Pronounced “tack-AH-meter,” this instrument is usually mounted next to the speedometer and indicates the engine’s crankshaft rotation in revolutions per minute (RPM, not “RPMs”). On vehicles with manual shifting, the tachometer can assist the driver in selecting the appropriate gear for the existing conditions. On a dial type (analog) tachometer, speeds above the safe operating limit are typically indicated by a red mark. This is why the maximum safe operating speed of an engine is called the “redline.”

Useful, thoughtful, wonderful. A feature on the second-generation Tundra, Tailgate Assist consists of a gas-charged strut that helps reduce the effort needed to raise and lower the tailgate. To help protect it from the weather and from cargo during loading/unloading, the assist strut is housed inside the bed near the taillight assembly.

Heat-treated glass used in side and rear windows that breaks into small, blunt pieces to reduce the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident.

Refers to a material’s ability to stretch without tearing or fracturing, such as the high-strength steel used in a vehicle’s body and chassis. Under severe loads, such as collision impact, high-tensile-strength steel can stretch and absorb energy, resisting breaking or tearing away from other structures it is attached to.

Tie that mother down! Located in the lower corners of a pickup bed, these cleats are a secure anchor point for tie-downs and rope that can help hold cargo more securely in place.

Because not all drivers are created equal, this feature allows you to move the steering wheel forward or back, up or down, to find the most comfortable driving position.

A textured leather with a wavy pattern and high spots that are highlighted with a color that differs from the rest of the material, resulting in a rich, structured look.

Small, underbody spoilers positioned in front of each wheel that reduce wind resistance by diverting air around the tires.

A contraction of Torque Sensing, this differential design automatically sends greater torque to the wheel or axle with more grip or resistance (usually more traction). Torsen^® limited-slip center differentials can be used on the front axle of a FWD, the rear axle of a RWD, or between the axles of an AWD or 4WD vehicle. Toyota currently uses a planetary-type Torsen^® limited-slip center differential in the 4-wheel-drive system of some SUVs.

A type of front suspension that incorporates torsion bars, or straight steel rods that absorb energy when twisted. One end of the torsion bar is rigidly mounted to the vehicle frame and the other is attached to the suspension, most often at the lower control arm. As the control arm pivots up and down, it twists the bar. Spring action occurs because the rod will untwist when pressure is released, much like a coil spring will rebound after compression.

Consisting of two longitudinal trailing arms and a lateral torsion spring between them, a torsion beam resembles a giant steel “H.” The leading ends of the trailing arms are attached to the chassis below the rear seat, and the trailing ends are attached to the wheel hubs. The trailing ends of the “H” are also the attachment points for the weight-bearing coil springs and the shock absorbers. This simple, lightweight, cost-effective suspension is both a spring and the main locating and aligning device for the rear wheels.

This feature places a duplicate image of the steering wheel-mounted controls in the instrument panel. A quick glance at the display allows the driver to confirm which button was pushed without having to look down at the steering wheel.

Say goodbye to dials and buttons. This LCD panel operates the heating, ventilation and air conditioning functions, and is often part of the navigation system.

Easily access most functions by simply touching buttons, numbers, words or icons displayed on a flat LCD screen. With this capability, the number of additional buttons and controls is dramatically reduced.

Allows the driver to choose 2WD, 4WD or low range (4WD low) with the touch of a button. Touch-Select eliminates the need for a separate 4WD shifter.

The starting point of your heroic gesture. Fitted primarily on 4WD vehicles, a tow hook is an exposed metal loop attached to the front or rear of the truck frame, and is used to secure a recovery strap so a stuck vehicle can be pulled free.

Sideview mirrors that telescope outward to give the driver an improved field of vision down the side of a wide trailer. Tundra’s tow mirrors include premium features like remote control, a mirror heater, turn-signal light and running light. Tow mirrors are part of the Tundra Tow Package, available only on models with the 5.7-liter engine.

Includes all the good stuff you need to tow a trailer that falls within your vehicle’s tow rating. A basic Tow Package starts with the hitch and prewired trailer brake controller, while more advanced packages may include auxiliary coolers for the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid; a larger radiator and upgraded fan; and a heavy-duty alternator, depending on the application. Special tow mirrors that telescope outward for increased visibility are offered on select packages.

