2021 Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE (389 Hp) 4×4 ECT-i

The Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed, specifically the 3.5 V6 i-FORCE (389 Hp) 4×4 ECT-i variant, represents Toyota’s third generation of its full-size pickup truck. Introduced in September 2021, this model is a significant departure from its predecessors, focusing on modern technology, improved performance, and enhanced comfort. While the Tundra has been a consistent presence in the North American market since 1999, competing with established American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram, the third generation aims to elevate the Tundra’s position with a more refined and capable offering. The CrewMax configuration denotes a larger rear passenger cabin, and the Short Bed indicates a shorter cargo box length, catering to buyers prioritizing passenger space and maneuverability over maximum cargo capacity.

Toyota Tundra III CrewMax: An Overview

The Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed is positioned within the highly competitive full-size pickup truck segment in the United States. It directly competes with the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, and GMC Sierra. Toyota redesigned the Tundra from the ground up for the 2022 model year, moving away from the previous generation’s V8-only engine lineup to incorporate a more modern twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This shift reflects a broader industry trend towards increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, while still delivering the power and capability expected of a full-size truck. The ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission – intelligent) system further optimizes transmission performance based on driving conditions.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, designated V35A-FTS. This engine produces 389 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 649 Nm (478.68 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. The engine utilizes a twin-turbocharger setup with an intercooler, along with direct and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its robust power output and relatively efficient operation. Power per liter is rated at 112.9 Hp/l. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The powertrain is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission (ECT-i) that delivers power to all four wheels via a permanent rear-wheel-drive system with an electronically or mechanically operated clutch for engaging the front axle when needed. This configuration provides both on-road refinement and off-road capability. The weight-to-power ratio is 6.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 3.8 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 12.4 l/100 km combined (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l), with 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) in urban settings and 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) on the highway.

Design & Features

The Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed features a traditional pickup truck body style with a four-door crew cab and a short cargo bed. The vehicle’s dimensions are 5933 mm (233.58 in.) in length, 2037 mm (80.2 in.) in width, and 1981 mm (77.99 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 3701 mm (145.71 in.). The truck boasts a ground clearance of 236 mm (9.29 in.). The drag coefficient is 0.36. Key design elements include a bold front grille, prominent headlights, and a muscular stance. The interior is designed with a focus on comfort and technology, featuring a modern dashboard layout, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and premium materials. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. The vehicle’s kerb weight ranges from 2445 to 2490 kg (5390.3 – 5489.51 lbs.), with a maximum weight of 3279-3529 kg (7228.96 – 7780.11 lbs.) and a maximum load capacity of 834-1039 kg (1838.66 – 2290.6 lbs.). It has a fuel tank capacity of 85 liters (22.45 US gal, 18.7 UK gal) and a permitted trailer load with brakes of 5062 kg (11159.8 lbs.).

Technical Specifications

The Toyota Tundra III CrewMax Short Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE represents a significant step forward for Toyota in the full-size pickup truck segment, offering a compelling combination of power, technology, and comfort.