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:

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  Arizona Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Arizona Al - March 11 - 6:46 pm

  I plan on keeping my 2006 Tundra for a long time. I test drove everything else and was amazed to have headroom in the cab for my 64" frame even with the moonroof. Lots of room in the back seat for friends or my dogs. Very quiet cab and smooth ride. Disappointed that my new 271 hp truck gets much worse mileage than my 325 hp car. I got the truck for day to day driving and weekend yardwork. This truck fits the bill perfectly and is fun to drive to boot.

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  2006 Toyota Tundra Limited - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mikon - March 8 - 3:10 am

  Salsa Red color is gorgeous. The 4-wheel drive is as impeccable as my 2000 Tundra Access Cab. The ride is quiet and comfortable at all speeds. My wife loves the heated seats and steering wheel-mounted radion controls. Great visibility (taller than my 2000 Tundra vecause of the 18" wheels). The power rear window is great (and quiet) for open air driving. Hardly know my boat trailer is there when pulling it. Mileage is excellent (18.3 mpg overall since purchase).

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  Awesome truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jerabaub - March 6 - 10:43 am

  This truck has more than exceeded my expectations. I really enjoy driving this truck on the highway, as well as in town. Its height affords a commanding view of the road. That, along with its phenomenal acceleration and handling, and its great sound system, results in my inventing reasons and excuses just to go for a drive. It is a wonderful truck. Very quiet interior.

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  Smooth, Quiet Ride, Great Price - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By smallpoet - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I dont require much passenger space, so no need to trade the long bed for the small second seating area. I am certainly having a hard time getting used to 16 miles per gallon. However, the mileage is pretty much on par with other trucks of its size. Edmunds "cost to own" feature shows it is the least expensive truck to own in its class (.40 cents per mile, compared to .47 and .48 cents per mile for the competitors). The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, and I do feel that the V6 provides adequate power for the light truck user. For folks like me who just fill the bed up with various items the V8 would provide excess power!

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  2010 tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ron romine - February 24 - 5:23 am

  The new 4.6 v8 sold me on this vehicle compared to the others. Another big plus is the resale value. Toyota beats them all. Even under the truck I was impressed. The brake lines and fuel lines are coated as well frame and body to prevent rust.

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  My First Truck at 18 yrs. old - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Lance Andrews - February 20 - 9:50 am

  I love my tundra so much, its quick, the ride is smooth, its comfortable, and it is really good looking. Im so glad that my first truck was a toyota so i can proudly defend it when all the chevy and ford drivers give me crap. Because it is as much as truck as fords and chevys are.

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  2nd Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim Kang - February 15 - 9:56 am

  This is the second tundra that I have owned. I have been very happy with the second so far and see no reason that should change. The only reason I purchased the new truck was for the back seat. The new truck has more power, features, and especially ROOM. I have not take the new truck 4- wheeling yet, but the old (2000 sr5 4x4) was always more than capable. The new truck also has limited slip and ABS that the old does not. Great truck very comfortable, and reliable.

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  V8 5.7 versus 4.6 L - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Lumpy - February 14 - 7:39 pm

  I had a 2015 Tundra SR5 5.7 L for 2 years and was t-boned from a side street, and it was totaled. The kia car who hit me, literally there were thousands of pieces of his car all over the road! The only piece of my Tundra that fell off was a letter or two from the chrome "Tundra" that is on the side of the vehicle on the front passengers door. Thats it other than the side 2 doors being smashed in real good. Mine was totaled due to bending the frame at the back under the car. I went out with a nice insurance payout and got a 2017 Tundra SR5 with the smaller 4.6 L engine. In the 2 years I had the 5.7 L, I never pulled or towed one thing. So I test-drove the 4.6 L. I could not tell any difference test-driving for 15 minutes. So I got the 4.6 L. Here is what I can tell you after having it a week. The 4.6L is MUCH better for driving in town and urban areas - stop / go / 35 MPH-50 MPH. The transmission shifts more smoothly and feels better driving. I can also tell it accelerates faster from 0. The 5.7L roared and did not like to go under 50 MPH it seemed. In town traffic driving the 5.7 L in 25-50 MPH stop and go was painful. Transmission shifting out from 0 was just ok with the 5.7 L but the 4.6 L is better. I dont know how much weight loss the truck has from the 5.7 versus the 4.6 but I swear the truck feels lighter and more nimble. I like it better. I dont pull/tow/haul but I carry stuff in the bed so for me, the 4.6 L works, and I like it better.

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  Did not meet expectations - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Poor Richard - February 14 - 10:00 am

  After $2k worth of brake work under warranty they are again going bad. The transmission shifts with a jerk and the dealer wont do anything about it. The techs at dealer are not qualified to fix reoccuring problems like the brakes. I would not buy this truck next time.

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  2010 Tundra Crewmax 2wd 5.7ltr TRD SR5 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By wes - February 13 - 10:00 am

  So far (1000 miles) this truck has not disappointed. My first tank of gas I averaged 16.5 mpg with mostly highway driving, the second tank the truck got 15.4 mpg with mostly city driving. It is a big truck with a big v8 so one shouldnt expect 25 mpg and be upset when they do not get that. I love the rear doors opening at nearly 90* to the truck as it makes it easy to get in and out putting my daughter in her car seat. The tailgate assist shocks are a nice touch. The truck is a nice tame vehicle when driving normal but has plenty of power on tap when you mash the go pedal. Trans shifts really smooth. I am 6,4 and with the front seat set for my driving I have plenty of room in the rear seat.