(See “Tow Mirror”)

The icon of towing. The receiver attaches to the truck frame and can accept or “receive” different types and sizes of hitches (or “ball mounts”). Receiver openings are usually square and range in size from 1.0 to 2.5 inches, depending on the weight class of the hitch. The receiver can also be used to mount utility accessories such as bike racks or winches.

Direct ignition systems like TDI have replaced the conventional rotor, distributor, coil, condenser and spark plug wires with a single ignition coil for each cylinder. With this arrangement, the accuracy and reliability of ignition timing are both improved. Direct ignition systems receive primary timing signals from the intake and exhaust camshafts and crankshaft position sensor.

It’ll help you get a grip. By interpreting data from the ABS wheel-speed sensors, TRAC can tell if a drive wheel is turning faster than a non-drive wheel, which indicates loss of traction. When TRAC detects slippage, the system can automatically reduce engine power until the wheel that is slipping slows and regains traction. If reducing engine power isn’t enough, the braking system will gradually slow that wheel through pulsed brake action.

A suspension component consisting of a longitudinal member that pivots from the body at its forward end and has a wheel hub attached at the other end (the trailing end, that is).

Part transmission, part axle. Get it? Typically used in FWD vehicles, this arrangement integrates the differential with the transmission, while half shafts connected to the differential drive the front wheels. Transaxles are also used with some front-engine, all-wheel-drive vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Highlander.

Essentially a second transmission for a second set of drive wheels. On a FWD-based vehicle, the transfer case takes power from the transaxle and delivers it to the rear wheels via a drive shaft. On a RWD-based vehicle, the transfer case takes power from the transmission and delivers it to the front wheels via a drive shaft.

A unique feature of the second-generation Toyota Tundra, the rear leaf springs are mounted in a “toe out” or trapezoidal arrangement. That is, the front spring eyes are mounted wider on the frame than the rear shackles, which improves overall stability. The advantages of the trapezoidal arrangement include reduced lateral (side-to-side) movement of the axle, reduced body roll and improved straight-line tracking while towing.

No road? No problem. Designed for pickup trucks and SUVs that will be used in challenging terrain, this suspension includes Bilstein^® shock absorbers, progressive-rate front springs and BFGoodrich^® off-road tires. On some vehicles, it also includes a unique front stabilizer bar.

Throw the curves a curve. Designed for pickup trucks and SUVs that will be used primarily for on-road driving, the TRD Sport Package enhances handling and responsiveness with Bilstein^® shock absorbers, a 30-mm front stabilizer bar, linear-rate front springs and 265/65R17 tires.

A combination of two systems: the dual zone (driver and front passenger) and rear climate controls.

Toyota’s unique design of longitudinal frame rails for the second-generation Tundra, incorporating three different styles of construction to address different vehicle dynamics: a fully boxed front section, a rolled-lip, reinforced C-channel in the middle section, and an open C-channel design under the cargo bed. By taking advantage of each of these frame designs, a Toyota TripleTech™ frame provides strength where it’s needed most, yet delivers a more comfortable ride and is lighter than a comparable fully boxed frame.

Designed to allow a person to escape from inside a locked trunk, this handle is made from phosphorescent plastic that is visible in the dark and also features easily recognizable graphics to indicate the release function. Starting in 2001, trunk release handles were required on all passenger vehicles equipped with a trunk compartment.

A performance-oriented variant of a standard cast-iron exhaust manifold, a header has an individual, equal-length pipe for each cylinder, with the pipes specially shaped to reduce back pressure. These low-restriction pipes help the engine exhale with little resistance, and in turn, the reduced back pressure helps the engine develop more power.

The acrobat of the seating world, the rear seat cushion can be flipped 180 degrees so the hard undersurface of the cushion becomes level with a hard load surface below. Now you’ve got a flat, level space for storing bulky items inside the vehicle. Flipping the 50/50 split seat cushion also reveals storage compartments that are otherwise hidden when the two separate seat cushions are in place.