2021 Toyota Tundra III Double Cab Long Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE (389 Hp) 4×2 ECT-i

The Toyota Tundra III Double Cab Long Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE (389 Hp) 4×2 ECT-i represents the third generation of Toyota’s full-size pickup truck, a vehicle specifically engineered to compete in the highly demanding North American market. Launched in September 2021, this iteration of the Tundra marked a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing a completely redesigned platform, a sophisticated new powertrain, and a host of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing capability, efficiency, and comfort. The Double Cab Long Bed configuration, in particular, emphasizes utility, offering a spacious cabin for five occupants combined with an extended bed length designed to accommodate substantial cargo and demanding work tasks. This specific 4×2 (rear-wheel drive) variant, powered by the potent 3.5-liter V6 i-FORCE engine, is tailored for drivers who require robust performance and considerable towing capacity without the added complexity or cost of a four-wheel-drive system, focusing on on-road efficiency and rear-wheel-drive traction.

Powertrain and Performance: The i-FORCE Revolution in the Toyota Tundra III Double Cab Long Bed

At the heart of the Toyota Tundra III Double Cab Long Bed 3.5 V6 i-FORCE (389 Hp) 4×2 ECT-i lies a meticulously engineered powertrain, a testament to modern automotive innovation. The 3.5-liter (3445 cm³ or 210.23 cu. in.) V6 i-FORCE engine, designated as model V35A-FTS, is a twin-turbocharged and intercooled unit, a strategic shift from the naturally aspirated V8s that previously dominated the full-size truck segment. This V-engine configuration, with 6 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder, delivers an impressive 389 horsepower at 5200 rpm. More critically for a truck, it produces a formidable 478.68 lb.-ft. (649 Nm) of torque, available from a remarkably low 2400 rpm. This broad and accessible torque band is crucial for pulling heavy loads and confident acceleration, providing the kind of grunt expected from a truck of this caliber.

The engine’s advanced design incorporates a sophisticated fuel injection system that combines both direct injection and multi-port manifold injection, optimizing fuel delivery for both power and efficiency across various operating conditions. Complementing this is a DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), which precisely controls valve operation to maximize performance and minimize emissions. With a compression ratio of 10.4:1 and a bore of 3.37 inches (85.5 mm) paired with a stroke of 3.94 inches (100 mm), the engine is designed for durability and responsive power delivery. The powertrain architecture is internal combustion, driving the rear wheels, a traditional and efficient setup for a 4×2 pickup. Power is seamlessly managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission with ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence), ensuring smooth shifts and optimal gear selection for any driving scenario, from highway cruising to demanding towing.

Despite its formidable power, this Tundra variant demonstrates commendable fuel economy for its class. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 19.9 US mpg (11.8 l/100 km), with urban figures at 18 US mpg (13.1 l/100 km) and extra-urban at 23.1 US mpg (10.2 l/100 km). These figures underscore Toyota’s commitment to efficiency, achieved through the smaller displacement twin-turbo V6 and the advanced 10-speed transmission. The vehicle adheres to the LEV-III emission standard, showcasing its environmental consciousness. With a weight-to-power ratio of 6.2 kg/Hp (162.1 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.7 kg/Nm (270.4 Nm/tonne), the Tundra offers a compelling blend of power and capability, further highlighted by a substantial permitted trailer load with brakes of 11,369.24 lbs (5157 kg) and a towbar download capacity of 1,199.31 lbs (544 kg).

Design and Features: Utility and Modernity Combined

The Toyota Tundra III Double Cab Long Bed embodies a bold and muscular design aesthetic, characteristic of a contemporary American full-size pickup truck. The “Double Cab Long Bed” designation signifies a practical configuration featuring four full-size doors, providing comfortable seating for five occupants, and an extended cargo bed for maximum utility. The truck’s exterior dimensions are substantial, measuring 252.52 inches (6414 mm) in length, 80.2 inches (2037 mm) in width, and 77.99 inches (1981 mm) in height. A generous wheelbase of 164.61 inches (4181 mm) contributes to both cabin space and ride stability, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Designed for both work and daily driving, the Tundra boasts a robust chassis and suspension system. The front suspension utilizes a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, providing precise steering and comfortable ride quality. At the rear, a rigid axle suspension with coil springs replaces the leaf springs of previous generations, significantly improving ride comfort and handling dynamics, particularly when the bed is unladen. This setup, combined with a ground clearance of 9.29 inches (236 mm), offers respectable capability for navigating uneven terrain, despite being a 4×2 variant. The truck’s approach angle of 21 degrees and departure angle of 24 degrees further enhance its ability to tackle varied landscapes, although its primary design intent is for on-road and light-duty off-road applications.

Braking performance is handled by large ventilated discs on both the front (353 mm) and rear (345 mm) axles, ensuring confident stopping power even under heavy loads. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lock-up during emergency braking. Steering is managed by an electric power steering rack-and-pinion system, providing light and responsive control at low speeds for maneuvering, while firming up at higher speeds for stability. The Tundra rides on 265/70 R18 tires mounted on 8J x 18-inch wheel rims, a combination that provides a balance of ride comfort, traction, and durability. The vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency is reflected in a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.36, a respectable figure for a large pickup, contributing to its fuel economy. With a minimum turning circle of 51.84 feet (15.8 meters), maneuvering this long-bed truck in tight spaces is made as manageable as possible for its size.

Technical Specifications