Model tested: 2024 Toyota Tundra HV 4×4 Platinum CrewMax 5.5
Engine: 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 hybrid
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 437
Torque: 583-lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 19/city, 22/highway, 20/combined
Base price: $68,705
As tested: $74,317
Overview: The 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid 4×4 Platinum CrewMax is a long name for a full-size pickup that’s as long on desirable features as its name. The combination of pleasant highway and city driving with the ability to conquer very rugged off-road terrain in complete comfort and safety makes an attractive package. The luxury and comfort factor is very high, as is its utility factor.
Walkaround: The Toyota Tundra follows the current design trend of big, angular body cues with exaggerated fenders, hood bulges and grilles that would be at home on a semi. The lined 5.5-foot bed had a power source, excellent lighting and notches for cross-boards and other cargo aids. Tailgate operation was light and easy. The 20-inch, all-terrain tires were more highway friendly than rock-crawling aggressive, which provided a pleasant ride. The lifted suspension was reasonable enough that no ladders were necessary for cab access. Large grab handles helped.
Interior: The Platinum trim level boosted luxury and comfort content with heated and ventilated, leather, power lumbar front seats and an excellent panoramic roof. The driver’s seat had power thigh support. The excellent heated leather wheel had power tilt/telescopic. The 14-inch touchscreen was huge and relatively easy to navigate. The back seat was spacious, with heated and vented seats. The split bench seat folded up for flat storage on top of the battery pack. Both rows had great legroom and small item storage.
Behind the wheel: The twin-turbo, hybrid V-6 was so powerful, we thought it was a V-8. Acceleration was great, as was the throaty (but not rowdy) exhaust note. On-ramps and traffic merges were easy and fun. This is not a truck for city parking spaces, but it was comfortable and easy to maneuver on freeways. Fuel economy vacillated between high teens and low 20s — not car hybrid territory but not bad for a large, powerful truck. The hybrid function served more as a power booster than an economy enhancer. The TRD Off-Road Package offered many off-road pluses, such as multiterrain drive modes, a locking rear differential and Bilstein off-rod suspension components. If the trails are wide enough, the Tundra can handle them. It should also do well in winter driving conditions. Towing features were excellent.
Bottom line: The 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid 4×4 Platinum CrewMax with the TRD Off-Road Package is a luxurious, full-size crew cab pickup that’s a great blend of daily driving comfort and utility, along with athletic muscle and technology for weekend adventures.
Comments