Editor’s note: You may also want to read Autotrader’s Toyota Tundra review for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years.
If the chores you do require full-size power and full-size capacity, the 2015 Toyota Tundra has everything you need to get the job done right. With a bold, muscular exterior, the Tundra holds strong appeal, offering clever design features such as plastic bumper panels that can be easily swapped out when scuffed or damaged. In the world of full-size pickups, the Tundra remains hard to beat, even in the face of tough competition from Ford, RAM, Chevrolet and Nissan. But the Tundra has a few extra perks, such as outstanding resale value, near-bulletproof reliability and a coolness factor that scores big with the younger set. It also offers some rare features, such as the CrewMax model’s power retractable rear window.
For 2015, Toyota dropped the V6 engine, making the base 4.6-liter V8 standard on most models. The optional 5.7-liter V8 remained an option on lower trims but was standard on upper-end models. The TRD Pro got a better off-road suspension setup, while select Double Cab models gained a rear under-seat storage tray. See 2015 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
What We Like
Powerful V8 engines; good repair and reliability record; power rear window; clean, functional cab; huge back seat on CrewMax models
What We Don’t
Only available in half-ton chassis; feedback from the steering and brakes is not as precise as some competitors; poor fuel economy; no diesel option
Fuel Economy & Engine Specs
The Tundra offers two V8 engine choices. First up is a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this engine will return 15 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway with 2-wheel drive and 14 mpg city/18 mpg hwy with 4-wheel drive. The real powerhouse, however, is the 5.7-liter V8, rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy estimates of 13 mpg city/18 mpg hwy with 2-wheel drive and 13 mpg city/17 mpg hwy with 4-wheel drive place this engine in line with other V8 competitors. Both V8s are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Tundra’s maximum tow capacity is 10,500 pounds (for a Regular Cab model with 2-wheel drive).
Standard Features & Options
The 2015 Toyota Tundra is offered in five trims: base, SR5, Limited, 1794 Edition and Platinum. Various configurations can include long and short beds and three cab styles: Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax. Due to the wide variety of possible configurations, we’ll list the basics for each trim and some of the more popular options.
The Tundra Regular Cab features a 40/20/40-split bench front seat, cruise control, air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD touchscreen audio system with a rear backup camera, a 4-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, front and rear matte-black bumpers, 18-inch steel wheels, a windshield-wiper de-icer, a tilt steering wheel and power heated side mirrors. Options for the Regular Cab include a Work Truck package that strips the Tundra of most of its luxuries, replacing them with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats and black step bumpers. The Double Cab gains rear map lights and cupholders, an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and fold-up rear seats.
The Tundra SR5 Double Cab adds chrome bumper end caps, variable wipers, a center-console shifter, a 3.5-in multi-information screen, a manual sliding rear window, Entune audio with a 7-in touchscreen and HD Radio. Options for the SR5 Double Cab include 18-in alloy wheels, a deck-rail system for the bed and heated extendable tow mirrors. The SR5 Upgrade package adds a power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel. The TRD Off-Road package adds 20-in wheels and tires, a blacked-out grille, a 2-inch front lift, Bilstein gas shocks, additional skid plates and tow hooks.
The Limited Double Cab gets a fancier grille, the 5.7-liter V8, more exterior chrome, the deck-rail system, chrome mirrors, 20-in alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats with heated front buckets, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and thigh support, a 4-way power passenger seat with power lumbar support and premium audio with navigation. The Limited Premium package adds front and rear parking sensors, auto up/down power windows and additional interior illumination.
The 4-door Tundra SR5 CrewMax gains an overhead console and a power-sliding rear window. The Limited CrewMax shares the same features as the Limited Double Cab but can be equipped with an optional blind spot monitoring system.
The Platinum CrewMax gains a power sunroof, power-folding and auto-dimming outside mirrors, additional exterior chrome embellishments, 12-speaker JBL audio, ventilated front seats and driver’s-seat memory.
The 1794 Edition CrewMax adds unique trim and exterior badges, saddle-brown Ultrasuede and perforated-leather upholstery and additional padding for the dash, doors and console.
Pricing
As with most Toyota products, the Tundra holds excellent long-term resale values. That’s great news when it comes time to sell your truck, but it also means that purchasing a Tundra won’t come cheap.
To get a good idea of the Tundra’s price range, we suggest checking the Kelley Blue Book used-car values at KBB.com. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are currently for sale in your area.
Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the following recall for the 2015 Toyota Tundra:
A recall was issued for an improper Load Carrying Capacity Modification label that didn’t accurately reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
Recall repairs are required by law, even if the vehicle is out of warranty. Your dealer can check to see if the repairs were performed, and if not, they’ll fix the car at no charge to you.
Safety Ratings & Warranties
The NHTSA gave the Tundra CrewMax four out of five stars in its front- and side-impact crash tests. All models earned five stars in the side-impact test, while both the Regular and Double Cabs scored three stars in the rollover test, with the CrewMax earning four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tundra CrewMax high marks, scoring its highest rating of Good in the moderate-overlap and side-impact tests, with a Marginal rating in the small-overlap front crash test.
From the factory, the Toyota Tundra comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties purchased when the vehicle was new are transferable, so be sure to inquire if a possible purchase has an extended plan. With a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tundra, the warranty coverage for the powertrain is extended to 7 years and 100,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date. CPO vehicles also come with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and 1 year of roadside assistance.
Other Cars to Consider
2015 Ford F-150 — The F-150 offers even more variations, a more sophisticated interior, lightweight aluminum body panels and better fuel economy with its EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. Plus, it has a higher tow rating when properly equipped.
2015 RAM 1500 — The RAM is more expressive, both inside and out, and its ride is more comfortable than the Tundra’s. The RAM’s base V6 is nearly as powerful as the Tundra’s 4.6-liter V8, and there’s even a powerful and fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine option. However, the Tundra has better resale figures.
2015 Nissan Titan — The Titan doesn’t offer as many cab or engine choices as the Tundra, and it can only tow up to 9,500 pounds. The Titan’s ride is also much stiffer, and its resale values are nowhere near the Tundra’s.
Autotrader’s Advice
We think the SR5 Double Cab with the 8-foot bed is the best overall combination of utility, comfort and accommodation. If you have a need to carry four adults regularly, however, check out the CrewMax Limited. No matter which trim you choose, we suggest shooting for one with the 5.7-liter V8, although the 4.6-liter V8 is also an acceptable engine choice.
