Construction workers aren’t the only ones driving full-size pickup trucks. Now more than ever, families are enjoying the benefits of truck ownership. Whether it involves towing an RV, piling the bikes into the back, or hauling a load of groceries, a pickup is a good option.

To appeal to a broader audience, automakers are making valuable family-friendly changes. Improved comfort and advanced safety features are meeting the demands of active families, especially when it comes to the Toyota Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra: a family-friendly full-size pickup

The Toyota Tundra is an enjoyable ride for all passengers. Even a family of six can fit comfortably with plenty of legroom. Opting for front bucket seats reduces the seating capacity to five passengers but improves the comfort level considerably. 

Four doors are recommended for easy access to all seats. The crew cab model offers generous rear-seating, with room for child safety seats. For extra storage space, the seats flip up so you can load groceries or other items.

The Toyota Tundra has strategically placed storage compartments to fit laptops, bags, water bottles, soccer balls, and more. The center console is huge, with great hidden storage and easily accessible USB ports.

There are three bed size options to accommodate large items, with a cargo volume of 56.9 cubic feet. Although this is less room than other trucks in its class, it still provides ample cargo-carrying capabilities.

Safety

The Tundra received a four-star safety rating from NHTSA. Recognizing the need for safety for the whole family, Toyota is head and shoulders above the competition with its new advanced features. A rearview camera and forward-collision warning system detect pedestrians or other obstacles in the path of the vehicle.

Automatic emergency braking, pre-collision alert, and lane departure warning make driving a large truck a lot easier. The sway warning is a valuable feature when towing. Blind-spot monitors and parking sensors are available options, too.

Predicted reliability

In the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Toyota Tundra was named the most reliable full-size light-duty pickup truck. It received a 4.5/5 score. J.D. Powers determines the score by analyzing the number of problems owners reported over a three-year span.

Additional features

A 6.1-inch touch screen monitor is standard in the Toyota Tundra with smartphone integration, voice recognition, and Bluetooth capabilities. The push-button keyless ignition start is a great feature for busy parents.

The dual-zone climate control works nicely with the front heated and ventilated seats. Satellite radio, a navigation system, moonroof, and performance upgrades for off-road driving can also be added.

Consumer Reports testing 

Consumer Reports noted that owners are satisfied with their driving experience. The Tundra fell short though when it came to emergency handling and braking. The road test proved the vehicle to be larger and bulkier to handle than the competition.

The rear wheels seemed to slip from the powerful thrust of the V8 engine, and stopping was tough on wet and dry surfaces. The Toyota Tundra received an overall score of 63/100 with Consumer Reports. This score was pulled down by the marginal crash test scores from IIHS.

The Toyota Tundra overall

The full-size Toyota Tundra has space, comfort, safety features, and upgraded features that families want. The 38-gallon gas tank keeps the truck running for long hauls, but does get expensive at the gas pumps. Fuel economy is 13 MPG city/17 MPG highway.

The size of the truck makes parking a challenge, but there’s enough clearance for most parking garages. Toyota understands that families want a truck that can handle the demands of work and home. The Tundra faces those challenges head-on with everything a family needs.