2015 Toyota Tundra Platinum

"This truck feels so tough we got a complex driving it."

VIDEO INDEX
0:00 – 0:51 Intro
0:51 - 1:50 So Big
1:51 - 5:00 In the Shoppe with Turbowski
5:00 - 8:43 Driving Impressions
8:46 - 12:02 Interior Impressions
12:02 Conclusions

2015 Toyota Tundra

Our last vehicle of the winter months and rightly so, the 2015 Toyota Tundra Platinum is the tarted up pseudo luxury model with a monster 5.7L.  The crew max cab gives interior space so expansive that it rivals New York City studio apartments.  Fitting 5 large people inside this truck would be simple.  The 5.5 foot bed is about the right size for those who are mostly using the machine for urban life and café racing.

The motor has the balls you’d expect and the MPG to follow. On our long drives we averaged about 14MPG. That said, this is the motor to get if you plan on buying a Tundra as it is so well suited to the weight and overall dimensions.  Trans feels dated as it’s not the “smartest” on the block.  Shift responsiveness is fairly slow overall but in this class of vehicle it's a moot point.  Comfort and storage are one of the Tundra’s high points as there are 7 cup holders up front, massive armrest and enough space to pack on 200+ lbs. at Dunkin Donuts and still be comfortable.

The interior and exterior were refreshed to be more aggressive, bold and in your face. The jury is out on whether the steroid injections given to this truck will feel genuine to the core buyers.  We found the Tundra’s masculinity excessive and driving it felt intimidating.  Ride quality unloaded was “truckish” with rear end being jumpy, however at no point did it feel unstable.  It drives as you would expect a large truck to behave, brutish and not exactly nimble.  Steering feel is numb but purposeful with good turning radius and little effort.

Overall interior features such as dual zone climate and seat heaters are welcome add-ons but the infotainment display quality was straight out of 2005.  Feature wise it’s loaded and with a solid reputation, great motor and simple self service (excluding motor) it should be a safe pick.

Watch the video review for more detail.