2006-2009 Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab 5.7 V8 32V (381 Hp) Automatic

The Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab, produced between 2006 and 2009, represented Toyota’s second foray into the full-size pickup truck market in North America. Designed specifically to appeal to American truck buyers, the Tundra II was a significant departure from its predecessor, boasting increased size, power, and capability. This generation aimed to directly compete with established domestic manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. The Regular Cab configuration, with its two doors and three-seat capacity, catered to buyers prioritizing functionality and work-oriented needs over passenger space. The 5.7-liter V8 engine option, detailed here, was the top-tier powertrain offering, emphasizing performance and towing capacity.

Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab: A Detailed Overview

The Tundra II marked a substantial investment by Toyota in the American truck market. It was engineered and designed with American preferences in mind, resulting in a vehicle that was larger and more powerful than the first-generation Tundra. The Regular Cab model, while less popular than the extended cab and crew cab versions, provided a more affordable entry point into the Tundra lineup and remained a practical choice for commercial users and those needing a robust work truck. The 5.7L V8 engine was a key selling point, offering a substantial increase in horsepower and torque compared to the available V6 option.

Engine & Performance

The heart of this Tundra variant is the 3UR-FE 5.7-liter V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 381 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 544 Nm (401.23 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine features a 94 mm bore and 102 mm stroke, resulting in a displacement of 5663 cm³ (345.58 cu. in.). Utilizing a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology, the 3UR-FE delivers a broad torque curve suitable for both everyday driving and demanding tasks like towing and hauling. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The weight-to-power ratio of 5.8 kg/Hp (171.8 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4.1 kg/Nm (245.3 Nm/tonne) demonstrate the engine’s ability to move the substantial weight of the truck effectively. Fuel economy is rated at 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg) in urban conditions and 11.7 l/100 km (20.1 US mpg, 24.1 UK mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.

Design & Features

The Toyota Tundra II Regular Cab is a traditional body-on-frame pickup truck. Its design prioritized ruggedness and functionality. The two-door configuration offers a relatively compact footprint compared to extended or crew cab models, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The interior, while not luxurious, was designed for durability and ease of use. Standard features included air conditioning, a basic audio system, and power windows and locks. Safety features for the time included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The truck’s suspension consists of a double wishbone setup at the front and a traditional leaf spring arrangement at the rear, optimized for load-carrying capacity. The Tundra II Regular Cab boasts a substantial towing capacity, capable of handling up to 4717 kg (10399.2 lbs) with brakes, making it a versatile tool for work and recreation. Ground clearance is a generous 259 mm (10.2 in), enhancing its off-road capability.

Technical Specifications