For many Toyota Tundra fans the 2014 re-design was a huge disappointment, what does that mean for the 2015 edition? The truck landscape is going to change dramatically in 2014, will Toyota respond? If so, here is our list of changes we see or would like to see.
What do you want to see in the 2015 Toyota Tundra? Here is our list.
Before we begin with our list, let’s understand that in the fall of 2014, we will see the GM Twins re-introduced with some impressive MPG and towing gains on Ford without a big price increase. Ram will release their diesel version of the 1500. Ford will undoubtedly counter this challengers in 2015, will Toyota follow suit. If they want to keep their market share, they had better. Plus, we are getting closer to those 2016 CAFE standards that will force all manufactures to implement new systems to get better MPG.
Let’s also be clear that there will probably not be any big changes in 2015 rather just modifications. However, who knows with the fast pace of changes coming from other manufactures.
Definite Changes:
- Trim Packages Changes – some of the trim package offerings will probably be “re-evaluated” and we could see tires and navigation systems moved up and down trim offerings. Granted not a big change and at all, but very likely to happen.
- Minor Aerodynamic Improvements – odds are high that after substantial real-world testing by 2014 owners, Toyota engineers will improve the truck’s aerodynamics. This will probably be accomplished by enhancing the benefits of the Aerofins and by improving the fit and finish of exterior pieces. This won’t be a substantial change, rather small changes.
- Direct Injection – You know it has to come out at some point. Why not in 2015? Toyota is really falling behind by not offering it yet.
- Engine stop-start. We thought this system would have been in the 2014 edition, but it wasn’t. Look this system is not without its critics, however, with the looming CAFE standards looming in 2016, Toyota is going to have to start doing something.
Likely Changes:
We thought these would come in 2014. They should be coming, is 2015 the year?
- Variable valve lift. Variable valve timing (VVT) is commonplace, but variable valve lift is still a newer feature on most vehicles. Toyota, long a fan of VVT, currently has a couple of engines running a variable-valve lift system. This should make it’s way into all Toyota vehicles in by the middle of the decade.
- Electric steering. Hydraulic steering pumps are less efficient than electric motors. GM and Ford both plan to move this into their full-size trucks soon, and Toyota will likely follow. In fact, this will be a common feature industry wide.
Possible Changes:
- Future Powertrain Engine Announcement. We all know that Toyota is really tight-lipped on future plans, but with the rush from Ram and GM to offer diesels in the compact and ½ ton market, Toyota HAS to be planning something. Or well, we HOPE they are planning on something. Could they pull a Nissan and make a major announcement at the Chicago Auto Show?
- Rock Warrior with a Rear Locking Differential. It is unlikely that all Toyota Tundra’s will get a locking rear differential, but it should be part of the Rock Warrior package. When is Toyota going to get serious about competing with the other off-road machines (Ford SVT Raptor or Ram Runner)? Adding a stock rear locking differential to a small package truck isn’t rock science and can be integrated into the assembly process. There are after-market suppliers waiting in droves to help Toyota get this accomplished. With the new “truck” guy in Mike Sweers directing the future of the truck, this should be on the table.
Unlikely Changes:
HD version. There are a host of reasons that there won’t be a HD version with a diesel fuel option. Among the biggest? Lack of infrastructure and incredible obstacles in this category with regards to brand loyalty.
6.5’ bed. No we don’t really understand why they don’t offer it either, but they don’t. Unless, the 6.5′ foot bed catches fire with other truck makers, it is highly unlikely Toyota will offer this.
* We didn’t mention a larger fuel tank because, well, we don’t really know for sure if it is or it isn’t in the 2014 edition. Trust us though that if it isn’t coming, we will hammer our Toyota contacts to know why.
That’s our list, what’s yours? What was missing in the 2014 announcement that you would like to see?
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