2017 Toyota Tundra 4WD 1794 Edition & TRD Off Road $34,990

By most measures, there is a lot to like about the 2017 Toyota Tundra. After all, this is a brawny, full-size truck that can tow up to 10,500 pounds or haul just over a ton of cargo. You also get your choice of one of two available V8 engines. And with a lineup that runs the gamut from basic work truck to posh personal pickup or off-road bruiser, there's bound to be a Tundra that suits your needs. Unfortunately, times have changed in the full-size pickup segment, and the Tundra hasn't seen an all-new generation debut since the 2007 model year. As such, the 2017 Tundra can't match the advancements the current segment leaders have made in some areas. The Ford F-150, for example, offers a weight-saving aluminum body and an optional turbocharged V6 engine that delivers substantial towing and hauling capability with much better fuel economy. Also on that must-consider list should be the Ram 1500 with its available fuel-efficient EcoDiesel powertrain and smooth-riding coil spring rear suspension. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and new Nissan Titan (and heavier-duty Nissan Titan XD) are worth a look, too. Ultimately, the made-in-America 2017 Toyota Tundra has its share of good qualities, but it's not enough to push it to the top of the full-size truck category this year. Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Toyota Tundra includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. A rearview camera is standard on all models. A blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors are optional on the SR5 and Limited; they come standard on the Platinum and 1794 Edition. In government crash testing, the Tundra received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for front-crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tundra extended cab its top rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front impact, side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. During an Edmunds braking test, a Tundra 1794 with 4WD came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is about average for the segment. A 4WD TRD Pro took 134 feet, which isn't much farther, especially considering its all-terrain tires.