Overview & Reviews

When it originally debuted near the start of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra was considered by many people to be the first import full-size pickup truck to truly go head-to-head against the trucks from domestic brands. In the Tundra's favor were a refined V8 engine and Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability. This Tundra, however, ultimately found more of an audience with recreational pickup buyers than with hard-core users.

Second-generation Tundras, however, are significantly bigger and more capable. As an American-built truck with true full-size proportions, the second-generation Tundra features three cab sizes, three bed lengths and a choice of three engines. In pretty much every measure, the Toyota Tundra stands equal to competing 1500-series pickups.

Current Toyota Tundra
The full-size Toyota Tundra comes in regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax body styles as well as base and Limited trims. The Double Cab is essentially a large extended cab with four forward-hinged doors, while the CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab. Available bed lengths for the regular cab and Double Cabs include both a 6.5-foot and an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes with only a 5.5-foot bed.

Some Regular Cabs and Double Cabs have as their standard engine a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Other Tundras receive a 4.6-liter V8 putting out 310 horses and 327 lb-ft of torque. The big engine option is a 5.7-liter V8 cranking out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. The V6 gets a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8s are hooked to six-speed automatics. All versions are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In addition to its strong V8s, the Toyota Tundra stands out thanks to its passenger-friendly cabins. The extended Double Cab features traditional front-hinged doors, making day-to-day usability easier than Chevy and Ford trucks with the more traditional reverse-opening access doors. The Tundra CrewMax, meanwhile, is truly enormous, featuring excellent legroom and a rear seat that not only slides but reclines as well. Feature highlights include a standard rearview camera and available smartphone integration.

There are some downsides, however, including a sometimes jiggly ride quality, below-average fuel economy and driving characteristics than can make it feel bigger than it really is. But the latest Tundra continues to be one tough truck that certainly meets the needs of today's buyers.

Used Toyota Tundra Models
The current Toyota Tundra represents the second generation, which debuted for the 2007 model year. There have been a few changes to note if you're looking for a used Tundra. Models from 2007-'09 with the midsize V8 had a 4.7-liter V8 good for 271 hp. The 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp arrived for 2010. That year also brought a couple new trim levels, as well as minor cosmetic tweaks and the addition of front-seat knee airbags. Also, prior to 2011 the V6 was less powerful (it made 236 hp). These Tundras also lack the 2014 model's updated interior and exterior styling, standard-across-the-board rearview camera and some available high-tech features, such as smartphone integration and blind-spot monitoring.

The previous-generation full-size Toyota Tundra replaced the unloved T100 pickup when it debuted for 2000. Production ran through the 2006 model year. Although it was available with an optional V8 and several configurations, it wasn't large or tough enough to compete with its more traditional rivals when it came time for serious work-site tasks.

Originally, the Tundra was available in regular and extended-cab versions. Regular-cab versions came only in long bed form, while the extended-cab models (Access Cab) came only with the short bed. The latter did include two rearward-opening doors for easier rear-seat access, but the backseat was cramped for a full-size pickup truck.

There were three trim levels: a sparsely equipped base trim, the midlevel SR5 and the top-line Limited. The base trim was available on two-wheel-drive regular cabs only. A 3.4-liter V6, making 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, was standard on regular-cab Tundras and could be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

Topping the lineup was an available 4.7-liter V8 engine. This smooth-revving power plant made 245 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque and was available with a four-speed automatic transmission only.

Only detail changes carried through to 2003, at which point Toyota expanded the Tundra's lineup to include an available sporty new StepSide cargo bed for V8-powered Access Cabs. All Tundras received freshened front-end styling that year, as well as standard antilock brakes and an upgraded center console. A power sliding rear window was also added to Limited models.

The big news for 2004 was the arrival of the Double Cab, a crew-cab version of the Tundra. Riding on an extended wheelbase and featuring a roomier cabin and a cargo bed equal in length to the Access Cab's, the Double Cab added some much-needed variety to the Tundra's lineup, providing a viable option for family-minded truck buyers.

Prospective used Toyota Tundra buyers who plan on doing a lot of hauling or towing should probably focus on 2005 or newer models, as Toyota enhanced the powertrains that year. A new 245-hp, 4.0-liter V6 coupled with either a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission became standard, and the available 4.7-liter V8 was now good for 282 horses and used the new five-speed automatic exclusively.

In reviews of the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Tundra's smooth and refined V8, easy maneuverability in urban areas and roomy Double Cab configuration. Downsides included a lack of brawn for serious towing and hauling, uncomfortable front seats, a cramped rear seat in Access Cab models and chintzy interior trimmings.

