Ever been on a road trip and thought, “Man, I wish my truck could do that”? I sure have. A couple of years back, I borrowed a friend’s Toyota Tundra for a camping trip—big blue beast, just like the one in the photo, with tires that looked ready to eat dirt for breakfast.
I thought I knew everything about it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Turns out, the Tundra is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels, packed with hidden features that Toyota doesn’t exactly shout about.
So, let’s spill the beans on the top 6 hidden features of the Toyota Tundra that owners might miss—and trust me, these could save you some cash, or at least a few gray hairs!
Crawl Control: Your Off-Road Cheat Code
First up, let’s talk about Crawl Control. Sounds like something a spider does, right? Nope—it’s actually a genius off-road feature on Tundra TRD models.
This system acts like an autopilot for rough terrain, automatically managing throttle and brakes so you can focus on steering. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s really good at rock climbing!
You’ll find it on TRD Pro or Off-Road Package trims, usually activated via a button near the gear shift. It works at low speeds—think 1 to 3 mph—and can save you from costly mistakes, like spinning your tires into a ditch.
I wish I’d known about this during my camping trip. I hit a muddy patch and, well, let’s just say I spent an hour digging out while my friends laughed. If I’d used Crawl Control, I might’ve looked like an off-road pro instead of a muddy mess.
Toyota tucked this gem away in the settings, probably thinking, “Only the brave will find it.” Sneaky, but brilliant!
Deck Rail System: The Bed’s Secret Organizer
Next, the Deck Rail System in the Tundra’s bed—it’s a total game-changer, but I bet half the owners don’t even notice it. Look closely at the truck bed, and you’ll see adjustable tie-down cleats along the rails.
These let you secure cargo like a pro, whether it’s a cooler, a bike, or a pile of lumber. The cleats can handle up to 220 pounds each, and you can slide them around to fit whatever you’re hauling. It’s like giving your truck bed a set of LEGO bricks to play with—customize it however you want!
I once helped a buddy move, and we loaded his Tundra with so much stuff I thought it’d tip over. Then he showed me the Deck Rail System, and we strapped everything down in minutes.
I jokingly said, “What’s next, a built-in fridge?” (Spoiler: there isn’t one, but I can dream.) This feature saves you money on bungee cords or fancy cargo nets—Toyota’s got you covered.
Rear Window Surprise: Roll It Down!
Here’s a fun one—the Tundra’s rear window rolls down completely. Yep, the whole thing! Most trucks have a tiny sliding section, but Toyota went all out. Hit the button near the driver’s seat, and the entire rear glass drops into the tailgate.
It’s perfect for ventilation on a hot day or for hauling long items without them sticking out awkwardly. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re in a convertible pickup—wind-in-your-hair vibes, anyone?
I discovered this by accident while fumbling with the controls during a heatwave. I pressed the button, and whoosh—the breeze hit me like a mini tornado. My dog in the backseat loved it too, sticking his head out like he was in a doggy parade.
I think Toyota hid this feature to surprise owners with a little joy. It’s not exactly a money-saver, but it sure saves you from a sweaty drive!
Blind Spot Monitoring: Your Safety Sidekick
Now, let’s get a bit serious—safety matters, and the Tundra’s got a hidden gem here: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). Available on higher trims like the Limited or Platinum, this system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots.
If someone’s lurking where you can’t see, a little light flashes on your side mirror. It’s like having a friend who whispers, “Hey, don’t merge yet!” Some models even pair it with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warns you when backing out of a parking spot.
I’ll admit, I’m terrible at checking my blind spots—always have been. During my Tundra adventure, I nearly sideswiped a car in a parking lot because I was too busy singing to the radio.
That little light saved me from a pricey fender bender, and I thanked my lucky stars. Toyota doesn’t make a big fuss about BSM, but it’s a lifesaver—literally and financially.
Multi-Terrain Select: The Mode You Didn’t Know You Needed
Another off-road goodie—Multi-Terrain Select (MTS). This feature lets you toggle between modes like Mud, Sand, or Rock, adjusting the truck’s traction control for different surfaces.
It’s like giving your Tundra a wardrobe change for the terrain—flip-flops for sand, boots for rocks! You’ll find the dial near the center console on TRD models, and it works alongside Crawl Control to make off-roading a breeze.
I didn’t even notice MTS until I was halfway up a rocky hill, panicking as my tires slipped. A quick glance at the dash, a turn of the dial to “Rock,” and bam—the Tundra gripped like a mountain goat.
I felt like a hero, even if I was just trying not to cry in front of my friends. This feature saves you from getting stuck, which means no tow truck fees. Toyota, you sneaky genius!
Hidden Storage: The Glove Box’s Little Brother
Last but not least, the Tundra’s got some sneaky storage spots. Check under the rear seats—there’s a fold-up compartment perfect for stashing tools, snacks, or even a first-aid kit. It’s not huge, but it’s clever, keeping your cab clutter-free.
There’s also a little tray in the center console that’s great for coins or keys. It’s like the Tundra is saying, “I’ll hold your stuff, no worries!”
I found this compartment while looking for a place to hide my candy stash—don’t judge, I get snacky on long drives. It was the perfect spot, and I laughed, thinking, “Toyota, you get me.”
These storage spots save you from buying extra organizers, and they keep your stuff safe on bumpy rides. Maybe I’ll store some emergency chocolate there next time.
Wrapping Up with a Grin
There you have it—the top 6 hidden features of the Toyota Tundra that owners might miss. From Crawl Control to sneaky storage, this truck is full of surprises that can save you money, keep you safe, or just make you smile.
I’ve gotta say, after my Tundra experience, I’m a fan—Toyota really knows how to pack in the good stuff without making a fuss.
My advice? Take a day to explore your Tundra—poke around, press some buttons, and see what you find. You might discover your own favorite feature!
And if you want to dive deeper, check out more Tundra tips for getting the most out of your ride. As my dad always says, “A truck’s only as good as the secrets you know!”—or something like that. Happy driving, friends!