Toyota introduces high-end Tundra 1794 Edition
Toyota rolled out the third generation of its San Antonio-built Tundra pickup line just three years ago, and even though there’s a wide range of models available, none shouts “Texas” quite as loudly — and proudly — as the Tundra 1794 Edition.
This version returns for 2017 with a starting price of $47,080 (plus $1,195 freight) for the rear-drive version, and $50,130 for the four-wheel-drive model.
Most of the 1794 model’s amenities are the same for the Tundra Platinum version, which is priced the same. Both also come exclusively with the Crew Cab configuration and the larger 5.7-liter V-8 engine.
Differentiating it from the Platinum model is the 1794 Edition’s Western them.
In the Tundra, besides being offered only in the fullsize cab style, the 1794 Edition is available only with a short cargo box — 5-foot-5.
Our test vehicle was the four-wheel-drive version, which has the advantage of being able to go just about anywhere. For those who don’t need that capability, the two-wheel-drive model is still just as fancy.
For those not familiar with the site of the Toyota plant in San Antonio, the 1794 Edition reflects the year of the founding of the ranch upon which the manufacturing facility was built in the mid-2000s on the city’s far south side.
Included in the unique features of this special Tundra are saddle-brown premium leather seats with embossedleather and suede accents; and a four-spoke, leatherwrapped steering wheel with wood-grain accents.
The front bucket seats are large and living room recliner-like, and the back seat is as long and comfortable as a leather couch, with plenty of room for up to three people. No one is cramped sitting back there, thanks to plenty of knee- and legroom, even with the front seats moved back to accommodate larger people. Soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin, trimming the shift console, doors and instrument panel.
A center console between the front seats has a tray on top to keep small electronics secure while driving, and there are three cupholders, along with USB, power and audio-input connections in front of the cupholders, with another area perfect for holding smartphones or an iPod.
Among other standard features are heated and ventilated front seats, Toyota’s 12-speaker Entune Premium JBL Audio with navigation, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, a sixway power front passenger seat, a power tilt/slide sunroof with shade, and a power vertical rear window with privacy glass.
New just last year, there is a larger fuel tank, with a capacity of 38 gallons — up from 26.4 gallons in the previous model. That tank is also included on Tundra Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro models. These trims also got a new integrated Trailer Brake Control system.
Other features found on the 1974 Edition include dual-zone automatic climate control with separate settings for the driver and front passenger; an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and universal garage/gate opener; and a 60/40 split-fold-up rear seat, which allows for creation of an enclosed cargo area when the seat isn’t needed for passengers.
As nice as the interior looks, the outside may be even more appealing. Included are 20-inch alloy wheels. Our test vehicle came with the Sunset Bronze Mica exterior color, and included such extra touches as 20-inch chrome wheels ($220) and running boards ($345).
Included are heated/power outside mirrors with builtin turn signals, and separate, smaller manually adjustable convex mirror strips at the bottom to show traffic in the adjacent lanes. There is also a locking tailgate, along with a deck-rail system for tying down cargo.
Cockpit features include a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, as well as front and rear sonar parking aids, which warned whenever the vehicle was approaching an obstacle such as a pole or another vehicle.
A backup camera system was included, with the image showing up on the seven-inch dash monitor for the audio/navigation system. Also standard on the 1794 Edition are a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Power came from the top engine available in the Tundra, the 5.7-liter V-8 with a hefty 381 horsepower and 401 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, which shifted smoothly just when it needed to.
The part-time four-wheel drive is controlled by a rotary switch on the dash to the right of the steering column, and has four-wheel-drive high and low-range modes for serious off-road driving. We never took ours off road, but the four-wheel drive was handy during a few rainy days we encountered during our test drive.
Standard safety features on all Tundra models include electronic stability control with traction control, fourwheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and Toyota’s new Smart Stop accelerator-override technology.