Hasn't enyone ever heard of the term.. smaller is better???

I believe this new Tundra is starting out to be a controversial product for them. They have taken quite a bit of flack from some circles, (probably including this one) for their flamboyant promotion of this gas-thirsty product. It suprises me on some levels. I would have thought that if Toyota was going to do a serious full size pick-up like this one, that right away they would make a hybrid, and tout "Full-size pickup with the highest fuel economy in its class". Instead, they offer essentially the same as everyone else. No magic in the Toyota hat this time.

before we all go bashing toyota, look at the specs:
toyota's 5.7L engine generates 381 hp and 401 lb-ft, while getting 14/18 mpg in Tundra's 4x4 mode.
ford's 5.4L engine generates 300 hp and 365 lb-ft, while getting the same economy in a 4x4 f-150 pickup.
then there's GM's vortec engine, getting only 353 hp and 373 lb-ft out of a whopping 6L. (though interestingly enough, this engine gets 15/19 mpg in both 2x4 and 4x4 modes inside gmc's sierra pickup)

so. toyota manages to create a larger engine with a greater output while maintaining the same fuel economy (and also provides 6-speed automatic transmissions). that's bad since when?

I don't blame Toyota either for making what people want to buy. Many, many people hold them on such a high pedestal though for the advent of the Prius, however it always seems to go forgotten that they sell a boat load of Tundras, Sequoias, 4 Runners, and to a lesser extent, Land Cruisers too. GM, Ford, and Chrysler sell gas guzzlers and get lots of bashing, but it seems so often Toyota may quietly do the same, and gets no flack for it what so ever. Some will say now that Toyota is still better than Detroit for selling the Prius. The Prius is a wonderful idea, but when was the last time you saw a commercial pushing those cars? In contrast, everywhere you go, you will see ads pushing the new big Tundra. That is painful for many to here, but it is the truth.

Incidentally, I am not a Toyota hater and Detroit lover. I just think we can't look at Toyota with rose colored glasses all the time. They are the same as everyone else---they chase the money.

My thoughts are that if you do not like the design and qualities of the machine, do not buy it. Vote with your dollars. One thing that can be said of Toyota is that when the market votes, they respond swiftly.
Perhaps they were also worried about the large Lexus SUVs seeming 'down-on-power'. They have different brands that are competitive in those segments (Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Acura, Audi, etc.), and it may be wiser to compare the efficiency and power levels of the new 5.7 liter Toyota to the power and efficiency of the Mercedes', Infiniti's and others. It just so happens that this high output gem also will work in a work-a-day pickup at somewhat reduced level of sophistication.

try a 2 and half litre landrover to cover all the tasks above , no one "needs" 5.7 litres but then that is what all the problem is about . This all very depressing !

"Toyota is giving people what they want" is a statement from a previous poster. Really? Do people want substandard CRASH and SAFETY standards? Or do they want an open C channel frame while the industry (domestic) has gone to "hydro-formed" boxed frames which are stronger? The Tundra reminds me of one of those foam muscle man suits, it looks tough, but underneath it ain't.

When you all throw out your torque figures for Toyota vs Ford, Dodge and Chevy did you look at the power bands relationship to RPM vs torque and horsepower? Or did you swallow the BS spewed by Toyota?

What good is 400lbs of torque at 4000 + RPM vs peak torque at under 3000 RPM for max HP and torque in FOOT POUNDS (NOT POUNDS FEET as some so called "auto journalist" attempting to sound smart would use)?

I admit I don't like Japanese cars and trucks and for numerous reasons, but Toyota's claims on Tundra are BS. I'll take a 3inch leaf spring with real bolts over a 2 1/2 inch with half the bolt size.