2020 Toyota Tundra Review

　　

2020 Toyota Tundra Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　The Toyota Tundra has received some updates over the years, including a fresh new look and even an impressive list of modern safety equipment. But the reality is that the truck underneath is

　　more than a decade old. On one hand, this means the Tundra holds some appeal as a no-nonsense workhorse with a robust V8 engine. But if you're looking for the latest and greatest, you're not going to find it here.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Tundra SR 4dr Double Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$249/mo  for Tundra SR

　　Tundra SR

　　1794 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,775 MSRP1794 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $51,825 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $33,575 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $33,905 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $36,625 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $36,955 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $35,245 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $35,575 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $37,850 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $38,295 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $38,625 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $40,900 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $42,270 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $44,135 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $45,320 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $47,185 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,655 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $52,930 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $48,775 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $51,825 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　For 2020, the Tundra now only offers one powertrain: a 5.7-liter V8. Last year, a 4.6-liter V8 was standard and the 5.7-liter optional, but Toyota has ditched the smaller engine for now. Inside, the Tundra gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020. But there are still some disappointing cabin materials surrounding the infotainment interface, and the general cabin layout is dated.

　　If you're looking to tow or haul on the regular, the Tundra has you covered with the standard V8 and a standard 4.30 axle ratio — the combo lifts towing capacity right around 10,000 pounds on every trim level. Fuel economy suffers quite a bit, however, and virtually every rival has an optional towing package that will get you an even higher tow rating.

　　The Tundra is a capable truck, no doubt, and the TRD lineup offers some cool off-road options to choose from. But overall, we'd recommend taking a closer look at one of the Tundra's more recently redesigned rivals, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Tundra drive? The 5.7-liter V8 has plenty of thrust, but that's about the best thing we can say about the Tundra's performance. The brake pedal is numb and provides little driver confidence during emergency braking. Around corners, the steering is vague and the large steering wheel doesn't return to center well. Handling feels unsettled at times, too, especially on tight roads.

　　We do like that Toyota offers the off-road-ready TRD Pro version. But for routine driving, nearly every full-size truck is more agile, maneuverable and modern.

　　

Comfort

6.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Tundra? Comfort is below average in the Tundra. The seats are stiffly padded and aren't very supportive — most drivers will have issues getting comfortable. The Tundra rides OK over small ruts, but you'll definitely feel larger bumps and potholes because of the stiff and unforgiving suspension. We imagine a significant payload would settle things down a bit, but it's hard to live with every day. Wind and road noise is present most of the time.

　　Our SR5 test vehicle didn't have many creature comforts, but the single-zone climate control is easy to master because of its logical layout and big, easy-to-grasp knobs. The small vents mean you have to crank up the A/C to cool down the cabin in a hurry.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Tundra's interior is functional but dated. The controls are large and well-labeled, and the redundant buttons next to the touchscreen are useful. It's spacious inside too, with enough room for adults in all the major seating positions.

　　Forward visibility is good. However, there's a huge blind spot over both shoulders, and the blind-spot monitoring system doesn't always detect what's back there. The lack of visibility also makes maneuvering into a parking spot a challenge.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Technology is a weak point for the Tundra. The base stereo has an underpowered six-speaker unit that doesn't get very loud. But when you turn it up, it distorts easily. At least Bluetooth and USB audio connect relatively quickly on a consistent basis.

　　The factory voice controls for music and phone calls work well but only under a very specific menu structure — the system doesn't respond well to casual language. On the plus side, the Tundra comes standard with features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and lane departure monitoring. On the minus side, some of these systems are overly sensitive to neighboring vehicles.

　　

Towing and Storage

7.0/10

　　How are the towing and storage? The max payload rating for the Tundra is competitive, but the bed's load-in height is high. You can't get a fancy tailgate like you can on some of the newer trucks either. Thankfully, the 5.7-liter V8 and standard 4.30 axle ratio give most Tundras a tow rating around 10,000 pounds. Plus, the Tundra comes standard with an integrated electronic trailer brake controller.

　　The back seat is massive, so you can fit most child seats without a problem. But it's poorly laid out for hauling large cargo items because of a sizable hump in the center of the floor. Small-item storage is lacking because many of the spaces are small by segment standards.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Tundra's EPA ratings are well below average. The six-speed automatic holds it back, as does the standard high axle ratio. Other truckmakers hide the negative effects of towing axle ratios by making them optional, but at least with them, you get the choice. As a silver lining, we've found the EPA estimates to be achievable in real-world testing.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the Tundra a good value? For a bare-bones work truck, the Tundra has some appeal. But when you start adding options, the pricing becomes less competitive. Almost every rival packs better bang for the buck. The cabin materials feel cheap and dated, even if the tolerances are tight.

　　The standard three-year/36,000-mile warranty and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain coverage are about average for the segment. Scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance for two years/25,000 miles are on the house, which is nice.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　What the Tundra lacks in objective performance metrics, it makes up for with a bit of personality. The 5.7-liter V8 gives you a great soundtrack, and any of the off-road packages will make you feel like a hero in the dirt. Plus, no matter where you go or what you do, this big Toyota won't let you forget that you're driving a brute-force pickup, not some compromised daily driver.

　　

Which Tundra does zzdcar recommend?

Available with a number of optional upgrades, but reasonably priced, we recommend the Tundra SR5. It might be just one rung above the base SR, but the SR5 adds an upgraded 8-inch infotainment interface and has access to a larger fuel tank (via the Upgrade package) as well as some off-road equipment via the TRD Sport package.

　　

2020 Toyota Tundra models

The 2020 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup available in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. All 2020 Tundras come with a 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. From there, you'll pick a body style (the regular Double Cab, crew cab or the extra-large CrewMax) and one of three bed lengths.

　　Standard equipment on the SR includes an integrated trailer brake controller, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also includes forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.

　　Going with the SR5 primarily gets you an upgraded 8-inch infotainment interface and some optional extras such as front bucket seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a larger 38-gallon gas tank.

　　The Limited builds on the SR5 with bigger wheels, movable tie-down cleats, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an upgraded power driver's seat, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation. At the top of the heap, the Platinum trim level comes with extras such as a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. The 1794 Edition differs from the Platinum by adding some exclusive exterior and interior styling elements.

　　A TRD Off-Road package is available on the SR5, Limited and 1794 Edition. For even better off-road performance, the TRD Pro trim features a special suspension with larger aluminum Fox shocks, lighter BBS forged wheels and a front skid plate.

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2020 Tundra Highlights

Type: CrewMaxDouble CabCrewMax

　　Trim: SR5LimitedPlatinum1794TRD PROSR5

　　

Base MSRP	$37,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$249/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	10,100 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles