The Tundra was freshened for 2010, receiving a new mid-level V8 engine, exterior enhancements, additional audio choices and a new Platinum luxury package available with the Limited grade. The new Tundra also features standard driver and front-passenger knee airbags.
The 2010 Tacoma received a 5-Star rating in its NHTSA frontal crash tests, and side-crash tests. According to Safercar.gov, a 5-Star rating in the side test indicates a 5-percent or less chance of serious injury.
For NHTSA’s frontal test, vehicles are crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 mph. In NHTSA’s side test, a 3,015-pound barrier is crashed into the vehicle at 38.5 mph. More information, including photos and video of the crash tests, can be found at www.safercar.gov.
2010 Toyota Pickup NHTSA Crash Test Results
Additional NHTSA tests on the Tundra are forthcoming, including side tests and tests on the Regular Cab.
Other Tundra Safety Honors
- 2008: First pickup to earn Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- 2009: Again, named Top Safety Pick from IIHS
- Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that "do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes based on good ratings in the Institute tests," according to the IIHS.
- All Top Safety Picks must also have electronic stability control
Other Tacoma Safety Honors
- 2009 Top Safety Pick from IIHS
Approach Angle - Fresh Ideas onWeek 13: Tundra Tow Ratings
Objectives:
Review Tundra's tow ratings*
Review reasons why different models have different tow ratings
Emphasize Tundra's tow package is complete; no need for HD upgrade
Tundra Tow Ratings
All Tundra cab/bed configurations are rated to tow at least 10,000 pounds when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine and factory tow package. The tow package is standard on all Tundra Regular Cab (excluding V6), Double Cab Tundra Grade Long Bed, Double Cab Limited and CrewMax Limited. Tundras equipped with color-keyed bumpers have lower tow ratings. A V6-powered Tundra has a maximum tow rating of 5,200 pounds.
Why Tow Ratings Differ
Tow ratings differ between models due to different vehicle weights, options and powertrain. For example, all Tundra Double Cab models are engineered to achieve a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 16,000 pounds when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and factory tow package. That means that the total weight of the truck, its payload and the trailer cannot exceed 16,000 pounds. Since a 4x2 Standard Bed weighs less than a 4x4 Long Bed, it will have a higher tow rating (10,600 lbs vs. 10,200 lbs.) Options like 20-inch wheels can also lower a tow rating. Tundra's maximum tow rating of 10,800 pounds is available only in a 4x2 Regular Cab/Long Bed equipped with the 5.7-liter V8.
Other manufacturers have different tow packages or required equipment to achieve high ratings. Some GM trucks, for example, have higher tow ratings when equipped with the "Enhanced Trailering Package," which isn't available on all models. Some Ford F-150 models have higher tow ratings when equipped with the "Heavy Duty Payload Package" in addition to the standard tow package. Tundra keeps it simple: a single tow package, high ratings available for all configurations.
What's in the Tundra Factory Tow Package?
- Heavy-duty receiver hitch mounted to frame with 12 bolts
- 4- and 7-pin trailer-wiring connectors; pre-wired for aftermarket brake controller
- Supplemental transmission cooler; heavy-duty alternator and battery
- 4.30:1 axle ratio, tow/haul transmission mode, transmission fluid temperature gauge
Need to Know
- Tundras have different tow ratings, depending on model, trim level, powertrain, options and if equipped with factory tow package
- Cross-check the customer's towing needs against the tow rating for the desired vehicle
- The Tundra's maximum tow rating cannot be quoted for every model
- Gooseneck or 5th-wheel hitch can be used in Tundra but doesn't increase the tow rating
- Toyota recommends a weight-distributing hitch for trailers over 5,000 pounds
- Toyota recommends a sway-control device on trailers over 2,000 pounds
Q&A
Which is better for towing: 2- or 4-wheel-drive?
A 4x2 Tundra is lighter and will have a higher tow rating than a similar 4x4 model. Lighter weight also helps improve fuel economy. The 4x4 Tundra will have better traction in certain towing situations such as pulling a boat trailer up a slick launch ramp or pulling a horse trailer through a muddy field.
Toyota Truck Features, Technology & News
Week 11: 2010 Sequoia
Objectives:
Review changes to 2010 Sequoia
Emphasize customer needs in full-size SUV market
Compare 2010 Sequoia with 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
While full-size SUV sales dipped due to changing market conditions, this segment is a popular alternative to the minivan or crossover SUV for large families and those with heavy towing needs. These are active customers with diverse utilitarian needs who also look for safety and convenience features in their trucks.
Many of the improvements made on the 2010 Tundra have carried over to the Sequoia. Overall there is a higher level of standard features and safety equipment. The vehicle lineup has expanded with the Platinum model but the buying process is much simpler for the consumer.
Changes to 2010 Sequoia
- New 4.6-liter i-Force V8 engine with 34 more horsepower, 1 mpg better fuel economy than previous 4.7L V8
- New SR5 Sport package with 7-passenger seating, 20-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed grille and black-fabric interior
- Driver and front-passenger knee airbags are new standard equipment
- Three flex-fuel models with E85 capability available in select regions
- Improved audio features are standard and include Bluetooth®, MP3 capability, auxiliary audio jack for portable music players, USB port for music files and satellite-radio capable
Simplified Lineup
The SR5 and Platinum models are now mono-spec and the Limited grade offers only three stand-alone options: navigation, rear-seat entertainment and 7-passenger (2nd-row bucket seats) seating. All models are available in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. MSRP ranges from $38,530 for the SR5 4x2 (4.6L V8) to $58,905 for the Platinum 4x4 (5.7L V8).
Advantages over 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Sequoia has independent rear suspension for improved ride; Tahoe has straight axle
- Sequoia has available 5.7-liter with 381 horsepower; Tahoe's top-of-the-line engine is 5.3-liter V8 with 320 horsepower (326 horsepower on E85)
- Sequoia has maximum tow* rating of 10,000 pounds; Tahoe's maximum tow rating is 8,400 pounds with the heavy-duty towing package
- Sequoia's available 3rd-row seating offers nearly 10 inches more legroom and over 4 inches more shoulder room than Tahoe, which is welcomed by adult-sized passengers
