Sold in the U.S. since 1999, the Toyota Tundra has made the Japanese automaker a considerable amount of money.
In 16 of the past 21 years, Tundra sales have been 100,000 or more, including a high of 196,555 in 2007. Even though the Tundra has not made a major redesign since 2014 and remains part of the second generation that was introduced for 2007, last year’s sales were good – 111,673.
While many people may not associate Toyota with trucks because it only manufactures two of them, sales for both are extremely impressive. The Tundra does well, but the smaller Tacoma has exceeded its big brother. Ford still rules the truck market, but Toyota has no reason to feel overshadowed.
Tacoma sales have increased the past nine years, culminating in 2019 as the best-selling truck in the U.S. The Tacoma has 26 consecutive years of 100,000 or more in sales. The last two years have been phenomenal – 2019 (248,801) and 245,659 in 2018.
Judging from history, there’s no reason to believe the 2020 Toyota Tundra won’t hit six figures in sales again this year. It’s known as a no-frills, capable truck that meets the needs of many and comes at a reasonable price – $33,700 for this year’s base model.
There’s lots of variety with the Tundra. It’s available in two- and four-wheel drive options, and buyers can choose from Double Cab or CrewMax body styles that feature 8-foot, 6.5-foot or 5.5-foot beds. The Tundra has five trim levels (SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro).
The positives with the Tundra are standard V8 power, roomy rear seating, and the off-road TRD models are good performers. The Tundra also has negative characteristics, including below-average fuel economy (13-17 mpg), mediocre handling, substandard interior makeup, and stiff ride compared to its competition.
2020 Toyota Tundra
- Performance: 5.7-liter, V8, 381 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 13-17 mpg
- Price estimate: $33,700 to $48,800
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance: 3 years/unlimited; corrosion: 5 years/unlimited
Although changes for the 2020 Tundra are rather insignificant, one of them has drawn frequent praise. We’re a fan of the new color – Army Green, which is offered on all TRD Pro models, and also the Tacoma, 4Runner and Sequoia.
As an off-road performer, the Tundra TRD Pro does a nice job. The shocks in the front and rear give the TRD good off-road performance and an overall better ride, reducing the cabin movement when climbing over big rocks. Equipped with a 31-degree approach angle, the TRD Pro can travel on many trails without issues.
The Tundra has one engine, a 5.7-liter, V8 that generates 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota did away with the 4.6-liter, V8 that was standard in the past. Like many trucks, we find fault with the Tundra’s lack of turning radius, which one reviewer remarked, “turns with all the grace of a large ship.”
Where the Tundra also suffers is the unsophisticated interior, most notably a lack of technology and outdated cabin layout. The Tundra has a new 8.0-inch touchscreen and added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020. Yet the instrumentation needs updating.
Improvements should be made to keep the Tundra relative. But that doesn’t mean Toyota will make them anytime soon because it produces a capable truck that continues to sell well.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.
