2009 Toyota Tundra

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Toyota's Tundra is available in nearly 60 variations to meet different truck users' needs for 2009, available in two- or 4-wheel drive, three cab styles (regular, Double Cab, and CrewMax), three bed lengths (short, standard, and long), three wheelbases, and with three different engines, one of which (the 5.7L V8) now offers an E85 flex-fuel option.

Each of the three beds is about 22 inches deep and shaped to accept 2x8-foot lumber dividers. The steel tailgate is designed to be opened and closed with just two fingers, and there's also an available Deck Rail system for more individualized cargo arrangements.

Regular cab models are the standard two-door arrangement with one row of seating, the Double Cab offers smaller rear doors for occasional back-seat passengers, and the big CrewMax brings full-size rear doors and seating comparable to that offered in big SUVs. CrewMax models also have a unique reclining and sliding rear seat, while Double Cabs get a folding seat bottom that allows for a flat storage area when the seat isn't in use.

The base engine on regular and Double Cab standard-bed models is a 236-horsepower, 4.0L V6; CrewMax and Double Cab long-bed models get a standard 4.7L V8 making 271 horsepower. A 5.7L "iForce" V8 making 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque is available on all models, and on 4x4 Tundras, in some regions, the engine can be optioned to run on E85 ethanol/gasoline blend. All of the engines meet the stringent ULEV II emissions certification and run on 87-octane gas. The 4.0L and 4.7L engines are paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, but the 5.7L upgrades to a 6-speed automatic.

All Tundras have a rear suspension design that maintains a level ride height even with a full load; underneath are fully boxed frame rails in front and rolled C-channel members in back. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow nearly 11,000 pounds.

The Tundra has more standard safety features than most of its competitors. Front-seat side airbags are standard on all models, along with roll-sensing side-curtain airbags. Also, 4-wheel disc brakes with vehicle stability control are standard on all Tundras.

While the safety features are standard across the line, the Tundra ranges from basic to very luxurious inside depending on the trim level, starting at the very frugal base model and going all the way up to the very well-appointed Limited.

Different Tundra models are available in a base, or "Tundra Grade" trim, as well as SR5 and Limited trim levels. The SR5 and Limited Double Cab and CrewMax get standard equipment like power front seats, 6-disc CD changer, heated mirrors and mud guards.

Inside, all models have a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, door handles and control knobs designed to be operated with gloves, and a huge upper glovebox designed to hold a Thermos, plus a center console large enough for a laptop or file storage. Interior power outlets stay live for two hours after the ignition is switched off.

The Limited model includes all the interior luxury features offered in full-size SUVs, such as dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats, and a 440-watt JBL surround-sound system.

A TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road Package is optional on the Tundra, bringing an off-road suspension, off-road tires, skid plates, fog lamps and more. New TRD Sport and TRD Rock Warrior packages include special color-keyed bumpers. Rock Warrior also gets a special TRD-tuned off-road suspension, and both offer unique wheels.

Other notable options include a DVD-based navigation with rearview camera, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and larger 20-inch wheels.
Following a 2007 redesign and several updates last year, the Tundra enters 2009 with few changes. Among them is the availability of E85 flex-fuel versions of 5.7L 4x4 models. Also, two new options packages will be available for Tundra-TRD Sport and TRD Rock Warrior. The former gets color-keyed front and rear bumpers and the latter gets a color-keyed front bumper and a matte-black rear bumper. Rock Warrior also gets a special TRD-tuned off-road suspension, and both offer unique wheels.
Safety features; towing and hauling ability; thoughtful interior design; performance with 5.7L engine.
The 2009 Tundra CrewMax has best-in-class legroom, according to Toyota, and offers the only reclining and sliding rear seat among pickups. The Tundra also offers one of the best-designed interiors, with plenty of storage space and easy access to the backseat area. The 5.7L engine is more powerful than what is offered by some of Tundra's competitors, with hauling and towing ability near the top of the segment. Safety is also a strong selling point, as Tundra is the first full-size pickup to have stability control, front side airbags and rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags standard across the model line.