User Reviews:

• 

  Disappointed w/ Business Practice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jon - April 3 - 3:43 pm

  After 5 trips to Toyota service they made the throttle issue more dangerous with a feather light gas pedal. Resistance on the gas pedal was scary lite. If you have a recall make the dealership prove they wont mess it up and take whats yours. Lakeland Toyota offered insults, excuses blaming Toyota. Paid premium for upgraded floor mats, had dealership steal from my vehicle "at direction of Toyota". Dealership took my upgraded floor mats which retained snow and mud in return they gave me the cheap, poor quality mats. Dealership blamed Toyota took no responsibility, thieves. Very disappointed in both dealership and Toyota customer relations. Wouldnt recommend either.

• 

  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By hounddoc - March 29 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Toyota about a year ago with the original tires. Mine seem fine, so Im not sure about previous reviews, besides who buys a full size pick-up for gas milage? The Tundra fits the bill in every sense. Great family truck, hauls and tows very nicely and looks great on the road with an aggressive front. Buy this now, you wont regret it!

• 

  2015 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By spike_1a - March 24 - 7:19 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Tundra Access Cab with 267,163 miles on the engine and frame for a brand new 2015 Tundra Double Cab. I was very reluctant to part way with my old Tundra but she was starting to feel the strain of everyday work. The improvements on the 2015 are too many to mention but the highlights I found are the comfort level of the seats, the power of the 5.7 liter engine, averaging 15.7 MPG (the same as my old 2004 4.7 liter) with just over 1200 miles, entertainment system, and off road package. My goal is to double the mileage of my new Tundra. Wish me luck!

• 

  The new stepside - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By DonK - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This truck is my first new vehicle and I looked at everything first. After a test drive, I was hooked on the tundra. It performed well, looked great, was very comfy, and had all the options I wanted with nothing I didnt. I couldnt get that in a Ford (I couldnt even get the off road package in green on a Ford).

• 

  17 Tundra Limited - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By thomas galloway - March 20 - 12:02 pm

  Great looking truck, Rides like a Cadillac compared to my 1500 Dodge 4x4. Very spacious and comfortable ( Im 6 1 265 ) in the cabin although not a lot of storage space. If your looking for something with good gas mileage , this is not the truck for you. Im hoping that gets better. It does have a 38 gallon gas tank because it needs it. After having Dodges most of my life, Ive decided to switch to Toyota. Better quality and better resale value.

• 

  Love this Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jmcycle - March 20 - 5:23 am

  When shopping for a new full size truck, I looked at everything accept GM (wont buy GM due to bailout and subsequent UAW lawsuits). I settled on the Tundra for three main reasons: 1) 381 hp and 401 lb/ft of torque. The only truck that came close to this was the Ram. 2) The double cab rear doors open as regular doors instead of suicide doors. Aside from being more convenient, I also think it is safer for the rear seat passengers. 3) Toyota offered a lease. I rated the gas mileage as a 10 b/c it is comparable to its competition but still offers superior performance. This truck also handled better than and was more comfortable than the other trucks I test drove.

• 

  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Barrett - March 19 - 2:36 pm

  Thought about buying a Ford F150, and am glad I didnt. This is a great truck and gets looks from everyone, fun to drive and great for hauling our boat. Would recommend TRD package. Toyota quality - enough said!!

• 

  Troublesome - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By roadking218 - March 16 - 2:20 am

  Love the interior and truck size. Hate the mileage. Extremely poor for a small V8. Poor workmanship. never expected a recall from a Toyota. Tire wear was excessive.

• 

  2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 Double Cab - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By joeydee - March 15 - 12:23 am

  I currently have 1200 miles on the truck and my driving consists of 75% highway and 25% city. I am currently getting 18.9 miles per gallon. The longest stretch I drove was from the Texas Hill Country to Corpus Christi, Texas a distance of 179 miles. When I arrived at my destination I still had half a tank of gas left. I was able to return back with the other half tank and refill upon arrival. For a large truck it gets good mpg. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is very quiet with hardly no wind or engine noise. Hauling heavy loads is very easy with this truck.

• 

  Best half ton truck out there! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By kfilly - March 8 - 5:46 am

  I traded in my 04 Toyota Tundra Double Cab for a Limited 07 Tundra Double Cab which was a dealership demo. I like both versions. The newer model has a few quirks. The ride is definitely not as refined as previous generations of Tundras. The blue tooth phone system cannot dial anyone in my cell phone directory via voice dialing (otherwise it is excellent). I replaced a factory radio due to a funny noise. The new Tundra design has a lot more power. It is more fun to drive. I also have two shedding dogs, and I appreciate the fact the interior is easy to clean. Something other than the silver plastic interior finish would have been very nice.