Much of its agility is due to robust high tensile steel reinforced single-piece frame rails. Also, the suspension is fully

The Tundra is an agile truck with all the electronic drivers' aids as well as a full load of passive safety features. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

independent up front, with a double-wishbone setup including coil springs, low-pressure nitrogen gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar mounted on the upper A-arm for better ground clearance when off-road. In traditional truck fashion, the rear suspension features a solid axle design with elongated leaf springs and bias-mounted, low-pressure nitrogen shocks for managing heavier loads. With regards to driving dynamics, I don't think enough people consider the importance of a vehicle's ability to avoid an accident. We're so busy making sure the car we're buying features all the latest crumple zone technology, and airbags in the dash, doors, roofliner, seats, and even knees, that the whole idea of buying something capable of driving out of harms way isn't even part of the equation. Sure, ABS brakes, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system are tremendous assets, but as miraculous as these electronic interventions are, a vehicle with a substandard chassis won't do as well as a well balanced vehicle with all the driver aids. The Tundra is a nimble truck with all the electronics and a full load of passive safety features, and due to this it's one very safe machine.

So it's fun to drive and safe, what about its truck-like capabilities like hauling loads, towing and going off-road? The last point is a no brainer, as Toyota has been building some of the world's most capable 4x4s for longer

Toyota has been building some of the world's most capable 4x4s for longer than most modern manufacturers, so the Tundra should easily stand up to the competition when off-road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

than most modern manufacturers. The Tundra gets its off-road heritage from the automaker that builds the legendary Land Cruiser, and having had both an FJ40 and BJ70 I can attest to the Japanese brand's engineering skills. Modern day 4x4s make use of the same electronic driver aids that keep a vehicle on the road at high speed, such as traction control, skid control and ABS brakes, all extremely useful when trekking up sandy, wet or snow covered terrain. While I didn't have time to take the 2005 Tundra off-road, I've taken previous versions into the wilderness and been rewarded with stellar performance. The 2005 Tundra should prove even more effective due to Toyota's Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD), improving its one-touch, shift-on-the-fly part-time 4WD capabilities.