When it originally debuted near the start of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra was considered by many people to be the first import-brand full-size pickup truck to truly go head-to-head against the Big Three's pickups. It had a lot of things in its favor, including a refined V8 engine and the backing of Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability.

However, the first-generation Toyota Tundra ultimately found more of an audience with recreational pickup buyers than with hard-core users. Not quite full-size in dimensions or work capacity, the Tundra appealed to those seeking an easy-to-drive commuter or utility vehicle capable of handling weekend trips to the local home improvement center. Independent contractors, or those with heavy trailers or boats to pull, were put off by the original Tundra's limited body configurations, smaller size and lower tow ratings.

A redesigned Tundra pickup has arrived, however, and with it Toyota hopes this truck will finally attract serious pickup truck buyers. An American-built half-ton truck with true full-size proportions, the second-generation Tundra features three cab sizes, three bed lengths and a choice of three engines. In every measure, the Toyota Tundra now stands on equal or higher ground than competing half-ton pickups.

Current Toyota Tundra

The full-size, half-ton Toyota Tundra comes in regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax body styles. The Double Cab is essentially a large extended cab with four forward-hinged doors, while the Tundra CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab.

For the regular cab, Toyota offers just a basic Grade trim level only. The Double Cab and CrewMax are available in more upscale SR5 and Limited trim levels. Available bed lengths for the regular cab and Tacoma Double Cabs include both a 6.5-foot and an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes with only a 5.5-foot bed.

With a wider variety of possible configurations, it's now much easier to equip a Tundra for use as both a work vehicle and family hauler. The medium-size Double Cab -- which is now the extended-cab version of the Tundra -- is as large as many competitors' crew cabs, while the massive Tundra CrewMax has the roomiest four-door cab in the full-size segment.

Three engines are available, allowing the second-gen Toyota Tundra to suit almost any need. Standard on the Regular Cab and shorter-bed Double Cab is a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque; optional on these models and standard on all other Tundras is a 4.7-liter V8 putting out 271 horses and 313 lb-ft of torque. Optional for all Tundras is a 5.7-liter V8 cranking out 381 extremely eager hp and 401 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque.

The V6 and smaller V8 come paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, while the larger V8 is hooked to a six-speed automatic. All versions are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

We find the reworked Toyota Tundra to be a remarkable truck, now excelling in all the areas in which its predecessor fell short. For full-size truck buyers with serious towing and hauling requirements, it's a must-drive, as the new big V8 and six-speed automatic combo give it a decided advantage when there's a trailer hitched up.The Tundra also boasts generous interior room, lots of useful features and very good road manners.