General Motors’ focus on four brands – Buick,Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC – indicates for the near term that light-duty trucks and SUVs will continue to be a part of the product mix, with new SUVs in the form of a Cadillac SRX crossover, Chevy Equinox compact SUV, and the GMC Terrain compact SUV among six new models announced for 2010.

While touting leading-edge design, technology, engineering excellence and quality in their ‘re:invention’ strategy, GM might see a glimmer of hope in a recent survey from J.D. Power & Associates, entitled “Automotive Emerging Technologies Study”, released this month. The study, which is designed to measure familiarity, interest and purchase intent for emerging automotive technologies, polls consumers before and after an estimated market price is revealed. For example, in the survey, 67% of the 19,249 respondents indicated that onboard navigation systems to guide them to the nearest Starbucks or other destinations were of interest.When the cost of a factory-installed navigation system was revealed at $1,600, interest dropped to 20% overall, while 45% of those who owned premium vehicles still chose the factory onboard systems versus lower cost off-board systems.

Mike Marshall, J.D. Power director of emerging technologies said, “Although the factory-installed options are considerably more expensive than an off-board navigation system, the price difference is not reflected in a proportionate decrease in consumer interest levels. Among consumers who express interest in both types of navigation system, seven out of ten indicate they would choose a factory-installed navigation system rather than an off-board version—despite the cost premium.”Other technologies fared about as well, and among consumers who listen to their portable digital music player in their vehicle, more than one-half use an auxiliary input jack, while approximately 20% use a wireless FM transmitter. Nearly 2/3s of consumers indicate that they would like the ability to listen to a portable digital music player through their vehicle’s speakers, while 27% express a desire to use a smartphone’s music capabilities in conjunction with their vehicle’s audio system.

Among consumers currently utilizing their vehicle’s Bluetooth functionality, initial interest for wireless connectivity in their next vehicle is 68%, compared with just 47% among those who have the feature but do not use it in their vehicle.Premium surround sound systems garner the highest interest rate among near-term vehicle intenders at 72%, while just 61% of consumers who plan on purchasing a new vehicle in two years or more indicate interest in this feature. “Consumers nearing the final phase of the vehicle purchase process are often more well-versed on vehicle options and features than those in the early stages of shopping, and likely have recently researched the available vehicle specifications,” stated Marshall, who added, “The increased familiarity of the possible benefits and conveniences of these technologies may lead to an increase in interest.”

How this bodes for an industry accustomed to making their profit on all the bells and whistles, and GM in particular with a plethora of trim levels and options, remains to be seen. In addition, how does the automotive aftermarket deal with consumers who are increasingly more interested in having the OEMs integrate these entertainment and connectivity technologies into the new vehicles? Time will certainly tell – but that’s oneluxury automakers don’t have, and a gamble they can’t afford to take.

In SuperCrew form, the 2009 Ford F-150 can comfortably seat five or six people. Backseat comfort rivals the best in the segment thanks to an abundance of legroom, a flat floor and a seatback angle that’s not too upright as in some rivals. Carrying three passengers in the backseat is still possible if you get a SuperCab, though legroom will be noticeably less generous.

All F-150 versions offer simple controls and materials of pleasing quality. Order the navigation system and you’ll get a large (8-inch) screen. Lower trims have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, while the upper trims feature captain’s chairs and a console shifter.

Hauling large items is no problem in SuperCabs and SuperCrews, as the backseat quickly folds up to make way for cargo. The SuperCrew’s flat floor allows for secure transport of pets and big-screen TVs alike.

Driving Impressions

Thanks to its stiff frame and double-wishbone front suspension, the 2009 Ford F-150 delivers impressive ride and handling dynamics for a full-size truck. The powertrain enhancements this year also make the truck feel noticeably livelier, thanks in part to the six-speed automatic’s well-spaced gears and cooperative nature. Yet the F-150 is still down on maximum power — to the tune of 60-80 hp compared to the big V8s in the Ram, Tundra and GM trucks — so if you need or want serious oomph, there are better choices.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Toyota Tundra is a full-size, half-ton pickup truck available in three body styles: regular cab, Double Cab (crew cab) and CrewMax (really big crew cab). Regular and Double Cabs can be ordered with either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes only with a 5.5-foot bed. Trim levels include base Grade, midlevel SR5 and plush Limited. The regular cab is only available in Grade trim, while Double Cab and CrewMax styles are available in all flavors.

