The Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab, produced between 2006 and 2009, represents the second generation of Toyota’s full-size pickup truck. Introduced to directly challenge established American manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge, the Tundra II aimed to offer a compelling combination of power, reliability, and features. This generation marked a significant increase in size and capability compared to its predecessor, and was specifically designed to appeal to the North American truck market. The Regular Cab configuration, with its two doors and three-passenger seating, catered to buyers prioritizing functionality and work-oriented needs over passenger space.
Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab: A Detailed Overview
The Tundra II Regular Cab was a pivotal model for Toyota, demonstrating the manufacturer’s commitment to competing in the highly lucrative full-size truck segment. While Toyota had previously offered the Tundra, the second generation represented a substantial investment in engineering and design, resulting in a vehicle that was more competitive in terms of towing capacity, payload, and overall refinement. The Regular Cab model, though less popular than the extended cab and crew cab variants, provided a more affordable entry point into the Tundra lineup and remained a popular choice for commercial users and those needing a robust work truck.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tundra II Regular Cab was the 3UR-FE 5.7-liter V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produced 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401.23 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. Power was delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission to a standard four-wheel-drive (4×4) system. This combination provided ample power for towing, hauling, and navigating various terrains. The weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/Hp (162.3 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.3 kg/Nm (231.8 Nm/tonne) underscored the truck’s robust performance capabilities. Fuel economy was rated at 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg) in urban driving and 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Tundra II Regular Cab boasted a bold and muscular exterior design, reflecting its full-size pickup truck status. The body-on-frame construction provided a solid foundation for demanding tasks. The Regular Cab configuration featured two doors and a three-person bench seat. Interior features, while functional, were geared towards durability and ease of use. Standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an AM/FM radio. Safety features, for the time, included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The truck’s design prioritized practicality and robustness over luxury, aligning with the needs of its target audience. The Tundra II offered a substantial cargo bed, capable of handling significant payloads, and a maximum towing capacity of 4,580 kg (10,097.17 lbs) when equipped with brakes. Ground clearance was a generous 259 mm (10.2 in), enhancing its off-road capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tundra |
| Generation | Tundra II Regular Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 5.7 V8 32V (381 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 381 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 544 Nm @ 3600 rpm (401.23 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 3UR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 5663 cm3 (345.58 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 102 mm (4.02 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2347 kg (5174.25 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3084 kg (6799.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 737 kg (1624.81 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 4580 kg (10097.17 lbs.) |
| Length | 5330 mm (209.84 in.) |
| Width | 2030 mm (79.92 in.) |
| Height | 1925-1930 mm (75.79 – 75.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3220 mm (126.77 in.) |
| Front track | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 259 mm (10.2 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.6 m (44.62 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 27° |
| Departure angle | 26° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R18; 275/65 R18; 275/55 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.0J x 18; 8.0J x 20 |
The Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab, while discontinued after 2009, remains a popular choice in the used truck market due to its reputation for reliability and durability. It represents a significant step forward for Toyota in the full-size truck segment, demonstrating the manufacturer’s ability to compete with established American brands.
