2019 Toyota Tundra review
Toyota Tundra highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- V8-only lineup offers plenty of power
- Toyota Safety Sense™ driver aids are standard
Cons
- Lacks the ride quality of top rivals
- EPA-estimated fuel economy is below average
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 17 highway, 14 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Off-road-oriented TRD Pro returns to 2019 Toyota Tundra lineup
Full-size pickup trucks are a mainstay, but where they once focused on work and utility, they now rival passenger cars for luxury, refined driving dynamics, and connectivity and entertainment options. While the big players, notably the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500, have adopted these qualities, the 2019 Toyota Tundra is stuck in something of a rut. It lacks the sophistication of its key rivals, which makes it feel behind the times. That's obvious with the engine choices—the Tundra is only offered with a pair of V8s, a 4.6-liter with 310 hp and a 5.7-liter with 381 hp. They're undeniably powerful, but rivals now offer smaller, significantly more fuel-efficient engines without sacrificing power.
The Tundra also lacks features like trailer camera systems. Perhaps more significantly, the 2019 model doesn't offer Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ smartphone integration, which has become a minimum connectivity expectation. The Tundra isn't a bad truck. It's very capable in some areas, notably cabin space in both the double- and crew-cab (CrewMax) models, as well as towing ability and off-road performance with the TRD Pro trim, which returns for 2019 after a year hiatus. But the 2019 Tundra cannot offer the breadth of appeal of its rivals, and a long-awaited redesign doesn't come until 2022.
All Toyota Tundra years
What is new for the 2019 Toyota Tundra?
- The Tundra is available in a new trim called the TRD Pro.
- Tundra trims have been upgraded with Vinyl Seats and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
- Smart Key features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Limited trim now comes with Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Sensors, and JBL Sound System as standard equipment.
2019 Toyota Tundra trims
SR
18-inch styled steel wheels
Halogen headlights
4.2-inch driver information display
Six-speaker audio system with 6.1-inch touch screen
A dynamic radar cruise control system
SR5
Halogen fog lights
Chrome grille surround and bumper endcaps
HD Radio with Bluetooth® wireless capability
Seven-inch high-resolution touch screen
Available 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
Limited
Leather seats
LED headlights
Heated front bucket seats
Dual-zone climate control
Premium audio system with navigation
Power horizontal or vertical sliding rear window
Platinum
Black grille with color-keyed surround
20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels
LED fog lights
Heated and ventilated front seats
Entune™ Premium JBL® audio system
1794 Edition
Unique 1794 Edition badges
Brown leather seats with Ultrasuede® inserts
Wood-style accents on shift knob and steering wheel
Distinctive 1794 floor mats
Available 20-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels
TRD Pro
A heritage-inspired front grille with “TOYOTA” legend
Custom TRD exhaust
TRD Pro front and FOX® rear shocks
18-inch five-spoke BBS® forged aluminum wheels
TRD aluminum front skid plate
Hood scoop
Toyota Tundra photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Toyota Tundra
1. Standard V8 power
The 2019 Toyota Tundra keeps things simple and traditional with its two V8 engine options. The first is a 4.6L V8, available only on the SR and SR5 trims, that pumps out 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7L V8 is available throughout the entire Tundra range, delivering 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Both engines rely on a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery.
2. Impressive towing performance
If you’re looking for a vehicle that satisfies your towing needs, then it’s worth giving the 2019 Toyota Tundra a test drive. When paired with the 5.7L V8 engine, the 2019 Tundra towing capacity tops out at an estimated 10,200 lb in 2WD guise and 9,900 lb when equipped with 4WD.
3. Excellent comfort
When it comes to interior comfort and amenities, the sky’s the limit for the 2019 Toyota Tundra. The full-size truck’s fabric-trimmed 40/20/40 split bench seats offer good comfort for long drives. You can also opt for stylish and comfortable bucket seats that offer convenient 10-way power adjustments for the driver. The top-of-the-line 1794 Edition features a warm two-tone interior featuring wood-like accents and brown leather with white stitching on the dashboard, armrest, and seating surfaces.
4. Plenty of driver convenience features
Despite its imposing size, the 2019 Toyota Tundra takes the intimidation factor out of driving with a few powerful aides. These features include a blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning system and an integrated backup camera. Designed to automatically detect and slow down for other vehicles ahead, the 2019 Tundra’s radar-based cruise control system also gives you more confidence in heavy traffic. These features come as part of the full-suite of driver-assist features.
5. Rugged off-road capability
Choosing a 2019 Tundra with the available TRD Off-Road Package unlocks a host of features that’ll make any avid off-roader happy. With this package you’ll get an upgraded suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers and skid plates designed to protect the engine and fuel tank. You’ll also get 18-inch split five-spoke wheels shod with meaty all-terrain tires. There’s also the Tundra TRD Pro, which offers even more off-roading features including heavy-duty FOX shocks.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Toyota Tundra, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado can be rightfully considered the Jack-of-All-Trades thanks to its stunning level of standard and optional engines, cab configurations and trim levels to choose from. All-new for 2019, the current fourth-generation Silverado offers six engine choices, including a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 hp and the 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines, each respectively producing 355 hp and 420 hp.
Toyota Tacoma
If you’re put off by the sheer bulk of today’s full-size pickup trucks, the third-generation Toyota Tacoma offers a smaller and more maneuverable alternative. When comparing the 2019 Tundra vs. 2019 Tacoma, the latter’s nimbler size and impressive list of convenience and off-road features gives it the edge. The 278-hp 3.5L V6 makes up for the lack of V8 grunt with its smooth power delivery. Said engine can also be paired with a six-speed manual transmission on the 2019 Tacoma’s TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.
Chevrolet Colorado
If you’re attracted to the smaller size and versatility of midsize trucks, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is another option to consider. You’ll get your choice of five trim levels and three engine options, including a 2.8L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. The 308-hp 3.6L V6 engine is the way to go if you need a nice gas-powered option. With so many options to choose from, you won’t have any problem finding the right Chevy Colorado that suits your daily needs.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota Tundra an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Toyota Tundra 6th out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota TundraToyota Tundra features and specs
Limited 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Entune
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- JBL Sound System
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Defroster
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
5.7L
Horsepower
381
Torque (ft-lbs)
401
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
38
Wheelbase
145.7"
Overall length
228.9"
Width
79.9"
Height
75.8"
Leg room
F 42.5"/R 42.3"
Head room
F 39.7"/R 38.9"
Front tires
P275/55HR20
Rear tires
P275/55HR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
950/9500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Toyota Tundra FAQ
The 2019 Toyota Tundra is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Limited: 13 MPG City and 18 MPG Highway
- SR5: 15 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
- 1794: 13 MPG City and 18 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 13 MPG City and 18 MPG Highway
- TRD Pro: 13 MPG City and 17 MPG Highway
- SR: 15 MPG City and 19 MPG Highway
The Toyota Tundra received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Toyota Tundra as 5 out of 19 among Fullsize Truck
The 2019 Toyota Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of between 6400 and 10200 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2019 Toyota Tundra has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Toyota Tundra, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Toyota Tundra Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Toyota Tundra:
- TRD Pro
- Sunroof(s)
- Vinyl Seats
- Smart Key
- Blind Spot Monitor
More about the 2019 Toyota Tundra
Color options
Exterior colors:
Barcelona Red Metallic
Cavalry Blue
Cement
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Quicksand
Silver Sky Metallic
Smoked Mesquite
Super White
Voodoo Blue
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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