New 2012 Toyota Tundra truck flush with options

The 2012 Tundra grade Double Cab (pictured) and CrewMax models have four packages: A Convenience Package, Convenience Package with Bucket Seats, Upgrade Package and SR5 Package.

The Toyota Tundra DoubleCab and CrewMax also have an optional Chrome Package that includes chromed exhaust top, side mirrors, door handles and chrome-clad 18-inch steel wheels.

The 2012 Tundra Regular Cab offers four option packages that are revised from what was offered in 2011: The SR5 Package, SR5 Upgrade Package, TRD Off-Road Package and Color-Keyed Bumper Package.

Then there's the optional TRD Off-Road Package, which combines off-road tuned suspension featuring Bilstein gas-charged mono-tube shock absorbers, P275 / 65 R18 BFGoodrich off-road tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, plus fog lamps, fuel tank skid plates and TRD Off-Road graphics.

The available TRD Rock Warrior Special Edition package combines a tough off-road look with rugged off-road capability. Available only as a 4x4, the truck includes Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch TRD Rock Warrior forged alloy wheels with LT285 / 70 R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T / A KO tires.

The package is available in black, red, gray metallic or white exterior colors with color-keyed front bumper and grille surround with matte black rear bumper. The Rock Warrior Tundra is also equipped with fog lamps, privacy glass and front bucket seats with 8-way adjustable driver's seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat and black fabric-trimmed seating surfaces.

The 2012 Toyota Tundra comes in Tundra and Limited grades, Regular, Double Cab and Crew Max cab styles, three wheelbase lengths (126.8, 145.7 and 164.6 inches) and three bed lengths (78.7 and 97.6 for most Tundras, and 66.7 inches for CrewMax only).

The 2012 Tundra can be equipped with one of three very powerful engines: A 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, a 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower.

The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine in Tundra Regular and Double Cab models offers 278 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission with uphill / downhill shift logic.

The 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8, an upgrade over the base engine, delivers more horses and 327 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 is the premium choice with 401 lb.-ft. of torque. Both i-Force V8 engines have 6-speed automatic transmissions.

All Tundra engines have aluminum cylinder blocks, with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence for a broad torque curve.

A Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers or customers who need a tough, no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The package has heavy-duty vinyl-trimmed seating surfaces, and heavy-duty all-weather flooring. It is available as a Regular or Double Cab with your choice of engine.

The Platinum Package for the Tundra CrewMax Limited has many luxuries, like heated and ventilated front bucket seats with embroidered headrests, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces, power tilt / slide moonroof with sliding sunshade and wood-grain-style interior trim.

The Limited grade and available TRD Rock Warrior package both include a standard back-up camera for 2012. All Tundras have a standard heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty starter, windshield wiper de-icer, steel wheels, daytime running lights, front and rear mudguards and heated, power mirrors.

The Tundra is equipped with standard 18-inch styled steel wheels with P255 / 70 R18 tires. Limited grade models get standard 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with wider P275 / 65 R18 tires and optional 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P275 / 55 R20 tires.

Standard are 4-wheel disc brakes with large ventilated rotors, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Automatic Limited-Slip Differential and traction control.

Tundra 4x4 models use a 4-wheel drive system to provide 4x2, 4x4 Hi and 4x4 Lo ranges. The driver selects the drive mode using a dial on the dash.

An available Tow Package on all V8s boosts towing capacity up to 10,400 pounds. The optional Tow Package upgrades the Tundra’s cooling and electrical systems. An integrated engine oil cooler helps handle the demands of towing under a full load, and a power steering fluid cooler is added also.

The Tundra has been around a long time and there's a reason for that. One measurement of its high quality and dependability is award recognition.

IntelliChoice named the Tundra a 2011 Best Overall Value in the full-size pickup segment, and Tundra was named Most Dependable Large Pickup for the sixth straight year in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study.

Reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Toyota