The used pickup truck market highly regards Toyota's big Tundra. Its reputation for durability and worry-free operation is one reason it holds its value so well, but there's also a coolness factor to owning a Tundra. While it can’t tow or haul as much as some domestic rivals, the Toyota Tundra has enough muscle to handle most chores assigned a half-ton pickup.
Toyota Tundra Generations
Toyota Tundra (3rd Generation: 2022 - Current)
Key Improvements: The latest Tundra brings hybrid technology to the working class, harnessing all the advantages of an electric motor and the convenience of a gas-powered engine. The third-generation Tundra loses its V8 engine, offering instead a 389-horsepower i-Force twin-turbocharged V6 or the aforementioned i-Force Max hybrid generating 437 horsepower. Both engines deliver similar combined fuel economy ratings between 19 and 22 mpg. The current Tundra replaces the last generation's rear leaf springs suspension with coil springs and offers an air suspension for an improved ride. Towing is up to 12,000 pounds. A stiffer boxed frame and lightweight bed materials make a stronger truck with less flex. A new 8.1-foot bed is available on Double Cab models.
New trims aimed at serious off-roading come with the most advanced off-road suspension yet offered on a Tundra. The cabin is also a big step up from the second-generation, with a more modern design, large infotainment touchscreens (up to 14 inches), and more high-tech features designed to help with trailering, such as hitch guidance, a 360-degree monitor, and a blind-spot detection system that extends back to the trailer. New standard features include heated side mirrors, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and a digital instrument cluster. New features include a panoramic moonroof and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite adds rear seat reminder, traffic sign recognition, and lane-tracing. Also standard is a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic detection and available reverse automatic braking.
Toyota Tundra (2nd Generation: 2007 - 2021)
Key Improvements: Key Improvements: The second-generation Tundra spans an unusually long period, although it does receive a significant update midway through its 14-year run. Larger, stronger, and more versatile than the first-generation Tundra, the second-generation offers more trims, configurations, and bed lengths. Toyota drops the old Access Cab with its rear-hinged half doors, but the previous model’s V6 and V8 engines carry over, joined by a larger 5.7-liter V8 good for 381 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. The second-generation Tundra can tow up to 10,000 pounds, a significant increase over the previous truck's 7,100-pound rating. Payload figures are also better. The second-generation Tundra also offers more modern technology, better audio systems, and, on later models, important driver-aids like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor, to name a few.
Model Updates: A supercharger kit for the 5.7-liter V8 shows up in 2008, while 2009 brings two new TRD packages. The 2010 Tundra gets a new 4.6-liter V8, a driver's knee airbag, and a slight exterior refresh. The 2011 V6 receives a 34-horsepower boost, and trailer sway control is standard for all trims. 2013 sees the arrival of Toyota's EnTune app-based infotainment system. The 2014 Tundra gets a major makeover, while the 2015 truck drops the V6 engine option. In 2018, the Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2020 Tundra gets a new 8-inch touchscreen media center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota drops the smaller V8 engine option and adds a Smart Key proximity key fob with push-button start.
Toyota Tundra (1st Generation: 2000 - 2006)
The first-generation Tundra was testing the waters, being careful not to step on the domestic dominance of Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Offered with a choice of V6 or i-Force V8 engines, the Tundra proved successful, even though it was smaller than its rivals. Buyers could opt for a manual transmission, two-wheel or four-wheel drive, a supercharged V8, and numerous factory upgrades.
Toyota Tundra Buying Tips
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