Editor’s note: You may also want to read Autotrader’s Toyota Tundra review for the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years.
The 2014 Toyota Tundra received a significant upgrade over the 2013 model, but at its core it remains the same solid, durable truck that debuted in 2007. Among the most notable changes were a revised interior and upgraded exterior, including plastic bumper panels that can be easily swapped out when scuffed or damaged. In the world of full-size pickups, the Tundra remains hard to beat, even in the face of tough competition from Ford, RAM, Chevrolet and Nissan. But the Tundra has a few extra perks, such as outstanding resale value, near-bulletproof reliability and a coolness factor that scores big with the younger set. It also offers some rare features, such as the CrewMax’s power retractable rear window.
Off-road enthusiasts will naturally gravitate to the SR5 and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) trims, while those who use their pickups as the family wagon will appreciate the roomy and upscale Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition CrewMax trucks. See 2014 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
What We Like
Powerful V8 engine; good repair and reliability record; power rear window; clean, functional cab; huge back seat on CrewMax models
What We Don’t
Only available in half-ton chassis; feedback from the steering and brakes is not as precise as some competitors; poor fuel economy; no diesel option
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The stock 4.0-liter V6 pumps out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic is standard with this engine and helps net an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. This engine is only offered on 2-wheel-drive (2WD) trucks.
The Tundra offers two V8 engine choices. First up is a 4.6-liter V8, good for 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates for this engine are 15 mpg city/19 mpg hwy with 2WD and 14 mpg city/18 mpg hwy with 4-wheel drive (4WD). The real powerhouse, however, is the 5.7-liter V8, rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates of 13 mpg city/18 mpg hwy with 2WD and 13 mpg city/17 mpg hwy with 4WD place it in line with other V8 competitors. Both V8 engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Tundra’s maximum tow capacity is 10,400 pounds (for a Regular Cab model in 4×2 mode).
Standard Features & Options
The 2014 Toyota Tundra is offered in five trims: base, SR5, Limited, 1794 Edition and Platinum. Various configurations can include long and short beds and three cab styles: Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax. Due to the wide variety of possible configurations, we’ll list the basics for each trim and some of the more popular options.
The Tundra Regular Cab features a 40/20/40-split bench front seat, cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD touchscreen audio system with a rear backup camera, a 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, front and rear matte-black bumpers, 18-inch steel wheels, a windshield-wiper de-icer, a tilt steering wheel and black power heated side mirrors. Options for the Regular Cab include a Work Truck package that strips the Tundra of most of its luxuries, replacing them with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats and black step bumpers. The Double Cab gains rear map lights and cupholders, an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and fold-up rear seats.
The Tundra SR5 Double Cab adds chrome bumper end caps, variable wipers, a center-console shifter, a 3.5-in multi-information screen, a manual sliding rear window, Entune audio with 7-in touchscreen and HD Radio. Options for the SR5 Double Cab include 18-in alloy wheels, a deck-rail system for the bed and heated extendable tow mirrors. The SR5 Upgrade package adds a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel. The TRD Off-Road package adds 20-in wheels and tires, Bilstein gas shocks, additional skid plates and tow hooks.
The Limited Double Cab gets a fancier grille, more exterior chrome, the deck-rail system, chrome mirrors, 20-in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats with heated front buckets, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and thigh support, a 4-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support and premium audio with navigation. The Limited Premium package adds front and rear parking sensors, auto up/down power windows and additional interior illumination.
The 4-door Tundra SR5 CrewMax gains an overhead console and power-sliding rear window. The Limited CrewMax shares the same features as the Limited Double Cab but can be equipped with an optional blind spot monitoring system.
The Platinum CrewMax gains a power sunroof, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors, additional exterior chrome embellishments, 12-speaker JBL audio, ventilated front seats and driver’s-seat memory.
The 1794 Edition CrewMax adds unique trim and exterior badges, saddle-brown Ultrasuede and perforated-leather upholstery, and additional padding for the dash, doors and console.
Pricing
As with most Toyota products, the Tundra holds excellent long-term resale values. That’s great news when it comes time to sell your truck, but it also means that purchasing a Tundra won’t come cheap.
To get a good idea of the Tundra’s price range, we suggest checking the Kelley Blue Book used-car values at KBB.com. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are currently for sale in your area.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recalls for the 2014 Toyota Tundra:
A recall was issued for CrewMax and Double Cab models due to possible improper installation of the B-pillar trim that could interfere with the side-curtain airbag’s deployment.
A recall was issued for vehicles modified by Gulf States Toyota. These Tundras may have defective aftermarket 20-in wheels. The chrome coating on the lug nuts may give, causing the lug nuts to loosen or the wheel studs to fracture.
Recall repairs are required by law, even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed and, if not, will fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
NHTSA gave the Tundra CrewMax four out of five stars in its frontal-impact and side-impact crash tests. However, the Tundra Regular Cab and Double Cab each scored only two stars in the same test. All models earned five stars in the side-impact test, while both the Regular and Double Cabs scored three stars in the rollover test, with the CrewMax earning four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tundra CrewMax high marks, scoring its highest rating of Good in the moderate-overlap and side-impact tests.
From the factory, the Toyota Tundra comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties purchased when the vehicle was new are transferable, so be sure to inquire if a possible purchase has an extended plan. With a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tundra, the warranty coverage for the powertrain is extended to 7 years and 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date. CPO vehicles also come with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and 1 year of roadside assistance.
Other Cars to Consider
2014 Ford F-150 — The F-150 offers even more variations, a more sophisticated interior and better fuel economy with its EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, plus it has a higher tow rating when properly equipped.
2014 RAM 1500 — The RAM is more expressive, both inside and out, and its ride is more comfortable than the Tundra’s. The RAM’s base V6 is more powerful than the Tundra’s V6, and there’s even a powerful and fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine option. However, the Tundra has better resale figures.
2014 Nissan Titan — The Titan doesn’t offer as many cab or engine choices as the Tundra, and it can only tow up to 9,300 pounds. The Titan’s ride is also much stiffer, and its resale values are nowhere near the Tundra’s.
Autotrader’s Advice
We think the SR5 Double Cab with the 8-foot bed is the best overall combination of utility, comfort and accommodation. If you have a need to carry four adults regularly, however, check out the CrewMax Limited. No matter which trim you choose, shoot for one with the 5.7-liter V8, although the 4.6-liter V8 is also an acceptable engine choice.
