The Toyota Tundra I Access Cab (facelift 2002) SR5 4.7i V8, produced from 2005 to 2006, represents Toyota’s initial significant foray into the full-size pickup truck market in North America. Designed to compete with established American manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge, the Tundra aimed to offer a blend of reliability, capability, and value. The “Access Cab” configuration provided an extended cab with smaller rear doors and seating, offering a compromise between the standard cab and the larger crew cab models. This generation Tundra was pivotal in establishing Toyota as a serious contender in the highly competitive American truck segment.
Toyota Tundra I Access Cab: An Overview
The Tundra I, particularly the facelifted 2002-2006 models, was a crucial step for Toyota in understanding and catering to the specific needs of American truck buyers. While not achieving the sales volume of its domestic rivals during its initial run, it garnered a reputation for durability and build quality. The SR5 trim level, as featured here with the 4.7-liter V8 engine, represented a well-equipped offering, balancing comfort and capability. The Access Cab body style broadened the Tundra’s appeal to customers needing occasional rear-seat passenger space or a more secure area for cargo.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra I Access Cab SR5 is the 2UZ-FE 4.7-liter V8 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 282 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine features a robust cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, contributing to its longevity. Power is delivered through a 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels, providing the driver with full control. The weight-to-power ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp (137.9 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4.6 kg/Nm (215.2 Nm/tonne) indicate a capable, though not exceptionally quick, performer. Fuel economy is rated at 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) in urban driving and 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) on the highway. The engine’s displacement of 4664 cm3 (284.61 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 9.6:1 are indicative of a design focused on reliability and low-end torque, characteristics valued in the truck market.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tundra I Access Cab is a traditional body-on-frame pickup truck. The Access Cab configuration features four doors and seating for five passengers. The truck bed offers a substantial 2625 liters (92.7 cu. ft.) of cargo space. Stylistically, the 2002 facelift brought updated front-end styling, including a revised grille and headlights, giving the Tundra a more modern appearance. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), a crucial addition for a vehicle of this size and weight. The interior focused on functionality and durability, with materials chosen for their ability to withstand the demands of truck ownership. Ride quality is provided by a double wishbone front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension, a common setup for full-size trucks of this era. The truck’s dimensions – 5545 mm (218.31 in.) in length, 1910 mm (75.2 in.) in width, and 1796 mm (70.71 in.) in height – place it squarely within the full-size pickup truck category. A ground clearance of 264 mm (10.39 in.) provides reasonable off-road capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tundra |
| Generation | Tundra I Access Cab (facelift 2002) |
| Type (Engine) | SR5 4.7i V8 (282 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 282 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3400 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2UZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 4664 cm3 (284.61 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 11.7 l (12.36 US qt | 10.29 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2045 kg (4508.45 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2857 kg (6298.61 lbs.) |
| Max load | 812 kg (1790.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2625 l (92.7 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 l (26.42 US gal | 22 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3221 kg (7101.09 lbs.) |
| Length | 5545 mm (218.31 in.) |
| Width | 1910 mm (75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1796 mm (70.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3259 mm (128.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1681 mm (66.18 in.) |
| Rear track | 1648 mm (64.88 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 264 mm (10.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.6 m (44.62 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 26° |
| Departure angle | 23° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual 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 |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 16 |
The Toyota Tundra I Access Cab SR5 4.7i V8, while facing stiff competition, established Toyota as a viable player in the full-size pickup truck market. Its blend of reliability, capability, and a comfortable interior made it an attractive option for buyers seeking an alternative to the traditional American brands. The 2005-2006 models, with their facelifted styling, represented a refinement of the original Tundra concept, paving the way for future generations of Toyota trucks.
