2021 Toyota Tundra review
Toyota Tundra highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Toyota Safety Sense™ driver aids come standard
- TRD model ups the Tundra's off-road capabilities
Cons
- EPA-estimated fuel economy trails rivals
- Key competitors offer better ride comfort
Mileage (EPA estimate)
13 city, 17 highway, 14 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2021 Tundra closes out a generation with utility as its main appeal
Nobody can accuse Toyota of not getting its value out of its Tundra. This model has been around since 2007, with a slight refresh in 2014. A lot has happened in the pickup truck landscape since then, and the Tundra's rivals have left the big, capable Toyota behind in relation to comfort, driving dynamics, refinement, and EPA-estimated fuel economy. Still, the Tundra appeals to a number of buyers who aren't so concerned about such things and are instead focused on utility. The 2021 Tundra isn't short of it, either, with a choice of three cabs, three bed lengths, rear- or four-wheel drive, and six trim levels. The trim lineup is SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and the off-road-specific TRD Pro. For 2021, the final year of production for this generation, the Tundra adds a pair of special-edition packages, the Nightshade Special Edition and the Trail Edition.
There's less choice when it comes to what powers the Tundra—the only engine is a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp. It's not short on power, but its EPA-estimated fuel economy trails rivals, one of the key reasons the Tundra is difficult to recommend. Similarly, the suspension lacks the ride quality of newer competitors, which limits the Tundra's appeal to those who prize utility over everything. For everyone else who likes the idea of a big pickup from Toyota, we'd recommend checking out the 2022 redesign.
All Toyota Tundra years
What is new for the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
- The Tundra is available in a variety of new trims, including the Limited Night Shade and Trail Special Edition.
- Tundra trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats and Cruise Control as standard equipment this year.
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SR5 trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The SR trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Tundra trims
SR5
Includes halogen headlights, deck rail and tailgate caps, high solar-energy absorbing glass, easy lower and lift tailgate, remote keyless entry, sliding rear window, two front 12V auxiliary power outlets, optional TRD off-road packages and 1794 Edition, and much more.
Limited
Comes with LED fog lights, dual zone climate control with dust and pollen filter, 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, special edition Nightshade edition option with black features, and much more.
Platinum
Offers leather trimmed steering wheel with embedded tech controls, anti-theft system with alarm and glass-break sensors, 20-inch premium six-spoke wheels, and much more.
Toyota Tundra photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Tundra
1. Impressive towing capacity
The 2021 Toyota Tundra can haul pretty much anything you like, from horse trailers and campers to utility trailers and boats. The standard tow package on the SR5 and Limited models with the V8 engine pulls an estimated 10,100 lbs. with an available payload up to an estimated 1,730 lbs., when properly equipped.
2. Twelve color options
If a head-turning vehicle is on your wish list, the color palette offered for the 2021 Toyota Tundra won't disappoint. In addition to standard black, red and white options, you'll also have a few uncommon hues to pursue including the gray-tinted Calvary Blue, the vibrant Voodoo Blue, the shimmery Wind Chill Pearl, and the rich brown Smoked Mesquite. Love the military? Perhaps the classic Army Green will catch your eye! Color availability varies per trim so keep an eye out for your favorite.
3. Additional driving control
Handling a big vehicle is made simple with the driving control features found in the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The standard 4WD and active traction control make it easier to manage snowy weather, limited-access gravel roads, or rocky trail adventures. You'll hear the automatic limited-slip differential lock into place and distribute power where it's most needed to keep you moving forward in all weather and terrain.
4. Modern tech conveniences
If you love playing with the latest connectivity and online assistants, the 2021 Toyota Tundra is ready to sync with your favorite tech, from Apple to Android services. The eight-inch touchscreen display can fire up the navigation system, your favorite podcast, music playlist, or digital assistant (like Alexa, Siri, or Cortana) to start an app on your connected SmartPhone.
5. Ample seating for family and friends
The base model SR5 Tundra seats up to six people, while the Limited and Platinum editions make room for five. So, go ahead and ask the neighbor to join you on your next outing. Or, let the kids bring a friend along to family pizza night. For those who enjoy spending weekends hiking or taking the dog along, the backseat can easily accommodate a canine companion.
