The Tundra's gauge cluster completely overstyled and thoroughly ridiculous. The picture above is a true representation of what they look like in a partly cloudy sky at around 4:30 pm. Can you tell how much gas I have? No, well that's because you'd probably have to stick your eye up to the peephole gauge tunnel to see anything. I wasn't entirely sure what I'd see. Below is a visual multiple choice quiz.
A) B)
C) D)
If you guess D, you're correct.
Toyota might've known there was a problem because the orange gauge lighting remains on at all times, but unlike electroluminescent dials (which are available on the Tundra), these traditional soft-glow ones can't compensate for good ol' Mr. Sun. The Silverado may be a tad boring to look at, but at least I can see if I'm about to run out of gas.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 20,156 miles
tony1021 says:
10:19 AM, 06/11/08
THATS TOYOTA FOR YA'...GO BUY A CHEVY!!!
clarkma5 says:
10:30 AM, 06/11/08
This deep-set style of gauge cluster has gained popularity in recent years and I've always thought it absolutely ridiculous for just this very reason...though admittedly, the Tundra takes it to the extreme.
ahightower says:
10:44 AM, 06/11/08
Yeah, but it's nice when your wife/girlfirend can't see the speedometer... Of course with that 4-foot-wide center console that probably wouldn't be an issue in the Tundra anyway.
louiswei says:
10:48 AM, 06/11/08
Hate the tunnel view gauges, apparently Toyota thinks the trucks (they are on the 4Runner as well) need them, don't know why...
elfjon says:
10:51 AM, 06/11/08
I would be pretty freaked out if I saw C where D should be...
chavis10 says:
10:58 AM, 06/11/08
The tunnel vision gauges wouldn't be a problem if they were continuously backlit. It's a shame the Tundra's interior is a joke because Toyota finally nailed a flawless exterior design. The Tundra is definitely the best looking truck on the road and probably the best looking Toyota in the fleet.
dougtheeng says:
11:11 AM, 06/11/08
These sorts of clusters are awful, and completely turn me off many cars these days.
blankfocus says:
11:32 AM, 06/11/08
this setup is one thing i didn't like about the mazda3. these tunnel things are just dumb.
carfreak8394 says:
11:34 AM, 06/11/08
I love the way the guages are set-up on the 2003-2007 generation Accord.
There are no pods or tunnels.
Everything is just open and easily visible, and the guages were electroluminescent, which just added to their appeal.
Honda did it right that time.
tackepj says:
11:38 AM, 06/11/08
I've railed against binnacled gauges since they first appeared. I hope they go the way of Altezza taillamps and (hopefully soon) fender vents. Perfect example of form before function...which is especially egregious on a functional vehicle like a pickup truck.
Of course, sillyness is par for the course on this hapless dashboard...
greenpony says:
11:51 AM, 06/11/08
I've been looking at this picture for a couple of minutes now and I'm still not entirely sure which small black hole houses the fuel gauge.
firstwagon says:
11:52 AM, 06/11/08
You could just turn your lights on.
johnmarco says:
12:08 PM, 06/11/08
James you're on quite a roll with your graphics-themed posts. Very entertaining.
Well these things are junk; another bad example of style gone haywire. KISS KISS KISS KISS KISS KISS KISS KISS KISS!!!!!
roar02ram says:
01:54 PM, 06/11/08
You know, James - they actually become a little more legible with that orange lighting turned down/off. At least that's what I found.
jriz says:
01:57 PM, 06/11/08
That picture was taken with the lighting turned all the way up.
desmolicious says:
02:06 PM, 06/11/08
riz, dat's some funny stuff!
Where did you dredge up the periscope pic?
daxtripper says:
02:35 PM, 06/11/08
Funny, try his rondo versus rondo thing).
Those gauges look like some kid's toy that involves fitting different size pegs into different holes.
the_big_al says:
03:22 PM, 06/11/08
You know what these gauges remind me of? These and every other vehicle out there that uses this style of tunnel gauges reminds me of GM's 70-80's trucks... my old 82 had tunnel like gauges and terrible lighting to boot. I tolerated it because I had no choice and I didn't really care then, but I don't like them and I don't like the style now.
hondacura4 says:
04:00 PM, 06/11/08
Our former 2000 Lexus GS400 had "tunnel gauges" but they were backlit all the time in a strange but very likeable mint green hue and remained easy to read in all situations.
The Tundras gauges is just another example of bad execution.
chrishs2000 says:
09:25 PM, 06/11/08
Hahahaha well done post!!!
crowb says:
09:17 AM, 06/12/08
+1 chrishs2000.
Riz, that battleship is both daunting and jaunty.
rick8365 says:
01:13 PM, 06/12/08
histerical post!!