Toyota Tundra 2021 Review

Despite a handful of updates over the years, the Toyota Tundra is one of the oldest vehicles on sale in America today. When the current Tundra debuted in 2007, it was a compelling alternative to the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500. And while we still like some things about the Tundra — the standard V8 engine, roomy interior and decent list of driver aids — there isn't much else to separate it from the crowd. And all of its competitors have seen at least one full redesign since 2007.

Toyota has made only minor changes to the Tundra for 2021, with a pair of new special edition models that focus on changes to the truck's styling rather than improvements to features. Overall, we think it's worth taking a closer look at the competition from Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan and Ram.

Which Tundra does MatoCar recommend?

The Toyota Tundra is available in six trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. The new Nightshade Special Edition and Trail Edition packages are optional on certain trims. The Tundra is available in double-cab, crew-cab and the larger CrewMax configurations with three available bed lengths. All Tundras are powered by a 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

SR The base SR model comes equipped with:

• Integrated trailer brake controller
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker audio system
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Tundra and the car in front)

SR5 Stepping up to the SR5 gets you everything included on the SR, adding:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Foglights

Options on the SR5 include:

• SR5 Upgrade package
• Larger 38-gallon fuel tank
• Front bucket seats
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar
• Premium Audio with Navigation
• Seven-speaker (Double Cab) or nine-speaker (CrewMax) audio system
• USB media port and fwo USB charging ports
• Navigation
• Convenience package
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• TRD Sport package
• 20-inch wheels
• Bilstein shock absorbers
• TRD front and rear sway bars
• LED headlights and foglights
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• TRD floor mats, shift knob and decals
• Color changes to grille, bumpers and mirror caps
• Trail Edition
• Unique 18-inch wheels
• All-terrain tires
• Lockable bed storage box
• Grille from the 1794 trim
• Spray-in bedliner
• Black seats with tan stitching

LimitedThe Limited trim builds off the SR5 with features including:

• 20-inch wheels
• Silver grille with a chrome surround
• Standard LED lighting
• Standard 38-gallon fuel tank
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Power-sliding rear window

Options include:

• TRD Off-Road package
• TRD Sport features
• 18-inch wheels
• Skid plates
• Tow hooks
• Nightshade Special Edition
• Black 20-inch wheels
• Dark chrome grille
• Black mirror caps, exhaust tip, door handles and badging
• Black leather-trimmed seats
• Moonroof

Platinum The Platinum only available in CrewMax/short-bed configuration and is loaded with more creature comforts, including:

• Full leather seating
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Upgraded navigation and JBL audio system
• Black honeycomb-style grille
• Heated exterior mirrors

1794 The 1794 Edition is equipped the same as the Platinum model, replacing most of the exterior trim with chrome accents.

TRD Pro This rough-and-tumble model is meant for off-road enthusiasts. Features include:

• Toyota-branded grille
• Rigid Industries foglights
• TRD front skid plate
• Fox shocks with remote reservoirs
• Revised suspension with a 2-inch lift
• Black leather seating
• 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels
• TRD Pro decals and badges