Pickup trucks is perhaps the last bastion of American automotive hegemony--there simply has been no realistic alternative to an F-250 or RAM 3500.

That has changed.

The new Tundra has been redesigned from the ground up after considerable marketing research with predictable results--its way bigger and way more powerful, hauling 10,000 lb loads and featuring amenities like bluetooth compatibiity and filing space that acknowledges that a lot of owners use their pickup trucks as mobile offices.

Before I moved west, I never even considered a pickup truck, but western geography makes it a very attractive. On a recent trip to Yellowstone, we were astonished at the number of large pickups pulling impressive travel trailers. After enduring expensive and subpar accommodations, a light came on for the lovely bunny and I. Its by far the best way to travel out west--but you need a big pick-up--maybe a big Toyoto pickup--hmmm.