Alexander Mitich

2020 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro - Our Favorite Full-Size Pickup

The Toyota Tundra was assembled in Princeton, Indiana until 2009, until it moved to San Antonio, Texas, and is the only full-size pickup made in Texas where trucks serve many purposes and have become a part integral of the culture of the state.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that is offered in three body styles: the two-door regular cab, four-door double cab and the largest CrewMax. These body styles are mixed between two wheelbases and three bed lengths, 5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed, and 8.1-foot long bed. Among these models are five trim levels: the base SR Tundra, SR5, Limited, Platinum,1794 Edition, and our TRD Pro.

Standard equipment on entry-level regular SR cab models includes 18-inch steel wheels, a matte black lower front bumper, a damped tailgate; cruise control, fabric upholstery, a 40/20/40-split seat with four-way manual driver adjustment, a two 12-volt power outlets, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, camera back view; and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary USB audio inputs.

The Limited version adds 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome heated side mirrors, a more elegant silver-ticket grille, bed-rail system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery. , heated front seats, a sliding rear window, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, and the Entune system, the power-operated smartphone app. The best wheels, however, come on the TRD Pro version which includes 18-inch forged BBS wheels.

Engine and Transmission

The Toyota Tundra is offered with a choice of three engines and either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Unlike the competition, each engine comes with a unique rear axle ratio, making it easy to set up a truck to suit your needs.

The rear-wheel drive SR models come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Next up is a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque. It is optional for SR Crew Cab and standard for SR Crew Cab 4WD and all SR5 2WD models. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

A 5.7-liter V8 is the most powerful engine available for the Tundra. It's standard on Limited, Platinum, and specialty models 4WDs, and optional on other models. It generates 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque, and it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

A tow package is standard on all 5.7-liter V8-equipped Tundras, and its towing capacity reaches a maximum of 10,400 pounds, when properly equipped.

Conclusion

After years of not changing much, Toyota gave the Tundra a face wash. It's not a complete change that you might expect, at this point in the truck's life cycle, however the changes are reflected in the face of competitors, who continue to set new benchmarks for fuel economy and comfort.

The competition in the segment matches their abilities of each, while most try to offer better fuel economy, good road performance and high-tech features in the cabin.

Within the competition, the Ford F-150 remains a solid all-around option, especially with its V6 EcoBoost engine option that is strong and efficient. The Ram 1500 is a very good choice in this class, especially with its diesel engine option and let's not forget the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra .

I think, however, that the Tundra brings brings every element of an ideal pickup closer to new buyers. And for those who have never ventured out of domestic pickup options, the Tundra may be a pleasant and much-needed surprise.