2021 Toyota Tundra video review
The Toyota Tundra is a popular large truck that rivals other full-size trucks including the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500. But what makes a used Toyota Tundra stand out in a crowded large truck segment? In this video, Desola Balogun from Edmunds reviews the 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 and finds out how it stacks up against the competition. Desola also talks about what we like and don't like about the used Tundra and helps you determine whether Toyota's large truck is a good choice for your next used truck purchase. This is our expert review of the 2021 Toyota Tundra.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Toyota Tundra, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma base SR trim offers all the classic truck bells and whistles including a tow hitch, traction control, and power locks/windows/mirrors. This midsize pickup comfortably accommodates up to five passengers (with a four-door double cab) as well as a trailer for tools, a boat or horses, when properly equipped. Standard features on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma include:
Rear-wheel drive with optional upgrade to 4WD
Fiber-reinforced bed-liner to resist scratching
Standard and long-bed options
Six trim options
Toyota Sequoia
The 2019 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, V8 SUV that offers AWD and 4WD options to get you around town. Although this vehicle isn't a pickup truck, it offers a tow hitch and full roof rack for your needs. It also features a fold-away third-row for extra interior storage. Have a large family or group of friends? The 2019 Toyota Sequoia seats up to eight passengers. The 2019 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with:
Power hatch/deck lid
Sunroof
Running boards
Heated front seats
Third-row seating
In 2010, RAM Trucks established a line of commercial-grade vehicles separate from its former parent brand, Dodge. Bear this in mind if you're looking for a used RAM truck. The extended cab on the 2019 RAM 1500 easily accommodates growing families and ride-along pets, while the truck bed makes hauling supplies for DIY or garden work a breeze. You'll find the following features on base models of the RAM 1500 from 2017 and 2018:
USB port
3.5-inch information screen
Active grille shutters
Satellite radio-ready
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
SR5 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Alloy Wheels
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Defroster
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
5.7L
Horsepower
381
Torque (ft-lbs)
401
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
26.4
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
P255/70TR18
Rear tires
P255/70TR18
Seating capacity
6
Max towing capacity
1010/10100 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota Tundra FAQ
The Toyota Tundra is Toyota's full-size pickup truck. It's bigger and more capable than the midsize Tacoma and competes against other full-size trucks such as the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150.
Toyota most recently redesigned the Tundra for the 2022 model year. We'll be focusing on used 2021 models for the purposes of this review. The 2021 Tundra is part of the second generation that debuted in 2007. While there have been some updates over the years, many aspects you'll read about here on the 2021 truck apply to older Tundras as well.
In parking lots and other tight spaces, we've found the Tundra a bit difficult to maneuver. There are also large rear blind spots because of the Tundra's thick roof pillars. Handling is a low point for the Tundra as well, with lots of body roll in the corners and a large steering wheel that feels unwieldy in your hands.
The Tundra isn't great at ride and seat comfort either. The seats are stiffly padded without much bolstering to speak of, and you'll likely have some discomfort on long road trips. Over imperfect road surfaces, lots of bounces and bobbles make their way into the cabin. And, at speed, there's lots of wind and road noise.
A big advantage to having a big V8 usually translates into big towing and hauling capability. With the Tundra, that's certainly the case. Towing capacity, when properly equipped, tops out at more than 10,000 pounds. The Tundra also has a respectable maximum payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. These numbers will vary depending on the exact configuration and features that are equipped to your truck, but overall the Tundra is competitive in the full-size truck class.
More about the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Color Options
Exterior colors
Army Green (available on the SR5 and 1794 Edition)
Barcelona Red Metallic (available on SR5, Limited, platinum and 1794 Edition)
Calvary Blue (available on the Limited)
Cement (available on the SR5 and Limited)
Lunar Rock (available on the TRD Pro)
Magnetic Gray Metallic (available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and TRD Pro)
Midnight Black Metallic (available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and 1794 Edition)
Silver Sky Metallic (available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition)
Smoked Mesquite (available on the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition)
Super White (available on the SR5, Limited, TRD Pro and 1794 Edition)
Voodoo Blue (available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition)
Wind Chill Pearl (available on Platinum and 1794 Edition)
Interior details
60/40 split fold-up rear seats
Carpeted flooring
Overhead storage console (SR5 and Platinum only)
Front and rear cup holders
Two front and one rear 12V auxiliary power outlets
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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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