Standard Grade features include 18-inch steel wheels, a bed light, a 40/20/40-split cloth bench seat, manual accessories, a tilt steering wheel, dual-zone manual climate control and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack (four speakers in regular cab). The SR5 adds cruise control, full power accessories, heated mirrors, a console-mounted shifter, front bucket seats (the bench remains an option, returning the shifter to the steering column), a power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-CD changer, keyless entry and rear heater ducts. Many of these options are available on the Grade. The SR5 CrewMax also includes a reclining and sliding rear seat and a power vertical-sliding rear window.

The Tundra Limited adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a bed rail system with adjustable tie-downs, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, automatic climate control, auto-dimming side mirrors, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker upgraded sound system with a subwoofer (12 speakers with CrewMax).

Other options include 20-inch wheels, driver memory functions, a navigation system, a back-up camera, a towing package and a sunroof (CrewMax only). The TRD Off-Road package available on the SR5 and Limited trims adds an off-road-tuned suspension, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, front tow hooks and a sliding rear window. The TRD Rock Warrior package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, a black cloth interior, foglamps and special exterior detailing and decals (available only on four-wheel-drive 5.7-liter Double Cab standard bed and CrewMax). The TRD Sport package includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a special shift knob and pedals, and unique detailing and decals (available only on two-wheel-drive 5.7-liter regular and Double Cab standard bed models).

Powertrains and Performance

Three engines are employed for duty underneath the Tundra’s sculpted hood, and all versions of the Tundra can be equipped with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Standard on the 4×2 Tundra regular cab and standard bed 4×2 Double Cab is a 4.0-liter V6 good for 236 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for this engine is 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Optional on these models and standard on all other Tundras is a 4.7-liter V8 with 271 hp and 313 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with this V8 is 14/17/15 (13/16/15 with 4WD). Both these engines come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Optional on all Tundras is a muscular 5.7-liter V8 that produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard. This truck is seriously quick, as a Double Cab SR5 4×4 we tested went from zero to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. Fuel economy is an estimated 13/17/15 mpg (14/18/16 with two-wheel drive). Properly equipped, the Tundra can tow between 10,100 and 10,800 pounds, depending on driveline and cab style.

Safety

Antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard. In government crash testing, the 2009 Tundra scored four stars out of five in frontal impact tests for both driver and passenger. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset crash testing, the Tundra earned the highest possible “Good” rating. In side impact crash testing, a Tundra Double Cab also achieved a “Good” rating.

nterior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Toyota Tundra has without a doubt the most stylish interior among full-size trucks. However, many of its audio controls are out of comfortable reach for the driver. Meanwhile, each gauge is housed in its own deep tunnel, resulting in less-than-stellar legibility. Materials quality is satisfactory for a full-size pickup, though the same can be said for the Tundra’s rivals.

The regular cab offers comfortable seats as well as a generous amount of interior cargo space. In Double Cabs, the backseat is fully usable for adults, while the CrewMax offers the roomiest rear seat of any pickup truck. With a limolike 44.5 inches of rear legroom, even 6-footers can stretch out and cross their legs.

Driving Impressions

The 5.7-liter V8 makes the 2009 Toyota Tundra one of the quickest pickups on the road, and the engine’s delivery is impressively smooth. Shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission are prompt, and the console shifter’s precise action makes it easy to use the manual mode while tackling steep highway grades or off-road challenges. The light steering further complements the Tundra’s easy-to-drive nature.

We were satisfied with the Tundra’s ride quality a few years ago, but the new Dodge Ram’s rear coil spring suspension and the Ford F-150′s sturdier frame make the Tundra seem jiggly by comparison. During our long-term test, rear seat passengers often complained about the choppy ride. Braking distances are a few feet off the pace of competitors, but we’ve found the Tundra is very good at resisting fade after multiple stops.