2020 Toyota Tundra Test Drive Review: An Old Dog With A Few New Tricks
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the Toyota Tundra, it's been around long enough to have learned all the tricks in the book and then some. Sure, it's not the fancy lightweight aluminum truck the Ford F-150 has evolved into, but the Tundra has a reputation for hardiness and the ability to outlast just about anything else on the road, or off it.
In its TRD Pro guise, the Tundra takes on the role of a hardy off-roader. This is where solid underpinnings and a robust 5.7-liter V8 come into their own. We spent a little time with the Tundra TRD Pro on road, and a whole load of time off-road, and found the aging pickup has a load of tricks up its sleeve. An abundance of safety features, unmatched reliability, and hardiness that could survive the tundra it's named after. While others might be more modern, the Tundra still does enough to make sure it isn't entirely discounted in the US market.
What's the Price of the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
With nearly 20 configurations to choose from, you can bet there's a new Tundra to suit your budget, and in fairness to the aging truck, it's one of the most affordable full-size options around. The price of a Toyota Tundra in base form starts from $33,575 excluding options and a destination fee of $1,595 levied against all Tundras. Equipping the long box adds a further $330 to the asking price. The SR5 steps up to an MSRP of $35,245, while a Limited model asks a minimum of $42,270. Higher up in the order of things, the TRD Pro we test drove carries a price of $48,655, while a Platinum variant will ask $48,775 - the same as the 1794 Edition. Fully loaded, one of these top trims will set you back around $55,000.
2020 Tundra Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 228.9 in | 145.7 in | 76.4 in | 79.9 in |
2020 Tundra Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Tundra doesn't have a refined ride, but the TRD Pro's Fox suspension setup does provide a softer experience on the road. It also reduces the body roll we remember from the 2019 model, but that doesn't entirely make up for the light, numb steering. When it comes time to slow down, the Tundra's brakes are perfectly adequate.
Getting off-road, the Tundra starts playing to its strengths. The long-wheelbase of a truck isn't ideal for off-road antics, but the TRD Pro trim truck has a 31-degree approach angle, and the light steering makes getting through rougher trails a breeze while the suspension takes care of lumps, bumps, and rocks in its stride. The robust frame and drivetrain matched to the added ability coming from the suspension setup, as well as the skid plate, makes the Tundra a surprisingly inspiring ride off the beaten path.
2020 Tundra Interior
2020 Tundra Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Toyota Tundra A Good Truck?
Within the most important parameters, the Toyota Tundra is a vehicle worth praising. It's a truck that promises years and years of reliable service without breaking the bank. It's sturdy and strong, and with the TRD Pro upgrade, it is a more than capable off-roader that will appeal to the Toyota truck die-hards. What it doesn't offer is a modern truck experience, which isn't necessarily a bad thing in an age where technology is often being beta tested on customer's vehicles. As far as we're concerned, you buy the Tundra for its lasting reliability and robust performance - it'll appeal to an older generation of truck buyers who want a workhorse that won't break. Younger audiences will prefer the techy elements of a Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, however, and personally, we do too. Those are better modern trucks, but at least with the Toyota, it's almost guaranteed to never let you down.
What Toyota Tundra Model Should I Buy?
For off-road aficionados that need a truck's cargo and towing capability, the TRD Pro is a no brainer, and it's tempting to also suggest it for people that also want a more comfortable ride on the road. Outside of an off-road truck, we believe the Tundra is at its best as a low-cost truck that's going to spend most of its time doing truck things. With its extensive suite of standard safety equipment as well as smartphone compatibility, the SR5 is hard to beat as a value proposition. For something a little fancier or with better creature comfort, we would shop around.
2020 Toyota Tundra Comparisons
2020 Toyota Tundra vs Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has smaller dimensions than the Tundra, making it worth considering as an alternative if the Tundra seems too large for your needs. The mid-size pickup is very similarly styled and offers the same warranty. The interior is also similarly styled, with identical infotainment systems being shared for 2020 models. Resale values also hold very well, as in the Tundra, but besides the price and fuel economy advantages, why else is the Tacoma worth a look? For a start, you can have a manual gearbox. The Tacoma is also more off-road capable than its big brother, and with its smaller stature, is easier to maneuver in traffic and on the road in general. However, it is powered by a smaller engine and is thus less capable of towing than the Tundra. The Tundra also has the benefit of being able to seat more people. Ultimately, the choice here lies in the purpose intended for your new pickup. Need to tow a boat or carry a large payload? The Tundra is for you. Do you enjoy off-roading and will use your vehicle more for recreation and daily driving tasks? Then, the Tacoma is a better bet.
2020 Toyota Tundra vs Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling trucks on the market and has been a symbol of American blue-collar enterprise for decades. The Tundra is available with numerous off-road upgrades and a more powerful engine as standard, although the F-150's high-output EcoBoost V6 is a marvel of both performance and fuel economy. The Ford is more bare in spec at a base level, though, although climbing the trims quickly sees the tide change as the Ford is jam-packed with the latest tech, safety, and convenience systems. However, the F-150's reputation precedes it as one of the greatest workhorses ever made. It just works. No other truck comes close to it in terms of specification either, and higher trims make it much easier to live with on a daily basis. The Toyota is cheaper to buy and run, but the Ford tows more with up to 13,200 lbs compared to the Tundra's mere 9,000. The Ford is a consummate all-rounder, able to be a comfortable daily driver or a workhorse. It looks and feels more expensive and is better packaged. As a base truck with some good features, the Tundra is better, but as an all-rounder with a large breadth of capabilities, the F-150 is the winner.