It's an add-on feature, found primarily in desert regions. It's not a 'snorkel' for water that increases fording depth, but more to make sure the engine sucks less dusty air in desert regions. This is why Toyota still doesn't recommend fording water above the door line even with the snorkel.

As far as the review, I think it's fine. I'm a Tundra owner, and while I like some of the features of the Tacoma, I think the Tacoma is too trendy or 'weekend' for a truck, as Doug Demuro may put it. I'm surprised he scored it 19 out of 50 in this category, but not that surprising considering he hasn't actually reviewed the Tundra and domestic trucks tend to be more trendy as well.