(April 5, 2016) At first blush you would think that the full-sized Toyota Tundra pickup is at a disadvantage to American-made trucks because it is a product of a  Japanese company. But that's just part of the story — the Tundra is built by Americans in the tuck capital of the U.S., Texas. Japanese owned, American built.

This week The Automotive Reporter's Harold Gunn, a life-long Texan, spends time in a top-of-the-line 2016 Tundra TRD Pro Series — built near San Antonio  — propelled by Toyota's 5.7-liter V-8 making 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It's a beast capable of towing up to 10,500 pounds. Never-mind that the gas mileage rating in four-wheel drive is 13 city and 17 highway.

Harold was enthralled with the off road performance of the big truck. But he says be prepared with a well-endowed wallet when it comes time to fill the 38-gallon fuel tank.